2023

Congratulations to Dillian Cumming who is the recipient of the Commissioner's 2023 Participate Award.

Dillian Cumming

Shortly after coming to terms with their own self and identity, Dillian became an active ally and advocate for LGBTIQA+, First Nations and transgender young people. The proud Whadjuk Ballardong person has been involved with various advocacy groups for several years. They have shown a passion and tenacity to unapologetically love and accept yourself and others. Dillian has been the youngest serving member on multiple advisory and working groups such as Pride Yarns with Mob, which has helped with research on the Walkern Katatdjin project. The national research project aims to understand and promote the mental health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander LGBTIQA+ young people.

Jessica Chant
Jessica is a tireless advocate for youth and the Cunderdin community. The 15-year-old has been a
member of the Cunderdin Youth Council for five years, is a student councillor at the Cunderdin District High School, volunteers at community events, assists with netball coaching for young children and is a peer leader. She's helped organised a "Pink up our Town" campaign to recognise and raise money for breast cancer awareness. Jessica also supported two Tour De Cunderdin bike riding events, the redevelopment and opening of O'Connor park, numerous Ninja Warrior and R U OK day events at the school, Tidy Towns nominations and multiple youth events run through the Shire and the Cunderdin Community Resource Centre.

Sharon Kappen

Sharon started her first fundraising campaign to support Legacy in March 2023. Born in Chennai, South India, Sharon came to Perth in 2014 when she was four years old. She had heard stories of her greatgrandfather who fought in World War II and served in the Royal Indian Air Force from 1943 to 1947 so she wanted to support families of veterans like him. Sharon has run many fundraising stalls at the local marketplace, community sporting events, shops and Bunnings. The 13-year-old helped Legacy raise nearly $2000 by July 2023 as part of its ANZAC Day Fundraising mission.

Brady Fulcher

Since the age of nine, Brady has been giving back to the community. He has raised funds for SecondBite, volunteered his audio and visual talents at Snapshot Youth Theatre, emceed fundraiser quiz nights, and made hampers for people experiencing homelessness. He's also motivated others to join his community efforts recruiting friends to volunteer at Cancer Council Relay for Life as well as selling daffodils at Bunnings to raise more vital funds. Brady is an active Surf Life Saving volunteer who has been recognised for his long hours of commitment. He's an avid hockey player and last year was selected on the State's under 13s hockey team.