- Thirty-nine high-achieving young people, youth workers and youth organisations announced as finalists for 2026 WA Youth Awards
- Awards celebrate inspiring individuals and youth organisations that are driving better outcomes for Western Australians
- Awards ceremony will be held on 11 September at Pan Pacific Perth
- Cook Government building safe and inclusive communities
Thirty-nine inspiring young people, youth workers and youth organisations have been recognised as finalists for the 2026 WA Youth Awards, championing diverse causes from men's mental health, disability advocacy and youth participation.
This year marked the most competitive WA Youth Awards on record, with 181 nominations received, highlighting the impact individuals and organisations are making across the State.
Finalists have been named across 10 categories, with each category winner set to receive an award and a $1,000 prize on the night of the awards.
One of the individual winners will be named the 2026 WA Young Person of the Year, receiving $10,000 to go towards a youth-related initiative of their choice.
This year's categories are:
- Carers WA Milestone Award;
- Charmaine Dragun Memorial Award;
- Commissioner for Children and Young People's Rising Voice Award;
- ECU Action Award;
- MercyCare Lived Experience Award;
- Minister for Youth's Most Outstanding Youth Worker Award;
- Mission Australia Young Changemaker Award;
- Uplyft Creative Contribution Award;
- The Y WA Collective Action Award; and
- Youth Focus Sector Collaboration Award.
The WA Youth Awards are delivered in partnership between the State Government, the Department of Communities, and the Youth Affairs Council of Western Australia, with support from Lotterywest.
Now celebrating its 27th year, the awards will be held on Friday 11 September at a gala ceremony at Pan Pacific Perth.
Visit WA Youth Awards 2026 for more information and to see the full list of finalists.
Comments attributed to Youth Minister Hannah Beazley:
"The WA Youth Awards are an inspiring celebration acknowledging the brilliant work of young people and the organisations that support them across the State.
"As always, it's wonderful to see the diverse causes that this year's finalists are championing, each of them making Western Australia a more inclusive place in their own unique way.
"All of the young people, youth workers and youth organisation finalists should be very proud - it is a tremendous achievement and recognises the invaluable contribution they provide to their community and State."
