Eleven inspiring young people and youth organisations were celebrated at the 2025 WA Youth Awards on Friday, recognising their powerful contributions to their communities and the State.
Chosen from more than 130 nominations across 10 categories, this year’s winners are leading the way on some of today’s most pressing issues from amplifying underrepresented voices and preserving endangered languages, to championing mental health, advocating for invisible disabilities and driving youth-led change.
Maddison Thomas was named the 2025 WA Young Person of the Year for her resilience and dedication to inspiring others despite significant personal challenges. Maddison’s journey includes experiences in out-of-home care, homelessness, and caring for her mother. Now studying to become a teacher, she’s passionate about creating a safe and supportive space for future students to thrive.
The category winners:
- Minister for Youth’s Most Outstanding Youth Worker Award: Jaydan Ahmat
- Commissioner for Children and Young People Participate Award: Sofia Ballerini
- MercyCare Positive Achievement Award: Rhiannon Clarke
- ECU Community Leadership Award: Rachael Burns
- Anglicare WA Creative Contribution Award: Rhea Dowden
- The Y WA Collective Action Award: The Y WA Youth Parliament
- Youth Focus Sector Collaboration Award: Equestrian Youth Engagement Service
- Mission Australia Young Changemaker Award: Wil Massara
- Carers WA Milestone Award: Maddison Thomas
- Charmaine Dragun Memorial Award: Millie Kolomyjec
Each category winner received a $1,000 prize, with Maddison taking home $10,000 to support her participation in youth-focused events and initiatives across WA.
Now in its 26th year, the WA Youth Awards are delivered in partnership between the Department of Communities and the Youth Affairs Council of Western Australia (YACWA), with further support from Lotterywest and other community-focused sponsors.
For more information on the WA Youth Awards, visit the YACWA website.
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