Commissioner's Rising Voice Award

Commissioner for Children and Young People's Rising Voice Award 2026

Nominations are now closed. See the finalists below.

Established in 2010 and part of the Youth Affairs Council of Western Australia's Youth Awards program, this award was previously known as the Commissioner for Children and Young People Participate Award. From 2026, it has been renamed the Commissioner for Children and Young People Rising Voice Award to better reflect its focus on young people who elevate the voices of their peers.

The award is open to young people aged 10–17 who show outstanding dedication to making a positive change in their community and demonstrate peer leadership through their chosen pursuit – be it in their school and education, through sports, student council, community involvement, their work, extracurricular activities or any other relevant pursuits.

Criteria

The nominee has:

• Demonstrated peer leadership through education and/or extracurricular activities
• Demonstrated community impact
• Demonstrated ability to elevate the voice of young people

Proudly supported by the Commissioner for Children and Young People.

Congratulations also to our finalists

Ava Jeavons

Driven by lived experience, Ava is passionate about women and children's voices being heard. As the first female Youth Member for Hillarys in Youth Parliament WA, an Anglicare Ambassador and a School House Representative, she champions family and domestic violence prevention, youth homelessness and gender equality. Aspiring to enter federal parliament, Ava is already building a safer, fairer future through leadership, advocacy and service.

Brady Fulcher

Brady Fulcher is a 16-year-old student from Perth who is passionate about creating opportunities for young people to lead, connect and have their voices heard. Through Surf Life Saving, school leadership and youth advisory groups, he works to turn young people's ideas into meaningful action. Brady is committed to continuing to advocate for young people while pursuing a career as a paramedic.

Jackson Phillips

Jackson is a proud Knaarla Karla Booja, Ballardong and Wilman athlete, student, and leader making a strong impact in his school, sporting and cultural communities. He has represented WA at six National Indigenous Tennis Carnivals, and competes in Men's Division 2 tennis. Jackson is a valued member of his tennis club as a trainee coach, empowering younger athletes to build confidence. Beyond formal coaching, Jackson arrives early before his own training sessions to support young family members and juniors with extra practice. Jackson is already seen as a role model among younger players.

Quentin Fitzgerald

After the loss of his baby sister to SIDS, Quentin launched his own fundraising initiative for Telethon and has raised thousands of dollars. Losing his father to cancer, he expanded his offerings to increase reach and donations for kids in need. He takes every opportunity to fundraise, from community events to online, showing age is no barrier to making a difference. Quentin has become a meaningful advocate for young people, using his platform to highlight the experiences, needs and dreams of children in hospitals.