The third annual Best Catch competition has once again drawn together a group of young men keen to change the public's perception of the 18-24 year-old male age group.

The competition celebrates the contributions young men make in their community and gives them the chance to prove all the stereotypes wrong.

Event organiser Melissa Abu-Gazaleh said the competition was about empowering young men and raising the profile of these role models.

"We are looking for genuine, decent, sincere guys," she said.

"We have had a run of unfortunate events involving young men in the region recently not being safe on our roads and this event is about raising the profile of young men who are role models and showcasing their commitment to the community."

The black-tie Best Catch Illawarra final will be held on October 11 at the City Beach Function Centre.

Finalists have to present a prepared speech, a three minute introductory presentation and will face a series of questions from the judging panel on ways of combating stereotypes.

Ms Abu-Gazaleh said there had been significant interest from people keen to hold Best Catch events in their region and this year's entrants have been part of a new promotional DVD that will be distributed nationally to help spread the word about the competition. Best Catch Illawarra 2008 finalist Josh Parker, 24, is the vice-president and events promotion director for the University of Wollongong's Faculty of Arts Student and Staff Association (FASSA).

He said the competition was a terrific opportunity to highlight the great work young men in the region were doing everyday.

"I just want to show that young men are out there contributing to their community and achieving well academically," he said.