2024

Celebrating exceptional youth: WA Youth Awards 2024 Participate Award finalists.

We are excited to announce the finalists for the Commissioner for Children and Young People Participate Award at the WA Youth Awards 2024.

These young people have shown incredible dedication to making a positive impact in their communities. Their stories remind us of the power of youth leadership and community involvement.

2024 Winner

Ollie Lim
Ollie has lived with lupus, a chronic health condition since the age of 18 months. Recently he has helped raise over $100,000 for Telethon as the 2021 Little Telethon Star. Ollie has also been involved with fundraising campaigns for Musculoskeletal Australia, Arthritis and Osteoporosis WA and is a member of the Youth Disability Advocacy Network board. Through the City of Melville Youth Advisory Committee, Ollie obtained a youth project grant to hold workshops promoting community and inclusion. He's also participated in several research projects with Curtin University and The University of South Australia by sharing his experience on the management of pain for young people. Ollie also served as part of the Commissioner’s Youth Steering Group in 2023.

Congratulations also to our finalists:

Victoria Hill
Victoria is a 16 -year-old who is passionate about discussing and solving world problems and is interested in women in government, hoping to be one herself. Victoria is part of her school's debate team had the opportunity to be on the WA State Team where she competed in Adelaide. In 2023, Victoria represented WA on the United Nations Youth Australia Aotearoa Leadership Tour and will be participating in the 2024/25 United Nations Youth Young Diplomats Tour. She is also involved with organisations such as Youth Parliament, Project Rockit, The Telstra Youth Foundation and local advisory councils.

Laquade Dalbin
Laquade is 12 years old and identifies as Aboriginal. Born and raised in South Hedland, he was the first participant to engage with Now Sounds Hedland, an intercultural arts project aimed at developing artistic talents of young people from First Nations and culturally and linguistically diverse communities. As the program progressed, Laquade took on leadership roles, supporting and encouraging his peers to overcome feelings of shame and get involved. At the Now Sounds Hedland Project's final performance, Laquade shone on stage, utilising all the skills taught to him, rapping his verse confidently with amazing artistic skill. Since Now Sounds, Laquade has continued to perform, including at Hedland’s annual ‘Welcome to Hedland’ event and at the Scribblers Festival. He was also asked by the Town of Port Hedland to emcee for the Hedland’s Got Talent event.

Lily Gaulton
Lily is a 10-year-old born premature at 26 weeks and has cerebral palsy, autism and other complex health conditions. Despite her challenges, Lily remains an outgoing and happy young person. Lily has participated in several initiatives including co-designing the Move to Improve program for Perth Children's Hospital, and taking part in a book review project with Children and Young People with Disability Australia. Additionally, she was the youngest panelist in a webinar about disability representation in books and contributed to a co-designed booklet to help inform teachers about students with disabilities. Lily is creating a book about disability to help educate the wider community about the importance of access and inclusion.

Looking forward to the Awards ceremony

We look forward to celebrating the achievements of these amazing young people at the WA Youth Awards 2024 on 20 September. Their stories of dedication and leadership are truly inspiring.

Thank you to everyone who submitted nominations and to the many organisations, teachers, and care staff who support and champion the voices of children and young people in Western Australia. Your commitment and passion are key in shaping a brighter future for our youth.

Once again, congratulations to Victoria Hill, Oliver Lim, Laquade Dalbin, and Lily Gaulton. Keep up the fantastic work and continue to inspire others with your passion and commitment.

Visit YACWA’s website for more information about the WA Youth Awards.