October 30, 2006: As Australia's music award season culminates this month, organisers of Sydney's massive World Youth Day 2008 (WYD08) are looking for a star songwriter of their own.

Budding singers and songwriters have until November 30 to compose and enter an inspirational theme song to be launched in Rome next year and played in the lead-up to the big event.

Entries have already been coming in from Australian songwriters keen to have their youth anthem showcased at the world's largest youth gathering - the Catholic Church's World Youth Day in Sydney in July 2008.

WYD08 will see a predicted 500,000 young people gather in Sydney for six days of activities, including an historic visit by Pope Benedict XVI to mark the celebrations.

The winning composer will receive two adult return economy tickets to Rome from your nearest Australian capital city, generously donated by Harvest Youth Tours.

Harvest Youth Tours ( www.wydtours.com ) is the official Australian WYD08 tour operator.

The competition is open to all Australian citizens.

Details and applications for entry can be found at www.wyd2008.org

Sydney is hosting the XXIII World Youth Day from 15-20 July in 2008.

Since its creation by Pope John Paul II in 1986, World Youth Day has grown to become the largest youth event in the world.

WYD08 will also mark the first visit by His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI to Australia.

Media contact: Jim Hanna - 0414 828 629
media@wyd2008.org