Western Sydney student voices lead the way

Powerful narratives have emerged from Western Sydney school students, who claimed all three prizes in the 2026 Multicultural Youth Voices Competition.  

Each of the stories showcase how physical activity, culture and connection can support young people’s mental health and wellbeing.

The statewide competition attracted more than 115 entries from high school students across NSW, with the winning stories coming from Macarthur Girls, Rooty Hill and Northmead CAPA High Schools.

The competition was delivered by the Western Sydney Local Health District’s Prevention Education & Research Unit (PERU), in partnership with Multicultural Health Communication Service, as part of the NSW Health initiative, Multicultural Health Week 2026.

The winning students were recognised at the State Library of NSW, during the launch of the Multicultural Health Week 2026.

First prize went to Anastasia from Macarthur Girls High School for her story Connection through Folklore, exploring how traditional dance builds cultural pride, acceptance and wellbeing.  

Hohepa from Rooty Hill High School placed second with a moving story about physical activity helping his family navigate grief and heal together, while Mia from Northmead CAPA High School placed third with her story of how walking, culture and community helped her family recover from profound loss and rediscover a sense of belonging.

Professor Smita Shah OAM, Director of PERU, said the stories demonstrate the importance of listening to young people.

“These young people are showing us that supporting mental health does not always begin in a clinic. Physical activity, friendships, family, culture and connection can all play a powerful role in building wellbeing and resilience,” Smita said.

The success of Western Sydney students also reflects PERU’s long-standing work with local schools through initiatives such as Students As Lifestyle Activists (SALSA) and youth voices initiatives, which uses peer education and youth leadership to empower students to improve health and wellbeing in their school communities.

A People’s Choice Award will open from 18–28 September, which provides the community an opportunity to read the stories and vote for the one that resonates most with them.

One powerful message from the three winners: when we listen to young people, they can help show us the way to better health and wellbeing.

You can read the stories here and vote for the People's Choice Award: People's Choice Award - Prevention Education & Research Unit.