A talented 16-year-old student from the Y School in Mirrabooka has been recognised for her creativity and cultural pride after winning the Y’s annual NAIDOC T-shirt Design Competition, a national competition open to young people across Australia.
Paige is a young Yamatji Wongi young woman who joined the Y School in October last year. Since then, Paige has grown in confidence and found a supportive learning environment where she has been able to thrive. Her original artwork, inspired by this year’s NAIDOC Week theme ’50 Years of Deadly’, has earned her the competition’s top prize, a $1,000 award and the opportunity to have her design featured on the Y’s official limited-edition NAIDOC T-shirts.
Paige’s artwork reflects the enduring strength of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the importance of culture, connection and community. Her design honours the leadership of Elders – past, present and future – with hands symbolising care and connection, stars representing the deep knowledge of land and sky, and a central fire reflecting the gathering places where stories are shared and culture is passed from one generation to the next.
For Paige, the achievement marks a significant milestone in a journey of rebuilding confidence since joining the Y School in October last year.
“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. 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.”
The Y School Principal Liz Parker said Paige’s achievement reflected both her talent and how she has flourished since joining the school.
“Paige’s journey is 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.”
Paige’s Youth Worker, Sabre Johnson, has witnessed that growth firsthand.
“it’s a real privilege to be part of Paige’s journey and to proudly wear her artwork. 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. 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 proudly worn by Y staff, volunteers and supporters long after NAIDOC Week, serving as a lasting celebration of First Nations culture, creativity and community.
The limited-edition 2026 NAIDOC Week T-shirt is available to purchase at: https://www.ymcagear.com.au/collections/first-nations-range/products/naidoc-2026-limited-edition-tee-unisex?variant=45111730634928.
