- Achievements of 50 young people with an out of home care experience honoured by WA Premier and Child Protection Minister
- Awards provide recognition, encouragement, and financial assistance for young people undertaking further education or training
- The awards have supported more than 640 young people since 1990
Premier Roger Cook and Child Protection Minister Sabine Winton have recognised the 50 recipients of this year's Achiever Awards at a ceremony held today.
It marks a record number of nominees for the awards, which took place during Foster and Family Carers Week 2024.
The awards celebrate young Western Australians, aged between 15 and 25, who are, or have been, in the care of the Department of Communities and have overcome significant barriers to pursue further education and training.
Held at the WA Museum Boola Bardip, the awards acknowledge and celebrate young people across three categories including the University Achiever Award, the Registered Training Achiever Award, and the Apprenticeship or Traineeship Achiever Award.
Winners received financial support of $1,000 or $4,000 to assist with the costs of their studies, a trophy, and a certificate to recognise their commitment to further education.
Seven nominees were also nominated for the Community Spirit Award, with one recipient being selected to receive a further $1,000 prize for demonstrating outstanding leadership and volunteering within their community.
This year's winners are undertaking studies or training in areas such as commerce, science, nursing, early childhood education and care, and carpentry.
These awards have been running for 34 years and have supported more than 640 young people since 1990.
They are supported by Curtin University, Department of Chamber and Commerce Western Australia - Apprenticeship Support Australia, Edith Cowan
University, University of Notre Dame Australia, The University of Western Australia, Graduate Women Western Australia, and the Department of Training and Workforce.
As stated by Child Protection Minister Sabine Winton:
"As the Minister for Child Protection and a former teacher, the Achiever Awards is extremely close to my heart.
"It is an honour to recognise the 50 young people who are committed to pursuing further education and training, and those who are making a big difference in their community.
"The Achiever Awards also recognises the important role of foster and family carers, extended family members, and Child Protection workerswho support young people to achieve their goals."
