Charles said the consumer education competition offered a cash prize pool of up to $16,000 and challenged young people to develop creative messages on consumer issues including scams, how to manage money and how to avoid debt traps.
"All entries must be lodged electronically either on CD, DVD or USB and can include mobile phone applications, movies, websites, magazines, radio plays, short stories, brochures, posters and comics," Charles said.
Money Stuff focuses on areas where young people are most at risk of making bad choices such as when buying a car, choosing a mobile phone, shopping online or renting accommodation.
Charles said students must complete a competition entry form online at www.moneystuff.net.au.
"The prize pool is split evenly between regional and metropolitan students, with winners to receive $2,000 for their school and $200 for themselves," Charles said. "If the entry is from a group of students, each student receives $200. (maximum of four students per group)
"All categories also include highly commended prizes of $1,000 for the school and $100 for each student.
"Teachers play a key role in driving the success of Money Stuff and a $1,000 prize will be awarded to a metropolitan and regional teacher who has demonstrated great commitment to helping their students understand key consumer issues."
Charles said judges would assess each entry on how well the work:
• promotes understanding of a consumer issue for young consumers;
• communicates to a youth audience;
• explains why the issue is important for young people to know; and,
• delivers the intended message creatively, succinctly and in an original manner.
"Since 2001, the Money Stuff Challenge has transformed more than 11,000 students into savvy consumers," Charles said.
"Last year's challenge attracted more than 1,000 entries from across NSW and I urge Strathfield students to get involved to make this year's the best ever."
Winning entries in 2010 included: animated videos showing the pitfalls and solutions around shopping and choosing a mobile phone; short movies on how to avoid scams; and, an interactive website on buying a car.
Entries close this year on Friday 5 August and winners will be announced in November during Fair Trading Week. For competition materials, visit the Money Stuff website at www.moneystuff.net.au.