A $1000 prize for a young Yamaji Wangi artist was icing on the cake after a journey to find confidence and purpose in her life.

Talented 16-year-old Paige's creativity and cultural pride was recognised when she won the recent Y WA's annual NAIDOC t-shirt design competition.

Her artwork reflected the enduring strength of First Nations people and the importance of culture, connection and community, with the achievement an important milestone.

The winning design depicts the leadership of Elders past, present and future, with hands a symbol of care and connection, stars representing the deep knowledge of land and sky, and a central fire, which reflected gathering places where stories are shared and culture passed down generations.

From feeling lost to having purpose

For Paige, the achievement was a significant milestone after joining the Y School's Mirrabooka campus in the northern suburbs of Boorloo / Perth last October.

"Before joining the Y School I was sad, I was a bit lost, and I had zero direction," she said.

"I didn't think that I deserved anything that I wanted and needed."

Since then, Paige has found confidence and a supportive learning environment where she has thrived.

"When I came here, the staff said things like 'you're so cool and amazing' and I was taken aback and confused, because no one had really verbalised those words to me before," she said.

"Now I'm in such a good place and feeling a lot better and very supported.

"I know if I fall, there are people who will always help me back up."

Official limited-edition t-shirt

Paige's winning design in the competition - where entrants designed a t-shirt on the NAIDOC theme '50 Years of Deadly' - not only earnt a cash prize, but her design now featured on the Y's limited-edition t-shirts.

The Y School provides alternative education for young people in years 7 to 12 who are unable to access or experience significant difficulty accessing mainstream education.

Y School principal Liz Parker said Paige's achievement reflected her talent and growth since joining the school.

"Paige's journey is a wonderful example of what can happen when young people are supported, encouraged and given the opportunity to discover their strengths," Ms Parker said.

"Her confidence has grown, she's embraced new opportunities and we're incredibly proud to see her creativity recognised through this award."

Paige's youth worker, Sabre Johnson, has also witnessed that growth firsthand.

"It's a real privilege to be part of Paige's journey and proudly wear her artwork," Ms Johnson said.

"Having faced many challenges, she has found that all she needed to access her considerable academic, creative and social talents was a supportive school environment."

Paige's winning artwork is proudly worn by Y staff, volunteers and supporters long after NAIDOC Week, a lasting celebration and reminder of First Nations culture, creativity and community.

The limited-edition 2026 NAIDOC Week T-shirt is available to purchase online