Young leaders, advocates and artists recognised at 2026 WA Youth Awards

Young leaders, advocates and artists recognised at 2026 WA Youth Awards

• Ten young people and youth organisations recognised at 2026 WA Youth Awards
• Winners chosen from record 181 nominations across 10 categories
• Jackson Phillips named the 2026 Young Person of the Year

An inspiring young leader, athlete and mentor dedicated to supporting the next generation has been named the 2026 Young Person of the Year.

Jackson Phillips, a proud Knaarla Karla Booja, Ballardong and Wilman young person, was recognised for his leadership, commitment to mentoring younger people and positive impact on those around him.

He was among 10 young people and youth organisations recognised at the 2026 WA Youth Awards for their efforts to strengthen communities, champion important causes and create opportunities for others across Western Australia.

The winners were announced at a gala ceremony last night, having been selected from 39 finalists and more than 180 nominations across 10 categories celebrating leadership, advocacy, creativity and service.

A current Year 11 student, Jackson also received the Commissioner for Children and Young People's Rising Voice Award. He has represented Western Australia at six National Indigenous Carnivals, competes in Men's Division 2 tennis and coaches younger players at his local club.

Widely regarded as a role model, Jackson continues to invest in his own development while supporting others and is currently undertaking the Tennis Australia Level 1 Coaching Course.

As the 2026 Young Person of the Year, Jackson will receive $10,000 to pursue a youth-related initiative of his choice.

Other category winners at the 2026 WA Youth Awards were:

• Carers WA Milestone Award: Elissa Oakey;
• Charmaine Dragun Memorial Award: Maeson Harvey;
• Commissioner for Children and Young People's Rising Voice Award: Jackson Phillips;
• ECU Action Award: Alexander Hart;
• MercyCare Lived Experience Award: Hannah Lemma;
• 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; and
• Youth Focus Sector Collaboration Award: City of Swan Ballajura Youth Outreach Project (BYOP).

Each category winner will receive a $1,000 prize.

Now in its 27th year, the WA Youth Awards are delivered in partnership by the State Government, the Department of Communities and the Youth Affairs Council of Western Australia, with support from Lotterywest.

Comments attributed to Youth Minister Hannah Beazley:

"The WA Youth Awards shine a spotlight on the outstanding young people and organisations whose leadership and service are making a real difference in communities across Western Australia.

"I congratulate Jackson Phillips on being named 2026 Young Person of the Year and commend all finalists and winners for the positive impact they are having in the lives of others.

"Whether through advocacy, mentoring, community leadership or creative expression, these young Western Australians are helping build a stronger, more inclusive future for our State."