Forty-two organisations across Western Australia will share a record $152,500 in grants to deliver free Youth Week WA 2026 events.
Youth Week WA 2026 is shaping up to be the biggest yet, with a record $152,500 in grants awarded to 42 organisations to deliver events across Western Australia from 10 to 16 April.
The funding will support a diverse program of free activities from the Kimberley to the Great Southern, creating opportunities for young people to showcase their talents, develop new skills and connect with their communities during this year's Youth Week WA.
In addition to the funding, the Shire of Capel will receive $7,500 to host the launch event, and a non-government organisation will receive $20,000 to host a closing event in the metropolitan area.
Events range from creative workshops to large-scale community festivals, including the Shire of Cunderdin's STRIVE Youth Markets, a youth-led night market celebrating creativity and entrepreneurship, and the City of Kalamunda's PlaceJam Festival where young people will transform overlooked spaces into vibrant community hubs while gaining practical urban design skills.
Other funded initiatives include a creative arts workshop by Ishar Multicultural Women's Health Services for girls aged 14 to 24, a two-day education, creativity and sport event in Halls Creek delivered by Jungarni-Jutiya Indigenous Corporation, and Spectrum Space Inc's sensory-inclusive Glow & Flow Silent Disco for young people with autism aged 10 to 18.
The impact of Youth Week WA funding was highlighted by 2025 grant recipient, the Shire of Augusta Margaret River who hosted Margs Youth Fest. The festival featured food stalls, workshops, art and craft activities, and sporting opportunities, drawing young people and families from across the region.
A Shire representative said the funding enabled the event to be accessible and inclusive, particularly through the provision of transport for young people living in remote areas.
"Offering a bus service ensured the event was truly inclusive, allowing all young people to participate regardless of their geographical location," they said. "That accessibility was a significant factor in the festival's success as it brought together a diverse group of attendees who might not have otherwise had the opportunity to engage in such a community event."
Youth Week WA 2026 will centre on the theme 'Strength in Our Stories', celebrating the power of youth voices in shaping communities. The theme was submitted by Jesryl Santos through the Department of Communities' youth theme competition, shortlisted by the Ministerial Youth Advisory Council (MYAC) and selected by the 2026 Youth Week WA Ambassadors Alessia Maio, Josh Patrick, Maeson Harvey and Regina Ndossi.
Stay tuned for more details on the exciting events planned for Youth Week WA 2026 !
For a full list of grant recipients, head to Youth Week WA Grants .
