Each year, the WA Youth Awards, hosted by the Youth Affairs Council of Western Australia (YACWA), shine a light on some of the outstanding young people and organisations making a real difference in communities across WA. Our team was so excited to be part of the celebrations! As a sponsor of the Sector Collaboration Award, this award recognised the power of organisations working together to create innovative initiatives that address challenges facing young people.
“Collaboration is a key value at Youth Focus. While everyone brings their own ideas, experiences, and expertise to a partnership, when we share a commitment to the same outcome – and when we listen, learn, and respect what each of us brings – our differences can inspire us to think outside the box and create solutions far beyond what we could achieve on our own,” shared Christabel, Youth Counsellor, when presenting the award.
We were proud to present the Youth Focus Sector Collaboration Award to the City of Swan’s Ballajurra Youth Outreach Program (BYOP). BYOP is a strong example of early intervention, youth-led solutions and the difference genuine, trusted connections between services and young people can make.
From the outset, the project focused on building informal, trusted relationships by meeting young people where they already spend time – parks, schools, the library and other community spaces. This genuine connection opened opportunities to create pathways to support, leadership and participation for young people who hadn’t previously engaged with services.
Through the Ballajura Youth Committee, young people were central to decision-making, co-designing programs, resources and events that reflect what the local youth community actually wants and needs.
A special shout-out to the other finalists in our category – Disabled. Deal With It | Youth Disability Advocacy Network (YDAN); Kimberley Connected & Kimberley 9s Carnival | Purple Hands Foundation, schools, Elders, Traditional Owners, WA Police and local organisations; and RightByYou | Neami National’s Suicide Prevention Coordinator Program – and everyone who submitted a nomination.
And congratulations to the Our Place Youth Committee, who were finalists in The Y WA Collective Action Award. The committee was recognised for their positive impact on the wellbeing of LGBTQIA+ young people through providing a safe that fosters a strong sense of community for individuals who often experience social exclusion and face discrimination. It was incredible to see the youth committee being celebrated and recognised for the ongoing commitment and contribution to the youth sector, and we were so proud to celebrate with them on the night.
Congratulations to all of this year’s finalists; the calibre on finalists on the night was inspiring!
