Aboriginal Affairs Minister Ken Wyatt pens letter congratulating Broome Advertiser’s list of 18 most inspiring young Indigenous leaders

The emerging role models on the Broome Advertiser’s 18 most inspiring young Indigenous leaders list have been honoured by the Minister for Indigenous Australians Ken Wyatt. Each of the youth featured have received a letter from Mr Wyatt, congratulating them on their achievements in the Kimberley and outlining why their work is so critical in the North. Those included in the four-week series in this newspaper were selected for their commitment to social issues, health, education and positive representation. Mr Wyatt said it was important to recognise people doing amazing work on the ground for their contributions. “Having read the stories of these young leaders, I felt compelled to reach out, commend them, and encourage them to keep having a positive impact, not only in their local community, but one day in the future, across the country,” he said. “It is important to recognise the work of Indigenous leaders, particularly young Indigenous leaders, as they are our elders of tomorrow.” Mr Wyatt said Aboriginal people often did not claim credit for successes or build up their peers and it needed to change. “Young people have incredible potential and in 2020, our young Indigenous leaders can aspire to be anything they set their sights to,” he said. “We must foster that spirit and ambition at every opportunity.” Youth worker Zeke McKenzie was among the 18 youngsters on the list and said it felt amazing to receive the recognition from Mr Wyatt. “I was surprised when I first opened it up,” he said. “This hopefully puts a spotlight on us for him and the Government and gives an understanding of the work that goes on up here in the Kimberley — it puts Broome on the map for a good reason and shows we’re in good hands. “Being part of the list and getting the letter, it gives me more energy and passion to keep doing what I’m doing.” The list also included Soleil and Kamisa White, Lathan Sebastian, Bianca Graham, Dre Bedford, Jacob Corpus, Joseph Bin Omar, Isaiah McKenna, Alden Lands, Daniel Cox, William Hunter, Kiarnee King Baguley, Kara Farrell, Jasmine John, Isobel Varney, Jarelle Tiean and Sanchez Augustine.