Ten inspiring recipients, including young people, youth workers and organisations, were celebrated at the 2026 WA Youth Awards on Friday, recognising their outstanding contributions to communities across Western Australia.
Chosen from more than 181 nominations across 10 categories, this year's winners are championing diverse causes including mental health, environmentalism, chronic illness advocacy and youth participation.
Jackson Phillips, a proud Knaarla Karla Booja, Ballardong and Wilman student athlete was named the 2026 WA Young Person of the Year for the positive impact he is making in the lives of young people across WA. Guided by culture, community and a passion for tennis, Jackson creates opportunities for young people to try new experiences, build confidence and discover pathways they may never have thought possible.
The category winners:
- Carers WA Milestone Award: Elissa Oakey
- Commissioner for Children and Young People’s Rising Voice Award: Jackson Phillips
- Charmaine Dragun Memorial Award: Maeson Harvey
- ECU Action Award: Alexander Hart
- MercyCare Lived Experience Award: Hannah Iemma
- Minister for Youth’s Most Outstanding Youth Worker Award: Brandyn Finau
- Mission Australia Young Changemaker Award: Ellie Vrankovich
- Uplyft Creative Contribution Award: Prince Attwood
- The Y WA Collective Action Award: Youth Disability Advocacy Network
- Youth Focus Sector Collaboration Award: City of Swan Ballajura Youth Outreach Project (BYOP)
Each category winner received a $1,000 prize, with Jackson taking home $10,000 to support his participation in youth-focused events and initiatives across Western Australia, helping him continue creating opportunities for young people through sport, culture and community leadership while amplifying young people's voices.
Now in its 27th 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 RAC WA.
For more information on the WA Youth Awards, visit the YACWA website.
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