Child Protection Minister Simone McGurk has congratulated the 31 recipients of this year’s Achiever Awards.
The Achiever Award program highlights the education and training achievements of young Western Australians aged 15 to 25 who have spent time in out-of-home care.
Eleven of this year’s award recipients are indigenous.
Winners receive a certificate and trophy honouring their efforts, along with financial support of up to $4,000 to assist with the costs of their ongoing study, course work or training.
Each recipient is recognised in one of three category pathways: University Achiever Award, Registered Training Achiever Award, and Apprenticeship or Traineeship Achiever Award.
The 31 recipients represent a diverse range of professional interests, with award winners focusing their studies and training across areas such as law, automotive mechanical trades and hairdressing.
The Achiever Awards is celebrating its 31st year in 2021. To date, it has supported more than 550 young Western Australians with lived experience of out-of-home care to further develop their skills and knowledge.
More information on the Department of Communities annual Achiever Awards is available at: https://www.communities.wa.gov.au/achieverawards
As stated by Child Protection Minister Simone McGurk:
“In my role as Minister for Child Protection, the Achiever Awards are the highlight of my year.
“For 31 years, these awards have celebrated young people who have spent time in the out-of-home care system, and championed education and training as pathways to development and a range of opportunities.
“They have successfully supported hundreds of young Western Australians to further develop their skills, knowledge and resilience and build careers after leaving out-of-home care.
“In many cases, the winners are young people who have endured a tough start to life, but with good support from their foster carers, extended families and case workers have overcome significant challenges to succeed in their educational or vocational pursuits.
“While each of their experiences has no doubt been unique, every Achiever Award winner should be so proud of how far they’ve come.”
