- 2026 Achiever Awards celebrate academic
achievements of young people in care
- More than 750 young people supported through
awards since 1990
- Cook Labor Government committed to building safe
and inclusive communities, supporting young people in care to reach their full
potential
A record 65 young people have
been recognised at this year's Achiever Awards, celebrating their academic
achievement and ability to overcome barriers in the pursuit of their dreams.
The Achiever Awards
celebrate young people aged 15-25 who are or have been in the care of the
Department of Communities and are undertaking further education and training.
This year's awards were held
at Perth Town Hall and saw nominees awarded across three categories:
- Registered Training Achiever Award;
- Apprenticeship or Traineeship Achiever Award;
and
- University Achiever Award.
All award winners
received a trophy and a $1,000 or $4,000 prize from the Cook Labor Government
to support their goals.
Additionally, 11 young
people were nominated for the Community Spirit Award which recognises outstanding
volunteering and community service, with the winner receiving a further $1,000
prize.
Now in its 36th year, the
Achiever Awards has supported more than 750 young people with a care experience
since 1990.
This year's awards were
supported by platinum sponsor Murdoch University, silver sponsor Curtin
University and bronze sponsors Apprenticeship Support Australia, Department of
Training and Workforce Development, Edith Cowan University, Graduate Women WA, University
of Notre Dame and The University of Western Australia.
Comments attributed to Child Protection Minister Jessica
Stojkovski:
"The strength and
determination of young people is never more on display than at these awards,
and I am continually inspired by their stories of resilience as they pursue
their dreams.
"The Achiever Awards
gives us all a chance to celebrate these remarkable young people, recognise
them for their efforts and support them in their diverse journeys within and
beyond Western Australia.
"Their achievements are
a testament to the dedication of their families, foster carers, family carers
and grandcarers, who the Cook Labor Government continues to support.
"As part of our priority to build safe and inclusive communities the more
than half a billion dollars was announced in this year's Budget to support
out-of-home care, foster and family carers, Aboriginal Representative
Organisations and Home Stretch."
