Minang and Wudjari man Thomas Betts has been selected as one of four finalists for the National Indigenous Times Community Leadership Award, presented by 7NEWS Young Achiever Awards as a recognition of outstanding Indigenous role models who continue to stand out in their communities, industries and within their households.

For Mr Betts, his advocacy is enshrined within his identity.

A descendant of a staunch, unapologetically Blak family, Mr Betts comes from a lineage of those who have fought for Aboriginal rights and served their community.

Within his personal or professional field, Mr Betts exudes Blak excellence, whether it's co-leading community engagement at the Kids Research Institute in a Cultural Safety Project or fostering his nieces and nephews to support the upcoming generations of Aboriginal youth.

In his spare time, he also coaches a local Gosnells footy team, dedicating his time to strengthening others on a physical, cultural, emotional and educational level.

"It all comes back to the community. That's the heart of everything I do," he told National Indigenous Times.

Milestones that have been fundamental to his leadership journey include participation in the National Youth Parliament in 2017, which further contributed to his advocacy.

Being named Mr NAIDOC Perth Runner-up, which he described as "another proud moment", Mr Betts emphasised the power of the community he represents.

In the present day, Mr Betts can be found at the Kids Research Institute, working with Mob directly and "embedding Aboriginal ways of working into research."

As he reflects on his role in research, Mr Betts says it "has been a milestone that feels both personal and powerful."

Reminiscing on the early years of his leadership within his community, the Minang and Wudjari man told National Indigenous Times, it "felt natural".

"I've always had a strong connection to my people, and that's shaped everything I do," said Mr Betts.

"I've also been lucky to have managers and leaders who trusted me to work in ways that honour culture – which has been crucial.

"That trust has allowed me to show up fully and do the work in a way that's true to who I am and what I stand for."

Mr Betts views community leadership as a shared responsibility and attributes his successes to the people who surround him - shaped by the love, pride and purpose he puts into his work.

"Cultural grounding not only informs the work, it shapes how I lead – with respect, accountability, and a deep understanding of who I am and where I come from," he said.

Steering his work with the knowledge of his ancestry and a deep passion for preserving language, he envisions success as creating a society that's fair, inclusivity and celebrates diversity.

"Success is when our communities are strong, our voices are heard, and our culture is thriving," Mr Betts said.

The 7NEWS Young Achiever Awards will be held on Friday 27 June 2025 at Pan Pacific, Perth/Boorloo. Visit the Humanitix website to purchase your tickets today.