National NAIDOC 2004 Award Winners

Michael Hayden - Youth of the Year

Michael is from Merredin in Western Australia and is from the Njaki Njaki (pronounced narji narji) people of that region. He now lives and works in Perth.

In 1999 Michael was one of only two Indigenous students to complete year 12 and graduate with their Higher School Certificate from his local school in Merredin.

Michael is a strong advocate for Indigenous Youth and has been a representative on committees and groups at local, regional, and national levels.

In 2003, Michael was selected to be a member of the National Youth Leadership Group.

On his own initiative, Michael developed a survey to find out what issues Indigenous youth of the South West of Western Australia face.

From this survey, Michael created a report that has formed the basis for the possibility of establishing an Indigenous Youth Leadership programme with the state government of WA.

The Western Australian Government formally recognised him for his efforts awarding Michael both the Young Person of the Year and the Youth leadership Award for 2004.

Michael enjoys the opportunity to speak at forums on Indigenous issues ranging from health and education to youth matters.

Michael leads by example and has undoubtedly set benchmarks for other indigenous young people to follow.