The Youth portfolio, through the Department of Communities, leads a whole-of-government approach to improving outcomes for all young people in Western Australia aged 10 to 25 years. We work in partnership with young people, the youth sector, community groups and across all levels of government to support the development of programs and initiatives that meet the diverse needs of young people.
Young people aged 10 to 25 years make up nearly 20 per cent of Western Australia’s population. The focus areas for the Department of Communities’ work includes:
- Youth development - initiatives that support young people to build life skills and develop the knowledge and confidence they need to be involved in community life, and to respond to issues that impact them
- Youth engagement - initiatives that engage young people and provide opportunities for them to have a voice in decisions that affect them
- Positive promotion - opportunities to promote and celebrate young people for who they are and the positive contributions they make to the community
- Advocacy - raising awareness of the needs of young people to ensure their needs are considered in decision-making.
WA Youth Action Plan 2024-2027
The State Government has developed a new three-year Youth Action Plan for young people aged 10 to 25 years in Western Australia.
WA Youth Awards
The WA Youth Awards recognise Western Australians aged 10 to 25 years for their contribution to the community, as well as individuals and organisations that work with and support young people in WA.
Youth Week WA
Youth Week WA is the single largest annual celebration of young people in Western Australia held in April each year.
Engaging with young people
A series of tools for young people, organisations and local governments on how to maximise young people’s contributions to community.
WA Youth Parliament
The Department funds the Y’s Youth Parliament Program in Western Australia, a youth-led advocacy and leadership program which encourages young people aged 15 to 25 to participate in shaping their community.
Ministerial Youth Advisory Council
The Ministerial Youth Advisory Council (MYAC) provides advice to the Minister for Youth on matters relating to young people. It is comprised of up to 12 young Western Australians, who draw upon their relevant knowledge, experience and skills.
Youth development programs and services
The Department supports development programs and services for young people through service and grant funding in four key focus areas, to equip young people with essential life skills and enabling them to respond to issues impacting their lives.
Grant funding
The Department provides funding for a diverse range of engagement initiatives within the Youth portfolio to support young people to develop the knowledge and confidence needed to be involved in community life.
Cadets WA
The Cadets WA program provides opportunities for young people to participate in a range of activities including adventure training, camping, hiking and sporting activities while developing leadership and life skills, and a sense of community responsibility and service.
Announcements
Grants now open to help WA’s young people thrive
Local governments and community organisations can apply for up to $10,000 to support youth-focused projects that build life skills and strengthen community engagement.
2025 WA Youth Awards winners announced
Eleven inspiring young leaders honoured at the 2025 WA Youth Awards.
Grants up to $10,000 available to host Youth Week WA 2026 events
Local governments and community groups can apply for a share of $125,000 in funding to run events and activities in celebration of Youth Week WA 2026.
Print this page
