- Twelve young people and organisations recognised at the 2024 WA Youth Awards
- Record 155 nominations received across 11 award categories in the 25th WA Youth Awards
- Oliver Lim recognised as the 2024 WA Young Person of the Year
Youth Minister Hannah Beazley has congratulated 12 inspiring young individuals and organisations recognised for their outstanding leadership and achievements at the 2024 WA Youth Awards last night.
Now in its 25th year, the WA Youth Awards recognise and reward young Western Australians for their achievements and contributions to the community.
This year's award winners are passionate about reconciliation, supporting people with disability, improving connection to culture, LGBTQIA+ advocacy, mental health awareness, promoting healthy relationships and much more.
The 2024 WA Young Person of the Year was awarded to Oliver Lim for his passion representing the voices of young people living with disability, and from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds
Oliver was diagnosed with lupus, a chronic autoimmune health condition, when he was 18 months old. In 2021, he was the Little Telethon Star and raised more than $100,000 for Telethon.
Oliver has also been involved with fundraising campaigns for MSK Australia, Arthritis and Osteoporosis WA and the Youth Disability Advocacy Network.
As WA Young Person of the Year, Oliver receives a $10,000 bursary to participate in youth-related events and activities across Western Australia.
The category winners of the 2024 WA Youth Awards include:
- ECU Community Leadership Award: Amber Ugle-Hayward;
- MercyCare Positive Achievement Award: Ellie Higgins;
- Minister for Youth's Most Outstanding Youth Worker Award: Casey Moller;
- Parkerville Children and Youth Care Creative Contribution Award: Molly McKenna;
- The Y WA Collective Action Award: CAHS Youth Advisory Council;
- Youth Focus Sector Collaboration Award: Ishar Multicultural Women's Health Services;
- Youth Futures Innovation for a Sustainable Future Award: Wadandi Cultural Ranger Program;
- Mission Australia Young Changemaker Award: Emily Williams;
- Carers WA Milestone Award: Joshua Patrick;
- Charmaine Dragun Memorial Award: Sharlene Baloch and IJ McKenna; and
- The Commissioner for Children and Young People Participate Award: Oliver Lim.
Each of the category winners receive a $1,000 prize.
The awards are delivered by the Youth Affairs Council of Western Australia (YACWA), funded by Department of Communities and Lotterywest, and were held at a ceremony on Friday, September 20. Visit www.yacwa.org.au for more information.
As stated by Youth Minister Hannah Beazley:
"On behalf of the Cook Government, I want to extend a big congratulations to the outstanding award winners and finalists for the 2024 WA Youth Awards.
"This year we received a record 155 nominations which is testament to the incredible achievements and passion of young people, and those who support them, across Western Australia.
"Now in its 25th year, the WA Youth Awards continue to recognise and celebrate our incredible young people, youth workers and youth organisations who are passionate about making our communities better places for everyone to enjoy."
