JACKSON Phillips, a young Aboriginal man from Middle Swan has just been named 2026 WA Young Person of the Year.

A proud Knaarla Karla Booja, Ballardong and Wilman young person and current Year 11 student, Jackson was selected from more than 181 nominations, 39 finalists and 10 award categories before taking home the state’s highest youth honour.

He also won the Commissioner for Children and Young People’s Rising Voice Award, recognising his peer leadership, community impact and commitment to supporting and inspiring other young people.

A devoted member of the Midland Tennis Club, he is passionate about culture, community and creating opportunities for Aboriginal and disadvantaged young people, with a dream of one day providing free tennis opportunities to children who may not otherwise have access to the sport.

For Jackson’s family, the moment his name was announced as WA Young Person of the Year was deeply emotional.

“Watching Jackson’s face when his name was announced is something I will never forget. You could see the shock, pride and emotion all at once,” a family member said.

“For us, this award isn’t just about tennis or winning a title. It represents everything Jackson has overcome, the young man he has become and the way he continues to turn his own experiences into opportunities for other young people.”

Jackson has represented Western Australia at six National Indigenous Tennis Carnivals (taking home the Deadly award twice and the Evonne Goolagong award of excellence), competes in men’s division 2 tennis and is a trainee coach at his local tennis club in Midland, where he supports younger players to develop their confidence and skills.

He also arrives early to training to help younger community members and junior players with extra practice.

His passion for tennis goes well beyond competition - he sees sport as a way to connect people, build confidence and create a sense of belonging.

He is currently undertaking the Tennis Australia level 2 coaching course and wants to use his experience to create greater opportunities for children who may not otherwise have access to the sport.

One of Jackson’s biggest dreams is to establish an ongoing tennis program or facility that provides free tennis opportunities for Aboriginal and disadvantaged children where they can learn about culture.

His journey has also shaped the way he sees leadership.

Having experienced the challenges associated with growing up in foster care, Jackson understands how important positive role models, connection, culture and supportive communities can be for young people.

Rather than allowing difficult experiences to define him, Jackson has used them as motivation to support others.

His Aboriginal identity and connection to culture are central to who he is and through tennis and community involvement, he is helping demonstrate that young Aboriginal people can succeed while remaining strongly connected to their culture, community and identity.

“Jackson has never wanted recognition just for himself. He wants to use every opportunity he gets to open doors for other kids,” a family member said.

“His dream is to give Aboriginal and disadvantaged children somewhere they can play tennis for free, feel welcomed, build confidence and know that they belong.”

As the 2026 WA Young Person of the Year, Jackson will receive a $10,000 project allowance to support a youth-focused initiative, providing an opportunity for him to continue developing his vision for young people through sport, culture and community leadership.

For Jackson, the award is not the destination.

It is another step towards his goal of using tennis, culture and his own experiences to create pathways for the next generation.