Nominations are now open for the 2026 WA Youth Awards, celebrating the outstanding achievements of young people and youth organisations making a difference across Western Australia.
The awards recognise young people aged 10 to 25 and organisations driving positive change, with winners across 10 categories sharing in cash prizes and recognition. Category winners will receive $1,000 and be considered for the prestigious title of 2026 WA Young Person of the Year, which includes a $10,000 project allowance to support a youth‑focused initiative.
Ten categories are open for nominations in 2026, recognising leadership, creativity, collaboration and lived experience across the youth sector:
- ECU Action Award
- Carers WA Milestone Award
- Charmaine Dragun Memorial Award
- Commissioner for Children and Young People’s Rising Voice Award
- Minister for Youth’s Most Outstanding Youth Worker Award
- MercyCare Lived Experience Award
- Mission Australia Young Changemaker Award
- The Y WA Collective Action Award
- Uplyft Creative Contribution Award
- Youth Focus Sector Collaboration Award
The WA Youth Awards are delivered by the Youth Affairs Council of Western Australia (YACWA) in partnership between the Department of Communities, with support from Lotterywest.
Interest in the awards continues to grow, with 132 nominations and 39 finalists in 2025, highlighting the impact of young Western Australians and youth organisations across the State.
Winners will be announced at a gala dinner on Friday 11 September 2026, bringing together finalists, supporters and leaders from across the youth sector.
Nominations close Monday 8 June 2026.
For more information or to nominate, visit the YACWA website.
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