A Mirrabooka high school student has been awarded $1000 after she won a NAIDOC t-shirt design competition open to young creatives across Australia.
Y School student Paige, a 16-year-old Yamaji Wangi woman, has been recognised nationally for her meaningful artistic talent after her artwork won the exciting opportunity to be featured on the Y’s limited edition NAIDOC shirts.
She also took home the competition’s top prize money.
Inspired by this year’s NAIDOC Week theme, 50 Years of Deadly, Paige’s artwork honours Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the importance of culture, connection and community.
Her design speaks to the leadership of Elders, with hands symbolising care and connection, stars representing the deep knowledge of land and sky, and a fire reflecting the gathering places where stories and culture are passed down to generations.
Paige said her achievement marked a milestone in her journey of rebuilding confidence after joining the Y School in October 2025.
“Before joining the Y School, I was sad. I was a bit lost, and I had zero direction. I didn’t think that I deserved anything that I wanted and needed,” she said.
“And then I came here, and the staff said things like, ‘You’re so cool and amazing.’ I was so taken aback and confused, because no one had really verbalised those words to me before. I’m in such a good place now. Feeling a lot better, and I feel very supported. I know if I fall, there are people who will always help me back up.”
Y School Principal Liz Parker said Paige was “a wonderful example” of what can happen when young people are “supported, encouraged and given the opportunity to discover their strengths”.
“Since joining the Y School, we’ve seen Paige flourish. Her confidence has grown; she’s embraced new opportunities, and we’re incredibly proud to see her creativity recognised through this award,” Ms Parker said.
Paige’s youth worker, Sabre Johnson, said she was proud to wear her artwork that had such an impactful meaning behind it.
“Having faced many challenges, she has found that all she needed to access her considerable academic, creative and social talents was a supportive school environment,” she said.
“It makes me very happy to know that Paige trusts us to consistently be there when she needs support and cheer her on in her successes.”
Paige’s winning artwork will continue to be worn by Y staff, volunteers and supporters long after NAIDOC Week, serving as a lasting celebration of First Nations culture, creativity and community.
The Y School provides an alternative education pathway for young people in Years 7 to 12 who have experienced significant difficulty accessing mainstream education.
The Y WA is a community not-for-profit organisation and has been in WA for more than a century.
