Two organisations within the Goldfields-Esperance region will celebrate its youth through government funding

The Shire of Wiluna and Hopetoun Community Resource Centre are among 42 successful grant recipients who will receive funding for Youth Week WA 2026 celebrations. Both organisations, who were the only successful applicants from the Goldfields-Esperance region, will benefit from a pool of $125,000 State Government funding, aiming to support local youth. The Shire of Wiluna’s funds will go toward Wiluna Meekatharra Sports Day, which will bring Wiluna and Meekatharra communities together for a day of football and good food. The free event hopes to provide a day filled with engagement and community connection for youth in remote communities. Hopetoun Community Resource Centre will use its funds for its Hopey Handball Showdown. The free high-energy handball tournament for local youth will feature round-robin matches and challenges with commentary and music. Grants awarded to WA organisations will be of up to $10,000, helping local groups and companies fund their free event. Youth Minister Hannah Beazley said Youth Week WA’s government funded events would celebrate youth from across WA. “Whether through art, sport, entrepreneurship or education, these events will shine a light on young people’s achievements, skills, and positive community contributions,” she said. “Young people contribute to making our communities more inclusive every day, and Youth Week WA gives us all a chance to listen to their ideas, celebrate their talents and support them in their ambitions.” Each successful grant applicant’s event has been co-designed or led by young people, to ensure the activities are designed for people aged 10-25. On top of the $125,000 funds provided by the State Government, $7500 was awarded to the Shire of Capel to hold the Youth Week WA launch event on April 10. $20,000 was also awarded for the week, to support its closing event in Perth. Youth Week WA 2026 will run from April 10-16.