Published on Monday, 12 April 2021 at 6:00:00 AM
Youth Week WA 2021 runs from 9 to 16 April and is the biggest celebration of young people in Western Australian aged 10 to 25.
This year’s theme is Our Path. Inspired by wayfinding stars, it acknowledges the convergence of our individual paths to form a community, to where we are now, and questions how we are going to move forward.
In celebration, we're putting five young people in the spotlight who inspire us and make our community a better place.
#youthweekheroes
Jonathon, 20
Jonathon is a young Noongar, Yamatji man originally from Northam. He has family in the Geraldton area and is now a Leederville local.
After finishing Year 12, Jonathon started his own business working with his Father and Grandfather, respected Noongar Elder Ben Taylor, sharing stories and raising awareness of Noongar culture.
He plays the didgeridoo, performs dance, runs workshops and performs Welcome to Country Ceremonies as part of his Cultural Practice, attending many schools, businesses and organisations in this role.
Jonathon is a leader amongst his peers and an amazing ambassador for young Noongar and Yamatji people.
He plays football at Subiaco Football Club and is a student mentor at Darling Range Sports College, as well as through the Follow the Dream Program.
“The people who inspire me the most are our younger generation,” says Jonathon. “They give me the motivation to keep pushing to ensure they have a clear path for their future."
Jonathon is a strong, positive presence in our community. He always has a smile on his face and is deserving of recognition for his hard work and leadership.
#youthweekhereos
Anthony, 16
Whenever and wherever help is needed, Anthony is always the first to volunteer.
This Aranmore student and Vincent local is known at his school for helping with events and projects such as the drama production and student Open Day.
Anthony always goes above and beyond and uses his superb organisational skills, maturity, kindness and intelligence to ensure events are of the highest standard.
“It makes me really happy to see people enjoying the events that I have helped with and seeing them run smoothly,” says Anthony.
Anthony is an outstanding role model for his peers and younger students. He is a wonderful example of a generous, community-minded young person who puts the welfare and happiness of others before himself.
His words of encouragement for young people are: “Get involved, no matter how big or small the contribution, just give it a go and remember it's ok to fail.”
#youthweekhereos
Victoria, 17
Over the past six years, Victoria has been an active member of the Aranmore community, generously volunteering her time and leadership skills in sports, arts, cultural and community activities.
Whether it’s as a member of the school sporting teams or as the College’s Deputy Head Girl, Victoria leads with compassion, kindness and enthusiasm and is an outstanding role model.
“My parents raised me to always contribute and help others, but I also do it because I genuinely enjoy it,” says Victoria. “I also believe it's really important for young people to contribute and make their voices heard.”
Victoria works quietly behind the scenes to make sure events run smoothly and that other people feel included and valued.
She is a great example of a young person using their skills for the benefit of the community.
#youthweekhereos
Aaron, 14
Aaron is a Mount Hawthorn local who has been collecting compostables from around the neighbourhood for over a year to contribute to the Transition Town Vincent community compost station at Britannia Reserve.
Rain or shine, he walks his composting cart around to local households then to the community compost station.
Aaron believes that the environment is a key issue, especially for young people and says “it’s really important to me to help out by doing things that divert waste from landfill and reduce emissions”.
There are many busy locals in the neighbourhood who want to contribute to the composting system, and Aaron's collection service is invaluable in supporting the initiative and diverting food waste from landfill.
As well as being a great environmental initiative, Aaron gets to earn some income from his work and is saving for his future.
#youthweekhereos
Zara, 19
Zara has been a volunteer with the City's Vincent Youth Network since its inception in 2019, helping to plan and deliver events including the Young Makers Christmas Market, Vincent Gold Rush and Barista course. She also contributed to the development of the City’s first Youth Action Plan.
Zara has impressed our youth coordinator with her energy and dedication to attend meetings, and she’s always willing to have a go at new tasks, even those that are outside her comfort zone.
Since graduating from Aranmore College, Zara has started coaching with Gymnastics WA and is enjoying working with kids and young people in the community.
She values giving back to the community that she has grown up in and enjoys being able to help make a difference.
“I think it's important to volunteer and it will help you gain new skills and experience,” says Zara.
When asked who inspires her, Zara has one particular hero in mind – a hardworking and selfless woman who has always set a great example.
"My mum is has always been my role model and has helped shaped me into who I am,” she says.
#youthweekhereos
Back to All News