Collie local Wil Massara has been announced a finalist for this year’s WA Youth Awards in the Community Leadership Award category.
The self-motivated 15-year-old is involved in several community groups in Collie as a youth representative.
In 2016, his local Bendigo Bank sponsored Wil to attend the annual Magic Moments Youth Leadership and Business Summit in Sydney.
He left inspired to make a change within his school, community and country.
In the last year, Wil has volunteered at bank local functions and spoken at events to encourage increased support of young people through sponsorship.
He has also been elected to the local Youth Advisory Committee, is now a part of the Magic Moments Foundation youth projects committee, and is a member of Project NextGen, a group of local business owners and entrepreneurs trying to establish a more clear vision of the future of the Collie.
He is considered a model student, and has been appointed chair in his school's student council in 2017.
Youth Minister Peter Tinley said the calibre of finalists in this year's WA Youth Awards is truly outstanding.
“These young people are representative of the diversity of WA's young people and the ways in which they contribute to building vibrant communities,” he said.
"Many of these young people have overcome extremely challenging situations and exemplify the qualities of resilience, determination and perseverance that our future generations hold.
"The WA Youth Awards are a wonderful reminder of the great work undertaken by WA's young people and provide an opportunity to celebrate their achievements and the positive difference they are making in their communities."
The WA Youth Awards showcase the achievements and contributions of young Western Australians aged 12 to 25, as well as organisations that work with and support WA youth.
Eight organisations that work with youth are also finalists.
One individual category winner will be named WA's Young Person of the Year at the State Theatre Centre on October 12, 2017.
