2024 Finalists

Abdiwahab arrived in Australia from Kenya in 2017 as a humanitarian entrant. He joined the Edmund Rice Centre WA's Soccer Program and has since developed a passion for visual arts and facilitating art sessions. He mainly works with youth from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CaLD) backgrounds. Abdiwahab's program and volunteer work has supported a huge number of CaLD communities including promoting social cohesion among multicultural youth from many cultures. Abdiwahab has worked in the Miraboooka community with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people and the WA Police, taking part in leadership training and cross-cultural learning. Currently, Abdiwahab coordinates both a creative arts and basketball program. He's also involved with the Road2Respect program, facilitating sessions in schools on preventing gender violence and inequality.

Chrystie has been a youth worker for 27 years, starting out her career at the Swan City Youth Service in Midland and the North East Regional Youth Council. She has developed a reputation as a highly skilled youth worker not only with young people but also as a mentor to youth workers. Chrystie has been with the Albany Youth Support Association for four years overseeing case management and youth service delivery. It's there she has lead an outreach team, which has been instrumental in developing a successful youth centre and open access program providing basic necessities to young people aged 12 – 25 facing homelessness. Under Chrystie's guidance and leadership, it has fostered an environment where young people feel safe and receive the help they need.

Casey is a dedicated youth worker with over six years of experience in the youth sector. She currently serves as the Community Engagement Officer for headspace Midland. Her role focuses on early intervention and prevention, delivering tailored psychoeducation workshops and programs that meet the diverse needs of young people to ensure information is accessible and engaging. Through her work, she helps young people manage mental health challenges and reduce the stigma in accessing support services.

Passionate about mental health, inclusive sexual health education and LGBTIQA+ advocacy, Casey fosters safe spaces, provides leadership and mentoring opportunities to young people across multiple youth committees. Securing over $96,000 in grant funding, she has helped them to pursue passion projects and lead initiatives such as social media campaigns, a community pantry, large-scale community events and more.

Maegen Campbell has dedicated her career to supporting youth, starting with her role at Northcliffe Youth Group a decade ago. Over eight years, she developed numerous programs, including adventure camps and creative workshops, and secured $5,000 in funding for mental health initiatives. Collaborating with the Shire of Manjimup, she organized the Young Women’s Day, engaging 200 participants, and created innovative programs like the Mother and Daughter skate day. Her work at the local skate park included organizing competitions and workshops, even transitioning to online events during COVID-19. Maegen’s achievements include winning the 2020 Public Health Advocacy Award, being nominated for Citizen of the Year, and receiving recognition for her impactful case management. Currently, she works with JSW Training, supporting youth with programs like the driving initiative and therapeutic activities.

As a passionate Noongar woman, Amber excels as an advocate for youth and reconciliation. Her personal experiences fuel her dedication to advocacy and mentoring. Amber’s unwavering commitment to social change and youth empowerment continues to make a significant impact across various platforms.

Over the past five years, Amber has been pivotal in driving NAIDOC and National Reconciliation Week events, focusing on amplifying the voices of young First Nations Peoples. As Chair of the Reconciliation Action Plan Working Group, Amber has advanced culturally inclusive practices and increased cultural awareness.

She also mentors First Nations trainees through the Solid Futures Program and supports youth in community initiatives like Mob Night, Western Australian Leadership Institute’s Emerging Leaders Program and Djookian Club, a safe space for young First Nations women.

Amber’s leadership contributions are vast, championing cultural awareness across a number of sporting clubs.

Marwa started her journey in community services at the age of 15, where she co-founded AFG Young Leaders, an organisation that responds to Afghan refugees facing settlement issues in Australia. She is actively involved in initiatives aimed at empowering marginalised groups and advocating for social justice. Currently, Marwa serves as a Project and Public Officer for AFG Young Leaders. She leads over 100 Afghan young people in sporting events and monthly leadership workshops. She has also volunteered with the City of Stirling Youth Advocates to amplify the voices of young people at various community events and advisory groups. Marwa has worked as a peer educator for the Roads2Respect program and as a research assistant at ECU. As a leader in the Youth Connect mentoring program, she empowers multicultural young women - enhancing cultural understanding, building confidence and developing career and leadership skills.

Currently a second-year law student, Syeda is a dedicated leader with a passion for social equity, youth advocacy, and social issues impacting the Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CaLD) community.
Syeda was elected to the WA Youth Parliament for two years, where she drafted legislation addressing youth issues, led debates, and mentored young people. She is an active member of the City of Gosnells Youth Advisory Council, bringing issues faced by young people to light.

As a victim of discrimination and racism, Syeda started the Multicultural Youth Sorority which aims to bring together young women from diverse backgrounds. Syeda supports migrants and refugees as the youngest board member of the Multicultural Services Centre of WA. She has taken on several roles across multiple councils and groups which all contribute to equality for young people. Maisara is the founder of The Iconic Confessions talk show which shares career advice to other young people.

Joey (they/them) is a queer, disabled advocate and leader amongst their peers. They are passionate about improving mental health support in regional and rural areas and amplifying the voices of LGBTQIA+ and disabled young people, making communities more inclusive and accessible to everyone. Initially finding support through Headspace Albany, Joey is now sharing their own experience to give back and create positive change. Joey is determined to use their platform with the Headspace Youth National Reference Group to continue breaking down stigmas, and ultimately inspiring others to seek help. Joey has spoken in Parliament, advised Headspace programs and helped to seek media opportunities for the Group. Among being a member for a number of youth reference groups, Joey is also a youth worker at Lifestyle Solutions which provides services to disadvantaged young people in out-of-home care and their families. Living with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia, Joey has openly shared their experience, challenges and triumphs through 'Chronically.m.e' - a podcast and Instagram channel. Joey's created a community to educate, advocate for accessibility and uplift the voices of those experiencing chronic and invisible illness.

Ellie has been working as a youth peer support worker with the Australian Childhood Foundation (ACF) since 2022. Overcoming multiples forms of trauma, like homelessness and family violence, she desired to "give back" to other young people and help the overcome negative early setbacks to achieve their full potential. She joined the ACF and used her lived experience to help others which involved further education on self-care and the impact of trauma, mentoring on learning boundaries and job skills like limit setting and case management. Beyond her work at ACF, Ellie has advocated for systemic change for child abuse and youths in out-of-home care by making an independent submission to the Royal Commission and meeting the WA Minister for Child Protection. She also contributed to ACF's Our Collective Experience Project and attended a youth summit to consult with the Federal Government on strategies to prevent and respond to child abuse.

Proudly queer, disabled and neurodivergent, Finlaey (they/she) is a lived experience mental health advocate and youth sector professional. Hailing from regional Western Australia, Finlaey’s activism has made waves in national media, with appearances on the ABC, Channels 7 & 10, Triple J Hack and the Sydney Morning Herald.

Driven by their experiences of complex mental health and medical neglect by the public mental health sector, they advocated for change as youth chair of the Western Australian Association of Mental Health’s ‘Prevent Support Heal’ campaign. As Project Officer for the Youth Affairs Council of WA, Finlaey facilitated the codesign of a long-term accommodation service for youth with mental ill health at risk of homelessness, which is now operational. They also facilitated a state-wide youth mental health summit to inform the Mental Health Commission’s strategy on service reform. Beyond mental health, they have operated as former Peer Educator for the Youth Educating Peers program, and former Partnerships Coordinator for the Youth Disability Advocacy Network. Currently, they are an advisor to national centre of excellence in youth mental health, Orygen.

Finlaey focuses on intersectionality, regional youth mental health and gaps in community supports for young people unable to access primary or tertiary services.

Jack identifies as queer and advocates for the disability sector. He has been involved in systemic advocacy since 2012, starting with the West Australian Institute for Deaf Education’s Youth Advisory Council. He later joined the Youth Disability Advocacy Network (YDAN) and Youth Pride Network (YPN), focusing on the intersection of queerness and disability. Jack mentored Deaf students at Deaf Strengths camps, transitioning from participant to staff member. He also contributed to awareness campaigns for young people with sensory disabilities. In 2023, Jack joined the Children and Youth Australia National Disability Summit, advocating for Western Australian youth with disabilities. He currently works on committee engagement and regional outreach for YPN, ensuring isolated youth have spaces to connect. Jack also lectures in Auslan at North Metro TAFE, where he promotes inclusion in adult education by leveraging his unique intersectional perspective to empower both staff and students.

Kurtis, a Proud Wilman and Menang person, has faced extreme challenges throughout their childhood which left them with significantly impaired and damaged social and emotional wellbeing. Fleeing their regional home-town, Kurtis faced more challenges in securing long term accommodation in Perth. As a resilient force, Kurtis naturally took on mentoring roles with organisations in the youth sector, instilling a sense of hope and encouragement in young people facing similar struggles and adversity. Realising their potential, Kurtis enrolled in a Bachelor of Psychology at Curtin University and secured a scholarship through the Tracy Westerman Jilya Institute which immersed them in a greater understanding of psychology and culturally appropriate practices. Kurtis volunteers and offers their time wherever possible, working as a research assistant for the Walkern Katatdjin Project, and is currently a youth advisor for Pride Yarns. Upon completing their degree, Kurtis wishes to be instrumental in the development of culturally appropriate therapy and support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and LGBTQIA+ people especially in areas of childhood abuse.

Emily is an intersectional feminist whose activism spans across various demographics and geographies to combat injustice. She started her advocacy journey in student politics, seeking support for postgraduate students for their mental health and welfare needs. She continues to support the LGBTIQA+ community and feminist issues. Emily has been leading Pride in Peel as the currently elected youngest president to connect with the LGBTIQA+ community and strengthen advocacy to represent regional voices in the metropolitan area. Emily has worked with the City of Rockingham to support young LGBTIQA+ people by connecting them to social and community events. Furthermore, empowering them on their own change-making journeys. Emily currently works with the WAAEH, and Geraldton Advance to Zero community to facilitate and strengthen a collective response to end rough sleeping. They have been a part of facilitating and leading a program in South Australia called Girls Take Over Parliament and designing a youth program for young changemakers. Emily was awarded a Zonta International Para Hills Community Service Award in 2022 for their commitment to positive change, and in 2024 was selected as a delegate for the Humanitarian Affairs Asia University Scholars Leadership Symposium at the United Nations in Thailand.

Kass is a proud queer Ballardong Noongar Yorga and is passionate about human rights, equity and inclusion, learning, and legislative reform. She's eager to make a lasting change for young LGBTIQA+ people like herself and to advocate for Indigenous and incarcerated LGBTIQA+ people. Kass is part of the YPN committee where she continues to create positive change for Australia's Indigenous community. Kass' work at Winyama includes training and up-skilling in the technology sector for Indigenous Australians, and encouraging participation of Indigenous people in the digital economy. Kass' advocacy efforts not only raise awareness but also actively contribute to legislative reforms and community-driven initiatives, making a tangible impact on the lives of LGBTIQA+ individuals, Indigenous communities, and the broader society as a whole.

Joshua has spent the last decade providing nursing level care for his medically-complex sister. Joshua has used his young carer lived experience to advocate for other young people in caring roles. He has also other circumstances of disadvantage to advocate for young people experiencing poverty, mental health issues, geographical isolation, homelessness and family domestic violence. As a Youth Award Leader for the 'Duke of Edinburgh', Valuing Children Initiative ambassador and founder/facilitator of the national Syndromes Without A Name (SWAN) Siblings support group, Joshua shows great initiative, organisational and leadership skills. Other accomplishments include completion of an internship with Minderoo Foundation and involvement in the National Youth Summit in Canberra. He is currently an active participant of the Carers WA Youth Advisory Group, and is the WA representative on the PROJECT ROCKIT Youth Collective, working alongside other passionate youth from around the country to target cyber-bullying and promote online safety.

Elizabeth Knight is an entrepreneur, public speaker, youth advocate and no code developer with a big dream to transform our education system and how we prepare young people for their futures!
Elizabeth's career to date has been focused on inspiring and designing innovative solutions and opportunities in the youth, education and entrepreneurship sectors, to empower young people to influence change in spaces they are passionate about, and express their authentic selves.
She is the founder of Purposeful, a startup helping young people to find their place in the world and careers they are passionate about. Through their purpose and career discovery programs, and podcast, Begin Again Club, Purposeful have empowered over 20,000 students to make purposeful decisions about their futures and life after school.

Noticing the missing human element in tech and innovation, Minh is a relentless advocate for mobilising youth to address the ethical and social concerns of digital technology through systemic advocacy.

They recently engaged young people from across Australia to gather their perspectives for the 'Statutory Review of the Online Safety Act' policy submission, complemented by a social media campaign. Minh also organised 'In Dialogue: Online Freedom or Safety,' the first program of its kind in Western Australia, empowering young queer people to co-design social media policies and present directly to leaders in Big Tech and civil society, from the UN to TikTok Australia.

As a vocal member of the eSafety Commissioner's Youth Council, Minh has contributed to a letter to Parliament’s Joint Select Committee, provided consultation for former Chief Justice of the Australian High Court Robert French and Minister for Communications Michelle Rowland, and presented to the Australian Communications and Media Authority.

Building on their previous experience at Murdoch University Launchpad, Minh now works at Bloom - Western Australia's leading youth innovation centre, where they help incubate and empower the next generation of tech wizards, social entrepreneurs, and change-makers.

Wadandi Cultural Conservationists Meeka Rees, Joseph Adams and Josie Percival show a strong commitment to the health, viability and resilience of land and sea country. The trio have led the Conservationists group since its inception as a Cultural Ranger Program in Pibbulum-Wadandi country in the Margert River region. Meeka, Joseph and Josie lead projects that transfer knowledge of Wadandi Country between Wadandi youth and elders, protect sites from invasive species, collaborate with community to look after Country and work towards joint land management with organisations and government. The trio have demonstrated the essence of culturally appropriate youth leadership, with longevity of Country at their core.

From a young age, James has always thought outside the box. As a young entrepreneur and problem-solver, his passion for making impactful change has been a consistent theme in his work.
Driven by a commitment to using technology for social good, he is the Co-Founder of Zentient – a tech consulting social enterprise dedicated to enhancing digital capabilities in the not-for-profit sector.
A recent recipient of an Innovation Booster Grant, he is currently developing a platform that will enable organisations to navigate the complex digital world with confidence and efficiency. Over the next five years, James hopes to expand Zentient to serve organisations Australia-wide and reach those who need help the most.
Always focused on building a better, more sustainable future for all, he has led an array of initiatives in school, university, and wider community settings. As a mentor to the next generation of leaders, he particularly enjoys coaching those seeking to make an impact through consulting, innovation, and entrepreneurship.

Ethan Eggington is a proud Noongar Wongi Aboriginal person. Ethan is passionate about empowering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture through his music. Ethan is a rapper (INKABEE) who has performed on a state, national and international level, including NAIDOC events, AFL Indigenous round and America's Got Talent. Ethan is an integral member of the Follow the Dream program, a mentoring program empowering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in school and aspirations. Ethan is a natural leader among his peers and is always willing to share his talents and abilities with them.

Chantay is a Nyikina and Walmanjerri woman who grew up in Derby and has a strong connection to culture, expressed through creativity. Chantay took part in the Kimberley Girl program last year - a program in the North West where young Indigenous women can engage in art through modelling and fashion. This platform, along with her involvement in Theatre Kimberley, built a strong sense of self for Chantay, who is now a role model and mentor to other young Indigenous women in the region. Now studying Educational Support, Chantay aims to uplift women in her community.

CircusWA's performance B'spoke took two years to develop. It has been created and performed by seven youth circus artists and five disable young people with the support of a team of artists. B’Spoke is about an unusually shaped light house who dares to zip amongst the looming lit power of the big lighthouses and challenge their controlled order. Walt is a square box on wheels filled with objects, instruments, limbs and most importantly, stories. The stories arrive out of his hidden projector and reflect the strengths and creativity of our disabled performers through quirky interviews. Across the second half of the show the large lighthouses are slowly dismantled and turned into joyful circus apparatus upon which stories are performed.
B’Spoke has given young people of all abilities a space to come together, learn to communicate and create stories through circus arts practices. The impact of this work is felt in the bodies of all the performers as well as in the audiences who come to watch.

As the lead guitarist in their band, Dullhouse, Molly has combined her passion for music and performing with community. Molly has created The South West Setlist - a mission dedicated to creating platforms and spaces for young, regional, and up and coming bands in the South West, where there has long been a gap. Following the recent tornado in Bunbury, Molly hosted a 'Local Aid' fundraising concert to help those impacted. From establishing the first and only all ages events in the South West, to reviving the scene across tired venues, Molly's connections and skills have given a platform to regional talent, while involving the disengaged youth of today in affordable, accessible and alternative spaces.

Grace is a student studying law and journalism at the University of Notre Dame. Her recent story published in The Fremantle Herald platformed students at her university who felt they were being blindsided by a new amenities fee. The piece sparked conversation between students, the university, and clubs, helping students to access support. Ultimately, the piece shed light on an issue that caused feelings of anxiety, as well as advocated for students experiencing financial hardship. Grace is also the News Coordinator at RTRfm, mentoring student journalists to become broadcasters. Grace recognises the opportunity that young journalists have, which is to push for positive change in the industry and to bring new ideas to the current media landscape. She hopes to nurture her trainees to become strong advocates as they begin to enter their professional careers, and to seek and share stories that may otherwise go unheard.

The Information Overload Podcast was created by ECU student Dane Mepham. Aired on the university's radio station and ABC Radio Perth, the podcast investigates the effects of information overload on the brain, especially in young people. Highlighted - with the help of medical professionals - were solutions including social media limitations. The piece led to public discussion in media and organisations alike.

Jessica is a journalist for Seven West Media, with her piece Utterly Devastated recently published on Perth Now. The piece raised that the Youth Disability Advocacy Network - WA's peak disability body - is under threat of funding cuts... Meaning two of the Network's programs will be terminated. The fallout of this would mean 60 per cent of the Network's staff will be made redundant and the organisation left in the dark when it inquired about NDIS funding.

Sharlene and IJ are not only best friends, they're also the brains behind Sovereign - a podcast that airs on RTR FM. Each fortnight, the pair bring love and comfort to the ears of mob among such heavy news cycles. Yarns about First Nations affairs, fashion, culture and relationship are just some of the topics of discussion, as well as championing the sovereignty of sisterhood. Conversation comes from lived experience, and allows listeners to find ways to practice mental health care.

Victoria is a 16 -year-old who's passionate about discussing and solving world problems and is interested in women in government, hoping to be one herself. Victoria is part of her school's debate team had the opportunity to be on the WA State Team where she competed in Adelaide. In 2023, Victoria represented WA on the United Nations Youth Australia Aotearoa Leadership Tour and is currently applying for the 2024/25 United Nations Youth Young Diplomates Tour. The tour aims to connect young people with significant opportunities and elevate their voices. She is also involved with organisations Youth Parliament, Project Rockit, The Telstra Youth Foundation and local advisory councils. Earlier in the year, Victoria was featured in the WA Catalyst Youth Week publication.

Ollie has lived with lupus, a chronic health condition since the age of 18 months old. In recent years, he has raised over $100,000 for Telethon as the Little Telethon Star 2021. Ollie has also been involved with fundraising campaigns for MSK, Arthritis and Osteoporosis WA and with organisations like YDAN, appealing against funding cuts. Through the City of Melville Youth Advisory Committee, Ollie is a member of the YDAN board. Ollie obtained a youth project grant to hold workshops promoting community and inclusion. He's also participated in several research projects with both Curtin University and The University of South Australia by sharing his experience on the management of pain for young people. Ollie was a finalist for numerous awards and also served as part of a Commissioner for Children and Young People steering group representing the voices of young people with a disability and those from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse backgrounds.

Laquade is 12 years old and identifies as Aboriginal. Born and raised in South Hedland, he was the first participant to engage with Now Sounds Hedland, a intercultural arts project aimed at reducing social isolation, improving mental health and developing artistic talents of young people from First Nations and Culturally and Linguistically Diverse communities. As the program progressed, Laquade would take on leadership roles, supporting and encouraging his peers to overcome feelings of shame and get involved. At the Now Sounds Hedland Project's final performance, Laquade shone on stage, utilising all the skills taught to him, rapping his verse confidently with amazing artistic skill. Since Now Sounds, Laquade has continued to perform, including at Hedland’s annual ‘Welcome to Hedland’ event and at the Scribblers Festival. He was also asked by the Town of Port Hedland to emcee for the Hedland’s Got Talent event to an audience of over 100 people and for future events.

Lily is a 10-year-old that was born at 26 weeks, she has cerebral palsy, autism, ARFID, Eosinophilic Oesophagitis and allergies. Despite her challenges, Lily remains an outgoing and happy young person. Lily has participated in several initiatives including co-designing the Move to Improve program for Perth Children's Hospital, and taking part in a book review project with Children and Young People with Disability Australia. Additionally, she was the youngest panelist in a webinar about disability representation in books and contributed to a co-designed booklet to help inform teachers about students with disabilities. Lily has also shared her story through a specialised swim program for Royal Life Saving WA. Lily is in the midst of creating a book about disability, which shows that even children can help educate the wider community about the importance of access and inclusion.

The Youth Homelessness Advisory Council (YHAC) was formed after extensive consultation with various sectors to address gaps in youth homelessness services. The organisation identified a lack of youth-led advocacy which prevented young people from engaging with homelessness services. YHAC collaborates with the youth homelessness sector to improve its ability to meet the needs of young people experiencing homelessness. YAHC is involved with several interagency networks such as the Youth at Risk Network (YARN) and the Youth Improvement Team. YHAC makes an effort to include people from diverse backgrounds and demographics, and incorporates a diversity of lived experiences. In just over a year, YHAC has transformed the practices of service providers and provided valuable insight into the formation of solutions for youth homelessness. Its consultations have led organisations to adopt a more streamlined and trauma-informed approach when engaging with young people. They reviewed tools like the Youth Australian Homelessness Vulnerability Triage Tool (AHVTT) to make them more youth-friendly and effective. YHAC has also been invited by different organisations to share their lived experiences and provide insight into the causes of youth homelessness and how the unaddressed needs of homeless youth can be met.

The Child Adolescent Health Service (CAHS) Youth Advisory Group (the YAG) is the peak consumer advisory group for young people who utilise services at CACH and PCH. The group is comprised of 10 members with diverse perspectives and lived experience, who play a crucial role in enhancing health services for children and young people. Their input has been integral to making hundreds of clinical and corporate projects at CAHS reflect the experiences and preferences of young people. The YAG Chair holds a position on the CAHS Executive Committee and co-chairs the CAHS Consumer Leadership Council, ensuring young people's views are represented at the highest levels. They have also been instrumental in projects like improving inpatient food options at Perth Children’s Hospital through a Meals on Demand initiative, advocating for improved service delivery for LGBTQIA+SB young people and improving the way in which complaints are managed at responded to.

The Youth Disability Advocacy Network (YDAN) is a peak youth advocacy body for young people with disability. Its Access and Inclusion Matters (AIM) project works to create an opportunity for young people with disability (YPWD). It employs YPWDs as consultants to work directly with community organisations, local government and services to enhance accessibility. The project was co-designed with 20 young people with disability to ensure it meets their needs and preferences. The AIM project enhances accessibility, improves service provider knowledge, and strengthens community group engagement with YPWD. The AIM project has made a significant contribution to the accessibility across WA. YDAN has delivered over 100 workshops to more than 5,000 staff who work with YPWDs. YDAN has delivered 35 experiential audit reports, supporting increased access to events and services for over 230,000 people living with disability in WA.

The Shire of Dardanup Youth Advisory Group is a group of young people aged 12-24 who are involved with the community and organise events to help make the Shire of Dardanup a better place for young people. The growth of YouthFest is credited to the team's efforts in fostering community inclusion. Collaborating with over 30 stakeholders which included local businesses and government organisations, they provided activities that engages with young people, including a CPR challenge and encouraging individuals to write 'what makes them happy'. These activities ultimately encouraged others to becoming involved and start conversations. The YouthFest team partnered with local second-hand shops and mental health organisations like Blue Leaf Initiative to raise awareness for youth mental health. The team created a youth-operated second-hand store which raised over $250 in just three hours.

Momentum QP (MQP) is a groundbreaking service offering support to young people facing intertwined challenges related to mental health, substance use, and homelessness. Developed by Richmond Wellbeing in collaboration with Anglicare WA, Cyrenian House and Royal Perth Bentley Group, the team applies a trauma-informed and person-centered approach, tailoring the program for each individual.
 
This residential recovery program was designed to fill a crucial gap in the system, focusing on young people with complex needs, and connecting them with the supports and services in a unique multidisciplinary environment.

MQP provides a safe, secure and empowering environment where young people feel heard and valued. Recognising young people as experts in their own journey, the team partners with residents to plan a successful transition from homelessness to independent living, by enhancing their daily living skills, increasing their confidence, and facing and overcoming barriers.

Momentum QP is funded by the Mental Health Commission and has the capacity to work with eight young people at any time for a period of up to 12 months.

Indigo Junction, in collaboration with Rise Network, developed the Keny Moort Program. It provides case management and drop-in support services for young people and their families engaging in criminal at-risk activity. With outreach services based in the Midland district, the program has already seen high levels of engagement including decreased anti-social behaviour, increased participation in education. Keny Moort streamlines access to the Keys for Life program and family and a domestic violence prevention program. Keny Moort is a commitment to delivering cultural education and involves young people in planning activities.

Hope Community Services, in collaboration with headspace and the Department of Justice (Youth Justice Team), has promoted a transformative initiative to address critical needs within the youth sector. This partnership focuses on tackling challenges related to youth justice, substance abuse, and mental health, providing tailored, accessible, and comfortable counselling sessions for young people navigating the justice system for the first time. By integrating the expertise of Hope Community Services, which encompasses the Pilbara Community Alcohol and Drug Service, with headspace’s commitment to creating supportive and welcoming environments, this initiative ensures that youth receive the comprehensive support they need. The involvement of youth perspectives in shaping these services is central to their success, making the resources more relevant and effective. The initiative was developed in response to high non-attendance rates for traditional support services and has already demonstrated positive outcomes. By addressing these critical issues with a compassionate and youth-centered approach, this collaborative effort is paving the way for meaningful improvements in the lives of young individuals facing complex challenges.

Ishar Multicultural Women's Health Services empowers young people from migrant and refugee backgrounds, aged 14 to 25, in Perth. Through ongoing education in schools and communities, Ishar addresses important topics like healthy relationships, nutrition, family violence, and women’s rights, including online safety. In 2023, Ishar launched the EmpowerHer Program in Mirrabooka and Cannington, responding to the need for connection among youth accessing their services. This safe space allows young girls to express themselves and gain health knowledge. Ishar collaborates with over 20 stakeholders, including youth, to design impactful services that meet community needs.

Fish is an active member of CarersWA Youth Advisory Group and has made significant contributions by sharing her lived experience as a young carer to improve these services for other young carers. Fish met with Minister for Sabine Winton to highlight challenges faced by young carers and hopes to meet with her again to find ways to address the challenges discussed. Fish took on a lead role in the Advisory Group to develop the 'Cooking Up a Healthy Mind' resource, which provides easy and healthy recipes for young people. Fish also supported other young carers, helping them feel comfortable during challenging discussions. Fish has been accepted into Youth Parliament where she will represent the interests and concerns of young people in WA.

Emily has led the Youth Advisory Group (YAG) at CarersWA and has been a vocal advocate for young carers at an organisational, local and state level.
Her involvement has helped create a culture of safety, support and inclusivity for the YAG to thrive and raised awareness for the needs of young carers. She has helped young carers to gain confidence and a sense of pride and achievement in accomplishing goals. Emily has gone above and beyond in her role, ensuring that the YAG is a meaningful platform for young carers. She has implemented innovative engagement strategies and provided resources tailored to the diverse needs of the members. Emily has also facilitated regular communication and collaboration between the YAG and internal stakeholders to highlight young carers needs across the organisation.
Emily supported the ""Cooking Up a Healthy Mindset"" resource for Youth Week, and helped plan a community event for Carers Week. She also supported the YAG to meet with Minister Sabine Winton to provide insight into challenges faced by many young carers and solutions and strategies to overcome them.

Raised in the Wheatbelt, 16-year-old Joshua Patrick has spent the past decade caring for his medically-complex sister. Despite juggling the demands of ATAR study and his caring duties, Joshua both initiates and embraces opportunities to support other young carers. Joshua advocates through the Carers WA Youth Advisory Group; the national Syndromes Without A Name (SWAN) Siblings support group that he founded over two years ago; presentations on young carers’ educational needs and training for youth workers. Joshua tirelessly champions young carers, having worked in partnership with the government and youth sector organisations promoting the Carer Gateway and Young Carer Bursary Program. Joshua has just accepted an invitation from Young Carers South Australia to launch the Youth and Young Adult Carers Youth Action. Being a young carer has shaped his outlook on life and inspired him to create a supportive future for other young carers.