MANDURAH’S Rhys Williams has taken out the Western Australian of the Year Youth award.
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The former councillor was recognised as being one of the top contributors to the betterment of the state.
“I feel very honoured and a bit overwhelmed,” he said.
“It was really unexpected, especially with the calibre of the other finalists.
“There were some many inspiring people in attendance on the night and it was great to meet and talk to them.”
His list of achievements just keeps growing, like being a founder of non-profit group The Makers, who aim to bring like-minded people together through their central hub, Make Place.
“The best way to solve problems is to get great groups of people together and they need a central place to do that,” he said.
“The intent is to create an ecosystem of innovation and activity.”
He also spearheaded the Smart Street Parties initiative, a series of summer events to get people out into the community for a fun evening.
“It brings people together and creates a sense of community safety and local identity,” he said.
“It gives people a chance to be proud of their city.”
His work with young people also extends to organising the region’s Youth on Health Festival (YOH Fest), part of the state’s biggest youth performing arts event.
Mr Williams said his work was about focusing on the intention to solve wider challenges behind the project, rather than the project itself.
Mr Williams said he was grateful for the support from his mentors, former Mandurah Mayor Paddi Creevey and Mandurah MLA David Templeman.
“Paddi, David and others all provided opportunities for mentoring and support for me,” he said.
“There’s no way you could win an award like this without strong mentors and they are some of the most outstanding leaders in this community.”
Ms Creevey said Mr Williams was a credit to his family and the organisations he’s involved with.
“We’re so fortunate to have him in our community,” she said.
“His focus is about improving the lives of young people in regional WA and developing youth leadership.
“It’s a real opportunity to focus on the absolute gold mine of potential we have in Mandurah.
“Young people can achieve a lot if they’re given opportunities.”
Ms Creevey said the calibre of the other finalists was extremely high and for Mr Williams to be judged the winner was a great accolade for him.