WA Youth Awards Finalists

From a young age, Ajin has supported her mother, balancing school alongside her caring responsibilities. Having received support from a young age, Ajin understands firsthand the transformative impact that timely guidance and community resources can have on young carers. Ajin has transformed adversity into advocacy, having shared her lived experience with educators, and policymakers, and through co-designed workshops, events and resources as part of her work on the Young Carers Youth Advisory Group. Now in her third year of Pharmacology at UWA, Ajin continues to uplift other young carers.

Elissa’s lived experience as a young carer has shaped her commitment to advocacy, inclusion, and supporting others across Western Australia. While caring for her mum and managing her own chronic illnesses, she travelled long distances to complete her Occupational Therapy Honours degree. During this time, she self‑published a children’s book promoting early scoliosis detection and owner‑trained her assistance dog, Evie, who became WA’s first scent‑trained POTS alert dog. She later became an initial director of BioPaws Detection. Elissa challenges misconceptions about young carers, assistance dog stereotypes, and what disability looks like.

Sara is a passionate advocate for young carers and young people with disability, using her lived experience to drive meaningful change. As a member of the Carers WA Youth Advisory Group and Youth Disability Advocacy Network, Sara champions inclusion and improved pathways to higher education, particularly in medicine. In 2025, she represented young carers at Parliament House, advocating directly to parliamentarians. A UWA Biomedical Science graduate, and now studying Psychology, she mentors university students and aspires to become a doctor and serve her community, particularly vulnerable and disadvantaged individuals, including young carers and people living with disability.

Growing up caring for her brother shaped Zoelene's determination to ensure no young carer feels unseen or unsupported. Drawing on her own experiences of balancing school and caring responsibilities, she now advocates for greater understanding and more inclusive education through the Carers WA Youth Advisory Group. Studying Early Childhood Education, Zoelene is passionate about creating environments where every child can thrive, leading with warmth, humour, and authenticity.

Ethan is a young radio announcer and Youth Coordinator at Radio Fremantle. His weekly program uses storytelling to inform and engage listeners on issues concerning young people – from mental health, education pathways, and community events. He aims to shift public perceptions of young people by amplifying their voices and celebrating their contributions. Being a mentor, his work inspires young people in the community.

Lily is a mental health advocate and the founder of How To Be Well (HTBW) – a platform breaking mental health stigma through conversation, community and support. Through her own lived experience of mental health challenges after retiring from being an elite gymnast, Lily uses the power of social media to share her own story, while uplifting others. Lily and HTBW are unique in the offering of personal and real human connection in a virtual space.

As a regional storyteller, editor and youth advocate, Maeson champions participatory journalism that empowers young people to tell their own stories. Through WhyNot and Maesons Soapbox, he amplifies diverse youth voices, challenges stereotypes and promotes meaningful public dialogue. Over six years, Maeson has mentored hundreds of young writers nationwide while transforming digital advocacy into print zines distributed across regional WA, improving access beyond online platforms. By combining lived experience, community engagement and creative storytelling, Maeson is building a more inclusive media landscape where young people's perspectives are heard and inspire positive change.

As Social Media Content Creator at Anglicare WA, Ryan leads the organisation’s public facing online campaigns to shape positive community attitudes towards young people and translate complex and nuanced issues into understandable, relatable content. His work portrays young people with complexity and agency. He is bold and fearless in his effort to reframe harmful narratives. Ryan’s impact is seen in stronger representation, increased understanding, and a more authentic platform for young people to be heard.

Driven by lived experience, Ava is passionate about women and children's voices being heard. As the first female Youth Member for Hillarys in Youth Parliament WA, an Anglicare Ambassador and a School House Representative, she champions family and domestic violence prevention, youth homelessness and gender equality. Aspiring to enter federal parliament, Ava is already building a safer, fairer future through leadership, advocacy and service.

Brady Fulcher is a 16 year old student from Perth who is passionate about creating opportunities for young people to lead, connect and have their voices heard. Through Surf Life Saving, school leadership and youth advisory groups, he works to turn young people’s ideas into meaningful action. Brady is committed to continuing to advocate for young people while pursuing a career as a paramedic.

Jackson is a proud Knaarla Karla Booja, Ballardong and Wilman athlete, student, and leader making a strong impact in his school, sporting and cultural communities. He has represented WA at six National Indigenous Tennis Carnivals, and competes in Men's Division 2 tennis. Jackson is a valued member of his tennis club as a trainee coach, empowering younger athletes to build confidence. Beyond formal coaching, Jackson arrives early before his own training sessions to support young family members and juniors with extra practice. Jackson is already seen as a role model among younger players.

After the loss of his baby sister to SIDS, Quentin launched his own fundraising initiative for Telethon and has raised thousands of dollars. Losing his father to cancer, he expanded his offerings to increase reach and donations for kids in need. He takes every opportunity to fundraise, from community events to online, showing age is no barrier to making a difference. Quentin has become a meaningful advocate for young people, using his platform to highlight the experiences, needs and dreams of children in hospitals.

Alessia is a final-year Paramedicine student, youth advocate and community leader dedicated to creating positive change. As Co-Chair of the Ministerial Youth Advisory Council and a 2026 Youth Week WA Ambassador, she works with government and the community to ensure young people’s voices help shape decision-making. Drawing on her lived experience with Crohn’s disease, she advocates for greater understanding of chronic illness and invisible disabilities. Alessia also volunteers with Perth Children’s Hospital, Diabetes WA and a range of other community initiatives, supporting people while encouraging others to lead with kindness and compassion. Through leadership, advocacy and service, she empowers young people to use their voices and build more inclusive, connected communities.

Alexander has a passion for STEM, community service, and sustainability, and has designed a satellite, app and website with a team that calculates bushfire risk as part of NASA’s Space Apps Challenge. He also competed in First Lego League, designing a drone system that aims to reduce coral bleaching. Beyond this, Alexander regularly organises local park cleanups, and has taken part in tree planting initiatives. Alexander volunteers as a tutor, was part of the 2026 Youth Fest planning committee, and represented the Central Wheatbelt in Youth Parliament this year.

Maeson, a WhyNot editor/journalist and yourtown Youth Network member, helps build and contribute to platforms that amplify authentic youth stories and policy perspectives. He is also the founder of Maesons Soapbox, a Community Development Officer, and a volunteer with the local Fire & Rescue Service. Travelling out of Pannawonica vast distances, he brings literature and independent stories to regional communities. Maeson hopes to model to his peers that creating change is not about waiting for the perfect opportunity or location - it's about having the courage to start exactly where you are.

Sumayyah has been fundraising for global humanitarian causes since she was 6. Now 16, Sumayyah's passion for making a difference has not changed. She serves on her student council, is a national youth parliament member, and one of 20 young women selected for the Future Female Leaders program. Sumayyah runs a social impact project, Cultural Nights, which celebrates different cultures through food, music, activities and connection. She also volunteers every weekend to connect with young people who often face barriers to feeling accepted and included in the wider community.

Elissa challenges misconceptions about chronic illness and disability by openly sharing her lived experience of Ehlers Danlos syndrome, POTS, scoliosis, and other invisible disabilities. She travelled to complete her Occupational Therapy Honours degree while managing chronic illness and caring for her mum. During this time, she self‑published a children’s book promoting early scoliosis detection and owner‑trained her assistance dog, Evie, who became WA’s first scent‑trained POTS alert dog. She also supported the development of BioPaws Detection. Elissa continues to support peers navigating diagnosis and discrimination, helping them feel validated and less alone.

Hannah is passionate about creating positive change through advocacy, connection and community. Inspired by her lived experience with Multiple Sclerosis and as a neurodivergent woman, she is committed to challenging the systems that exclude young people. Through her roles in education and youth programming, she champions the strengths and leadership of young people with disability and neurodivergence. Her fundraising and advocacy for Multiple Sclerosis research have raised thousands of dollars while challenging misconceptions about invisible illness and chronic conditions. As a tutor, Special Needs Education Assistant and coordinator of the ECU CoderDojo program, Hannah creates inclusive learning environments where every young person can thrive.

Sreesha creates change by stepping into leadership spaces where people from her cultural background are rarely represented. Her courage, resilience and commitment to advocacy have led her to influential roles at local, state and national levels. This year, she became the first Federal Youth Parliament representative for the electorate of Forrest, an achievement celebrated by the Bunbury Malayalee Association. Through her leadership in Youth Parliament, school, local government and community organisations, Sreesha is expanding representation and inspiring the next generation of young Malayalee Australians to see themselves in leadership. Her goal is to become the representation she once did not have for the younger immigrant children who wish to follow her path.

Violet is a proud Whadjuk Noongar woman whose strength, resilience, and compassion shine through every part of her journey. Through her lived experience of racism, mental health challenges, and homelessness, Violet has used her story not only to uplift herself, but to empower those facing their own challenges. Driven by a desire to help others, Violet is completing her nursing qualification, has been offered a graduate program and aspires to be a doctor. Violet leads with heart, courage, and a strong commitment to helping others. From a young age, she has consistently demonstrated empathy and responsibility beyond her years. She has danced in numerous NAIDOC events, mentored other dancers, and taught Whadjuk Noongar language to primary school students.

Brandyn is a youth worker with more than 15 years' experience creating opportunities for young people across local government and the community sector. As Youth Program and Engagement Officer at the City of Wanneroo's Dordaak Kepup Youth Innovation Hub, he leads Third Space and Youth Club Days programs and has embedded youth-led, place-based approaches that strengthen leadership and belonging. Brandyn has developed innovative volunteering and engagement pathways, mentored emerging youth workers, and championed collaboration across the sector. His work is shaping contemporary youth practice and creating systems that empower young people and strengthen communities.

Brett is a youth-focused practitioner working at the intersection of justice, education and community development. Drawing on expertise in psychology and trauma-informed practice, he piloted a Youth Program for young men at Greenough Regional Prison, supporting emotional regulation, identity development and successful reintegration. His work has delivered improvements in engagement, employment and wellbeing while introducing culturally responsive initiatives, including the peer-led House Uncle model. Through innovation, cross-sector collaboration and system-level leadership, Brett is redefining how youth work is delivered beyond custodial settings.

For more than 23 years, Casie has dedicated her career to supporting vulnerable young people across the Bindjareb region. Through Palmerston's Kedala Mia pilot project and other innovative programs, she creates safe, trauma-informed spaces where young people experiencing complex disadvantage can build confidence, reconnect with education and community, and find purpose. Her work has helped young people break cycles of trauma, offending and disengagement, with many becoming peer mentors, role models and future youth workers. Casie's leadership is influencing more inclusive, strengths-based practice across the WA youth sector.

Danyan is a youth worker at Youth Futures Community School Midland, supporting young people with complex needs to reconnect with education and build brighter futures. Through calm, strengths-based and restorative practice, he helps young people overcome barriers, improve attendance and build trust in education. Danyan develops genuine relationships and provides individualised support based on each young person’s needs, strengths and goals. He creates engaging activities that build confidence, connection and belonging. Through advocacy, family engagement and crisis support, Danyan improves outcomes for students while strengthening school systems and community partnerships to create an inclusive environment.

Daniel is the youngest President/CEO and Board Director in Man Up WA's history, driving significant growth, winning Community Volunteer Organisation of the Year 2026. He built the organisation's first formal impact model, launched two new programs, transformed its facilitation team and forged partnerships with specialist FDV organisations to embed prevention across the sector. He still facilitates himself, grounding strategic direction in on-the-ground work, driven by his passion for building up and empowering young people, from preventing suicide ideation and gendered violence at Man Up WA to his volunteering with Teach Learn Grow and Uni Camp for Kids.

Ellie is an emerging leader, and has independently developed the Criminal Injuries Compensation handbook. Ellie also contributes to activism through YACWA’s All It Takes program, the YEP Youth Reference Group and The STOP Campaigns Safe Response Toolkit, while creating accessibility resources for people living with disability through Lightbulb Skills. Ellie platforms the voices of others to create practical, sustainable change so that people can live more fulfilling hopeful lives.

At just 12 years old, Riley took part in a school Citizenship Project and identified a lack of permanent AFL goalposts available for children and families to enjoy a casual kick outside the football season. He continued his campaign after the project ended, and his advocacy was successful in installing permanent AFL goalposts at Fleming Reserve, creating a lasting community asset that promotes physical activities, social connection and healthy recreation, and gained support from 273 residents and more than $5,000 in community and business contributions.

Tanesha, a queer yorga, is dedicated to creating safer, more inclusive spaces for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander LGBTIQA+ people through Rainbow Futures WA and WAAC. Since co-founding Boorloo Justice in 2020, they have led numerous community led initiatives focused on first Nations justice, culture, and LGBTQIA+ inclusion. Playing a leading role in the 2020 Black Lives Matter protest in Perth, Tanesha demonstrated courage and leadership at a pivotal moment in Australia’s social justice movement.

With qualifications in Arts Management and Youth Work, Heather is committed to making the arts accessible to every child and young person, regardless of geography, ability or circumstance. Through her work with Barking Gecko Arts and the Australian Girls Choir, Heather is a passionate about empowering young people to express their unique ideas in newfound artistic ways and encourages participation. Heather is also working to publish a book that aims to deepen understanding of Complex PTSD, and reduce stigma.

James is a talented self-taught musician who writes, records and produces original music that reflects his creativity, resilience and lived experience. Through honest songwriting, he shares the realities of growing up in care, helping to amplify voices that are too often unheard and foster greater understanding. Alongside performing and supporting his peers through youth programs, James continues to develop his craft through further music study. His authenticity, generosity and determination inspire other young people to embrace their own stories while pursuing their aspirations with confidence.

Peregrine is an emerging theatre maker, performer and educator dedicated to creating inclusive arts spaces where every young person can thrive. Drawing on their lived experience of disability and neurodivergence, they make creative practice accessible, empowering and deeply participant-led. Through directing, teaching and mentoring, Peregrine has helped young people build confidence, find belonging and express themselves authentically. Their leadership has been recognised through national and local achievements, and they are now studying Drama Education at Curtin University to continue championing inclusion, creativity and representation in the performing arts.

Prince is an award-winning performance maker, playwright, director and musician whose work amplifies the voices of young queer and BIPOC communities. Guided by a decolonial practice and their lived experience as a mixed-race, transgender artist, they create bold, socially engaged theatre that explores identity, racism, belonging and generational trauma. Alongside developing new works and founding BikeLock Art House, Prince mentors emerging artists, facilitates community conversations and creates opportunities for underrepresented creatives. Their practice uses performance to inspire dialogue, build community and drive meaningful social change.

Man Up WA is a youth-led organisation transforming conversations around masculinity, mental health and respectful relationships across Western Australia. Founded by young men, it empowers peers to lead workshops that create honest, supportive spaces for boys and young men to reflect, learn and seek support. Through its Man Up Pathways programs, the organisation reached more than 3,300 young people across 52 schools in 2025, delivering measurable improvements in mental health literacy, challenging harmful behaviours and building positive relationships. Its peer-led model is creating lasting cultural change by placing young people at the centre of solutions.

Our Place is a youth-led initiative creating safe, inclusive and empowering spaces for LGBTQIA+ young people in the City of Swan. Co-designed by young people and led by the Our Place Youth Committee and Peer Mentors, it provides connection, advocacy, peer support and opportunities for leadership. Since its establishment, Our Place has grown into a thriving community where young people feel safe to be themselves, build meaningful friendships and influence change. Through local advocacy and sector leadership, the initiative is strengthening inclusion and improving wellbeing for LGBTQIA+ young people across the region.

Youth Disability Advocacy Network is WA's peak body for young people with disability and Australia’s only constitutionally youth-led Disabled People’s Organisation. Founded and run by young Disabled people, YDAN exists to ensure Disabled young people's voices are included in the decisions that impact their lives. Through co-design, programs, advocacy, leadership development, employment pathways and systems change, YDAN amplifies the voices of more than 40,000 young Disabled Western Australians. With 100% Disabled staffing and governance led by lived experience, YDAN transforms exclusion into opportunity, creating a generation of connected, confident young leaders reshaping communities, services and public policy.

The Youth Pride Network (YPN) Committee is a diverse team of passionate young leaders from across Western Australia committed to advancing the rights, wellbeing, and inclusion of LGBTIQA+ young people. As a youth-led organisation, the committee brings lived experience, and a shared vision for systemic change. Committee members lead YPN's strategic direction, governance, advocacy, and community engagement, ensuring that the voices of LGBTIQA+ young people remain at the centre of every decision. Driven by collaboration, accountability, and equity, the YPN Committee works alongside young people, community organisations, government, and researchers to influence policy, improve services, and create safer, more inclusive communities where all LGBTIQA+ young people can thrive.

The City of Swan’s Ballajura Youth Outreach Project is a place-based initiative improving youth wellbeing, safety and connection through outreach, co-design and community partnerships. Delivered with Kids First Australia, the project engaged young people in schools, parks and community spaces, creating pathways to support, leadership and participation. Young people were central to decision-making through the Ballajura Youth Committee, which co-designed programs, resources and events. Achieving hundreds of engagements and a 94% reduction in antisocial behaviour at the Ballajura Hub, the project demonstrates the power of early intervention and youth-led solutions.

Disabled. Deal With It. is a youth-led campaign by Youth Disability Advocacy Network (YDAN) challenging stigma and improving community attitudes towards young people with disability (YPWD) in Western Australia. Co-designed and led by YPWD, the campaign placed lived experience at the centre of every stage, from strategy to production. Through video, radio, social media and community resources, it encourages audiences to rethink stereotypes and create more inclusive communities. Reaching millions of people and earning bipartisan support, the campaign has been adopted by organisations across Western Australia to inform training, policy and accessibility, creating lasting change beyond the campaign itself.

The Kimberley Connected and Kimberley 9s Program is a community-led initiative creating opportunities for young people across remote Kimberley communities through sport, culture, education and wellbeing. Developed through collaboration between the Purple Hands Foundation, schools, Elders, Traditional Owners, WA Police and local organisations, the program ensures support is culturally responsive and locally informed. Young people actively shape activities through consultation, feedback and co-design. In 2025, the initiative engaged almost 500 young people across 22 schools, strengthening wellbeing, cultural pride and school engagement, while creating lasting connections between young people, their communities and the services that support them.

RightByYou is a youth-designed suicide prevention platform supporting young people aged 12–25 to confidently respond when friends experience mental health distress online. Developed by Neami National’s Suicide Prevention Coordinator Program through genuine co-design with young people, youth services and mental health organisations, it provides practical resources, conversation tools and pathways to support. Reaching hundreds of thousands of young people, RightByYou has expanded into workshops, events and community partnerships across Perth. By building peer support skills and mental health literacy, the initiative is creating safer, more connected communities for young people.