Innovation and impact celebrated

The outstanding achievements of several public school staff and students have been recognised in an award that celebrates the impact young West Australians have in their community.

Current staff and students were among the winners in three categories announced last Friday at the Young Achiever Awards WA 2026 presentation event.  

The annual awards program highlights the leadership, innovation, advocacy, creativity and service of young people in WA.  

The winners were chosen for the way they make a real difference across their communities, industries and beyond.

Manea Senior College student Isabella Chalker won the Young Women Leader Award for her work to improve opportunities for women, girls and regional communities.

Isabella, the founder of the Manea Senior College Z Club, has led projects supporting vulnerable females with their education, and has coordinated 100 birthing kits to support safer childbirth in developing countries. 

She was one of only two WA representatives in the Country to Canberra Leadership Program and has successfully led the Regional Ambulance Service Bill as WA Youth Minister for Health and Mental Health.  

WA College of Agriculture – Narrogin farm supervisor Alex Rumens took out the Career Achievement Award. 

Mr Rumens was recognised for his commitment to developing future agricultural leaders through practical, industry-focused education. He is also working towards more sustainable farming operations across the agricultural college.  

Perth Modern School Year 11 students Diya Sanjay and Sara Rajwani won the Outstanding School Student Award for their innovative social impact initiative Elevare Education.  

Elevare Education aims to help migrant students navigate academic and social challenges in new educational environments.  

Through mentoring, mindset coaching and transition support programs, Diya and Sara have helped hundreds of students and built a growing online community. 

Their work has been formally recognised in the Western Australian Parliament and selected as a finalist in the 2025 WA Innovator of the Year Awards.  

Learn more through the Awards Australia website.