Commissioner's Participate Award

The Commissioner for Children and Young People Participate Award was established in 2010 and is part of the Youth Affairs Council of Western Australia's Youth Awards program. 

The Award recognises exceptional young individuals aged 10-17 who actively contribute to their community and exhibit peer leadership in their chosen domain such as education, sports, student council, community invovment, work, extracurricular activities, and more.

Winner 2025

Sofia Ballerini
Since moving to the Pilbara and starting distance education, Sofia has risen above school pressures and grown stronger. She now dedicates her time to supporting at-risk Indigenous youth. These experiences have shaped her purpose, built resilience, and sparked a fire to create real change.

Congratulations also to our finalists

Amindi Elvadura

Amindi is a passionate young leader committed to social impact. As a member of Subiaco Youth Voice and secretary of Perth Modern’s Rotary Club, she advocates for youth and supports local causes. She volunteers at Stirling Markets and prepares meals for the Salvation Army. Through Seed of Hope, she delivers care bags to Perth’s homeless community. Amindi’s empathy, leadership, and dedication to service make her a powerful force for positive change.

Amy Duong

Amy has overcome lack of opportunities and support to Co-president/Vice-president of a clean water nonprofit organisation through lived experience of this struggle herself, which has funded clean water access for 350+ families in Malawi. Alongside she has launched one national student opportunity platforms, and reform school leadership. She has held roles with Headspace, WA Youth Parliament, WAMUN, and Lions Club, driven to create accessible opportunities for youth.

Lily Gaulton

Lily Gaulton is an 11-year-old disability advocate with cerebral palsy and autism. She advocates for accessibility in schools and venues, including lobbying her school to celebrate International Day of People with Disability. She contributed to the School Act Reform and participates in co-design projects to amplify youth access needs in education and public spaces.