Derek Nannup, 23, of Nollamara has been formally recognised as Western Australia's Young Person of the Year at the 2021 WA Youth Awards.
Derek is a proud Whadjuk Noongar man who has dedicated his life to strengthening cultural connections for young Aboriginal people.
He has worked at Wesley College as the Indigenous Cultural Program Coordinator, with Wungening Aboriginal Corporation as a support worker for children in care and is currently employed at the Aboriginal Health Council of WA working in sexual health education.
Outside of work, Derek sits on the Mirrabooka Police District Youth Advisory Group and the Youth Educating Peers Reference Group.
Derek also established the Boorloo Indigenous Youth Yarning Circles, a space where young people can meet monthly to practice traditional healing, discuss culture and community issues and talk about how they can address and prevent them.
The WA Youth Awards are co-ordinated by the Youth Affairs Council of Western Australia (YACWA) and supported by Lotterywest, the Department of Communities and 10 sponsor organisations.
They recognise and reward young people aged 12 to 25 years, youth workers and youth organisations for their achievements and contributions to the community.
The awards include the Minister for Youth's Most Outstanding Youth Worker Award, which was won posthumously this year by the late Laura Florisson, an inaugural co-ordinator of Anglicare's Home Stretch program.
Laura, who passed away from cancer at the age of 36 in October last year, had always advocated for young people who did not get a fair go.
Her work with vulnerable families, young people and refugees reflects her commitment to diversity and inclusion within the community.
For more information about Youth Week WA, visit http://www.communities.wa.gov.au/youthweekwa
As stated by Youth Minister Dave Kelly:
"All the young winners of tonight's WA Youth Awards are of the highest calibre and have brought their passion, skill, and determination to make positive change in our communities.
"They are fantastic role models for their peers, and for all Western Australians, and it is important that we acknowledge them.
"The 2021 WA Young Person of the Year, Derek Nannup, has demonstrated his tireless commitment to young Aboriginal people.
"Derek is currently employed at the Aboriginal Health Council of WA working in sexual health education and has also worked as a support worker for children in care.
"He has delivered Noongar workshops in language, dance and leadership and established the Boorloo Indigenous Youth Yarning Circles where young people can meet to practice traditional healing and discuss culture and community issues.
"I would also like to pay tribute to the late Laura Florisson, who won the Minister for Youth's Most Outstanding Youth Worker Award.
"Laura passed away from cancer in October last year but left an outstanding legacy of devotion to her work and the young people she cared for, including working for Anglicare as their first co-ordinator of the Home Stretch program.
"The McGowan Government is determined to empower young people to flourish and become great leaders, reflecting the important role they play in our community.
"The last 12 months have not been easy and have seen young people disproportionately impacted by COVID-19.
"Never has there been a time when it is more relevant to acknowledge the contributions of young people to improve outcomes in our community.
"I want to congratulate all the 39 finalists - young people, youth workers and youth organisations across 10 categories - that were nominated tonight for the exceptional work they do across Western Australia."
