WA Youth Awards Celebrate Outstanding Young Changemakers at Optus Stadium
2025 WA Youth Awards
The WA Youth Awards filled the Optus Stadium with celebration and pride on Friday 12 September.
The electric atmosphere was a powerful reflection of the remarkable young people and youth organisations honoured throughout the evening.
With 11 awards categories, each finalist had an amazing story, each displaying hard work and dedication to improving the lives of WA children and young people.
The Commissioner for Children and Young People Participate Award was open to young people aged 10-17 who show outstanding dedication to making a positive change in their community and demonstrate peer leadership through their chosen pursuit.
Sofia Ballerini winner of the 2025 Commissioner for Children and Young People Participate Award has made a meaningful impact since moving to the Pilbara. Her work supporting at-risk Indigenous youth demonstrates compassion, leadership and a commitment to creating real change in her community.
The category winners for the 2025 WA Youth Awards include:
- Minister for Youth's Most Outstanding Youth Worker Award: Jaydan Ahmat
- Commissioner for Children and Young People Participate Award: Sofia Ballerini
- MercyCare Positive Achievement Award: Rhiannon Clarke
- ECU Community Leadership Award: Rachael Burns
- Anglicare WA Creative Contribution Award: Rhea Dowden
- The Y WA Collective Action Award: The Y WA Youth Parliament
- Youth Focus Sector Collaboration Award: Equestrian Youth Engagement Service
- Mission Australia Young Changemaker Award: Wil Massara
- Carers WA Milestone Award: Maddison Thomas
- Charmaine Dragun Memorial Award: Millie Kolomyjec
- WA Young Person of the Year: Maddison Thomas
It was a night filled with inspiration and hope, showcasing the bright future being shaped by Western Australia's young leaders.