Achiever Awards highlight the remarkable achievements of young people in care

Early childhood education and care (ECEC) professionals are amongst the cohort of young people recognised in the 2024 Achiever Awards, an initiative which recognises the academic success of young people in care in Western Australia. 

 

50 young people with an out of home care experience were honoured by WA Premier and Child Protection Minister Sabine Winton at a recent awards ceremony held at the WA Museum Boola Bardip, joining a cohort of more than 640 young people who have been recognised since the awards began in 1990. 

 

“As the Minister for Child Protection and a former teacher, the Achiever Awards is extremely close to my heart,” Ms Winton said.

 

“It is an honour to recognise the 50 young people who are committed to pursuing further education and training, and those who are making a big difference in their community.”

 

The Achiever Awards provide recognition, encouragement, and financial assistance for young people aged between 15 and 25 years who are undertaking further education or training, who are, or have been, in the care of the Department of Communities and have overcome significant barriers to pursue further education and training.

 

In 2024 the awards program attracted a record number of nominees across three categories including the University Achiever Award, the Registered Training Achiever Award, and the Apprenticeship or Traineeship Achiever Award.

 

Winners received financial support of $1,000 or $4,000 to assist with the costs of their studies, a trophy, and a certificate to recognise their commitment to further education. 

 

Seven nominees were also nominated for the Community Spirit Award, with one recipient being selected to receive a further $1,000 prize for demonstrating outstanding leadership and volunteering within their community.

 

This year’s winners are undertaking studies or training in areas such as ECEC, commerce, science, nursing, and carpentry. 

 

The awards are supported by Curtin University, Department of Chamber and Commerce Western Australia – Apprenticeship Support Australia, Edith Cowan University, University of Notre Dame Australia, The University of Western Australia, Graduate Women Western Australia, and the Department of Training and Workforce.

 

Learn more about the awards here. Image source: Department of Communities WA.