• ​Youth Minister presents 2015 WA Youth Awards

An Aboriginal man who overcame a disadvantaged childhood to become a mentor and human rights advocate has been named 2015 WA Young Person of the Year. 

Preston Colbung, a Curtin University student, is a case worker with young repeat offenders in Armadale.

Speaking at the awards ceremony in Perth last night, Youth Minister Tony Simpson said Preston had faced challenges including homelessness, mental health issues and family problems.

“Preston has proven a bad start doesn’t need to continue into adulthood.  He is now a young leader and a fantastic role model for all young people in Western Australia,” Mr Simpson said.

“I commend Preston for his tremendous hard work and passion for helping others.  He is a young man making a real difference in his community.”

The Minister said Preston was one of five category winners, all of whom were outstanding and inspiring people doing great things in their community.

“The WA Youth Awards showcase many great young West Australians.  They show many young people in our community have maturity beyond their years and are making a significant and positive contribution to the lives of others,” he said.

“When you look at the finalists and winners of the different categories of the WA Youth Awards and what they have achieved, as well as the great things being done by many other young people throughout the State, West Australians can have great confidence in our future.”

Preston, also winner of the ECU Community Leadership Award, is WA’s Aboriginal representative for the Australian Youth Climate Coalition and has worked with Amnesty International Australia.

Fact File

• The awards are presented by the Youth Affairs Council of WA, in partnership with the Department of Local Government and Communities, and supported by Lotterywest
• For more information, visit http://www.yacwa.org.au/wayouthawards