The WA Youth Awards hold significant importance in celebrating the outstanding contributions of young people aged 12 to 25, along with the organisations and youth workers dedicated to supporting them.
This event, hosted by the Youth Affairs Council of WA, celebrated its 25th year recognising the achievements of the state's youth, with a strong cohort of Indigenous leaders among those celebrated for their work across 11 categories.
First Nations mob from the Kimberley, the Pilbara and the South West were among 36 individuals and eight organisations recognised for their important work in communities, with the 2024 cohort of First Nations finalists exemplifying remarkable dedication and leadership in various fields.
Kurtis Makuru, a Proud Wilman and Menang person, transformed personal challenges into mentorship opportunities for youth - while also pursuing a degree in psychology - to develop culturally-appropriate therapy for Indigenous and LGBTQIA+ individuals.
Kass Boladeras, a proud queer Ballardong Noongar Yorga, advocates for human rights and empowers Indigenous communities in the technology sector.
The Wadandi Cultural Ranger Program, led by Meeka Rees, Joseph Adams, and Josie Percival, was recognised for its focus on land conservation and cultural knowledge sharing between young Indigenous and Elders.
Amber Ugle-Hayward, a passionate Noongar woman, drove youth advocacy and reconciliation, mentoring First Nations trainees and leading initiatives to amplify young Indigenous voices.
Ethan Eggington and Chantay Cooper used their artistic talents to uplift Aboriginal culture and mentor younger generations through music and creativity.
Sharlene Baloch and IJ McKenna were celebrated for their podcast Sovereign, which fosters community dialogue on First Nations issues, while Laquade Dalbin, aged just 12, inspired his peers leading the Now Sounds Hedland arts project.
Reflecting on the event, dual Charmaine Dragun award winner Isaiah McKenna said witnessing excellence, especially among First Nations youths, was awe-inspiring.
"It was an honour to be finalists amongst incredible, grassroots, innovative, diverse young people who are working tirelessly not for recognition but for intersectionality, greater awareness, safety, and enjoyment of local townships and communities," he said
"There are no words to explain the fires each and every person carried on the night.
"It was super inspiring and reminded me why I do what I do."
Ms Baloch said the win for Sovereign was spectacular as it reinforced the podcast was making an impact in the community, sharing important First Nations stories.
"It's part of our continuous oral culture where we pass down stories," she said.
Ms Ugle-Hayward's acceptance speech highlighted the ongoing struggle surrounding Indigenous deaths in custody at Perth's Banksia Hill Detention Centre.
"We are in positions where our voices have the opportunity to be heard," she said.
"Each and every person nominated had a significant role to play in uplifting community."
Established in 1999, the awards ensure young people are acknowledged for the tireless leadership and passionate work they do in communities across WA.
2024 WA Youth Awards category winners:
ECU Community Leadership Award: Amber Ugle-Hayward
MercyCare Positive Achievement Award: Ellie Higgins
Minister for Youth's Most Outstanding Youth Worker Award: Casey Moller
Parkerville Children and Youth Care Creative Contribution Award: Molly McKenna
The Y WA Collective Action Award: CAHS Youth Advisory Council
Youth Focus Sector Collaboration Award: Ishar Multicultural Women's Health Services
Youth Futures Innovation for a Sustainable Future Award: Wadandi Cultural Ranger Program
Mission Australia Young Changemaker Award: Emily Williams
Carers WA Milestone Award: Joshua Patrick
Charmaine Dragun Memorial Award: Sharlene Baloch and IJ McKenna
The Commissioner for Children and Young People Participate Award: Oliver Lim
