We are excited to share that not one but two WWDA Youth Advisory members were selected as finalists for Young Australian of the Year 2024.
Congratulations Amy James and Charlotte Young, find out more about these incredible members below!
Amy James – Singer, songwriter and disability advocate
2024 NT YOUNG AUSTRALIAN OF THE YEAR NOMINEE
Amy James is a proud Warumungu woman living with cerebral palsy and investing her huge heart and endless enthusiasm in connecting people, changing perspectives and making the Barkly region better for all.
As a disability advocate, educator and singer/songwriter, Amy is ‘famous’ for literally leading the parade. Most people in Tennant Creek recognise her face from events including the Do It For Dolly anti-bullying campaign, RU OK Day and International Women’s Day celebrations.
She also makes ‘quieter’ contributions to Women With Disabilities Australia, the Northern Territory’s Disability Advisory Committee, and Tennant Creek Transport Inc. She takes part in many information-gathering sessions, including those convened by the NDIS and Department of Social Services.
Amy always speaks up for what she believes to be fair, honest and supportive to and for her community. In 2023, she won the prestigious Somerville Community Service Award at the Northern Territory Young Achiever Awards.
Charlotte Young – Youth and disability advocate
2024 VIC YOUNG AUSTRALIAN OF THE YEAR NOMINEE
Charlotte Young is an advocate and emerging leader whose goal is to build an Australia that truly reflects the rights and diversity of our communities.
The co-founder and president of the Australian National University Auslan Club, Charlotte uses her experience as a person with hearing loss to help drive change. The dancer and full-time university student works as an inclusivity consultant to national and international organisations including the Australian Government, Children and Young People with Disability Australia, UNICEF and the U.S. Embassy.
Charlotte is a fellow with the Clinton Global Initiative University, advocating for young people with disability in the justice system.
As an executive member in the Global Network of Young People with Disability, and United Nations delegate, she provides sustainable and intersectional advocacy on an international scale. She also works on initiatives and campaigns, including the National Youth Disability Summit, and is a board director at Burgmann College.