Commissioner's Rising Voice Award

Commissioner for Children and Young People's Rising Voice Award 2026

The 2026 WA Youth Awards brought together young leaders, community organisations and supporters from across Western Australia at the Pan Pacific Perth on Friday 11 September.

The annual awards recognise and celebrate the remarkable achievements of young people and youth organisations whose leadership, advocacy and community contributions are helping shape a brighter future for Western Australia.

With 10 award categories, each finalist had an inspiring story, demonstrating leadership, dedication and a commitment to strengthening communities and creating opportunities for others across Western Australia.

The Commissioner for Children and Young People's Rising Voice Award recognises young people aged 10-17 who are making a meaningful contribution to their communities and inspiring others through their actions, leadership and advocacy. Whether through education, sport, community involvement, student leadership, employment, creative pursuits or other endeavours, recipients demonstrate a strong commitment to creating opportunities for others, building connections and amplifying the voices of children and young people.

Winner 2026

Jackson Phillips, winner of the Commissioner for Children and Young People's Rising Voice Award and the WA Young Person of the Year, was recognised for his outstanding leadership, commitment to mentoring younger people and positive impact on those around him. A proud Knaarla Karla Booja, Ballardong and Wilman young person, Jackson is an accomplished athlete, student and emerging coach who continues to inspire the next generation through his dedication to sport, culture and community.

The category winners for the 2026 WA Youth Awards include:

Minister for Youth's Most Outstanding Youth Worker Award: Brandyn Finau
Commissioner for Children and Young People's Rising Voice Award: Jackson Phillips
MercyCare Lived Experience Award: Hannah Lemma
ECU Action Award: Alexander Hart
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)
Mission Australia Young Changemaker Award: Ellie Vrankovich
Carers WA Milestone Award: Elissa Oakey
Charmaine Dragun Memorial Award: Maeson Harvey
WA Young Person of the Year: Jackson Phillips

It was a night filled with inspiration and hope, showcasing the positive impact young people are having in communities across the State and the bright future they are helping to create.

About the award

Young people look to their peers for inspiration. In the important and often challenging years before adulthood, it's vital young people can turn to their peers for support, encouragement and inspiration.

Established in 2010, the Commissioner for Children and Young People Rising Voice Award is part of the Youth Affairs Council of Western Australia's WA Youth Awards. It was previously known as the Commissioner for Children and Young People Participate Award. From 2026, it has been renamed the Commissioner for Children and Young People Rising Voice Award.

The new name better reflects the purpose of the award, which recognises young people who are using their voice, leadership and influence to make a positive difference in their communities.

The award is open to young people aged 10 to 17 who show outstanding dedication to creating positive change and demonstrate peer leadership through their chosen pursuit. This may be through school, sport, student council, community involvement, work, extracurricular activities or other relevant areas.