Published on Tuesday, 8 October 2024 at 11:46:43 AM
Two young people from Hedland, Laquade Dalbin and Troy Wood, were recognised at the recent 2024 WA Youth Awards for their exceptional leadership and commitment to positive community change.
Nominated by their peers and collaborative partners for their contribution to the community, Laquade and Troy attended the prestigious awards and celebrated other young people from across the state.
Laquade, a local Aboriginal young person from Hedland and the award’s youngest participant, first caught the community's attention through his involvement with Now Sounds Hedland at the JD Hardie Youth and Community Centre.
Now Sounds Hedland is an intercultural arts project aimed at fostering the artistic talents of young people from First Nations and culturally diverse backgrounds.
Laquade used this project to develop his musical skills and emerged as a leader, supporting, and encouraging his peers.
Since delivering a fantastic final performance, Laquade has performed at Hedland's annual 'Welcome to Hedland' event and the Scribblers Festival.
Laquade Dalbin was a finalist for the Commissioner for Children and Young People Participate Award.
Laquade’s Grandmother, Christine, said she was proud of her grandson and everything he had achieved.
“I would like to thank the Town of Port Hedland and the Community Arts Network who supported Laquade and I throughout this project,” she said.
"To have Laquade nominated for the awards and to be an Aboriginal finalist alongside his idol, Inkabee, I am so proud."
Troy Wood was recognised for his involvement in the Child Adolescent Health Service Youth Advisory Council.
Troy, along with other members from the Youth Advisory Council were awarded the Y WA Collective Action Award for their efforts in enhancing inpatient meals at Perth Children’s Hospital, advocating for LQBTQIA+SB youth, and streamlining complaint management processes.
Troy said he and the group was honoured to be recognised at the awards and was looking forward to continuing the work their group does.
“We are a very tight-knit group who have a shared passion for driving change and advocating for the needs of children and young people in Western Australia who attend Perth Children’s Hospital,” he said.
Established in 1999, the awards ensure young people are acknowledged for their leadership and their passionate work in communities across WA.
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