Two remarkable young women from the south-eastern suburbs have taken their passion for advocacy all the way to Parliament House, as part of the 30th annual Y WA Youth Parliament.
Chanchala Rajapakse from Kenwick and Ananya Sachidanandan from Canning Vale are among 58 youth delegates from across the state selected for this year’s non-partisan leadership program, which gives young people a rare opportunity to step into the shoes of lawmakers and debate real issues that affect Western Australians.
Chanchala, representing the Cannington electorate, felt like coming full circle.
“Cannington is home for me. I live in Kenwick, so being able to step into a space where I can bring our local experiences and voices into bigger conversations was incredibly exciting and meaningful,” she said.
With more than five years of volunteering experience in both local and international settings, Chanchala said joining Youth Parliament felt like the natural step in her journey of service.
“I’ve always been passionate about community involvement. It’s such a unique opportunity to be in the room where change starts, and to actually practice the skills it takes to lead, represent, and advocate for your community.”
As part of the Community and Disability services Committee, Chanchala and her team worked on the Western Australian Regional Ambulance Service Bill, which seeks to improve ambulance services and emergency health access in rural and regional areas.
“Whether you’re in the city or in a small rural town, access to timely, reliable healthcare, especially emergency services is a basic right,” she said.
For Cannington, even though we’re in the metro area, we know how population growth, traffic congestion, and stretched health services can delay emergency care. This bill is about equity, dignity, and making sure every community feels supported in critical moments.”
Standing in Parliament and debating real topics was an experience, one that left Chanchala feeling more determined than ever to continue speaking up.
“It’s been empowering and honestly a bit surreal! Being in Parliament, hearing your voice echo in a space where real laws are made, it’s a feeling I won’t forget. The discussions are passionate, the topics are real, and everyone is here because they care. That energy has been amazing to be part of.”
She hopes the experience will strengthen her voice and understanding of policy, and pave the way for a future in advocacy, especially in health, youth support, or inclusion.
She said, “I want to stay involved in building a fairer, more connected WA.”
Ananya Sachidanandan, from Canning Vale, returned to Youth Parliament this year after an unforgettable experience in 2024. This time, she stepped into a leadership role as Shadow Minister for Women’s Interests, representing the Rockingham electorate.
“The women’s interest committee is back and with a vengeance,” she said.
Her team introduced the Family and Domestic Violence Protection and Enforcement Bill, which takes a comprehensive approach to addressing family violence. According to her, the bill covers four key areas, including prevention, preparation, protection, and prosecution.
From education system reform to police training and justice system changes, the bill aims to create meaningful pathways to safety and support for victims across the state.
“As a young woman, women’s interests and female safety in WA is of utmost interest to me. I see the way society exists currently and I grow scared for my sisters in society. So much change is needed and so little that tangibly does anything has been created. That is why this portfolio is important to me.”
While being a minister has been a challenge, Ananya said it has pushed her to grow.
She said, “Our committee has poured our heart and soul into this bill. It’s been a high octane, but deeply rewarding.”
She encouraged other young people to step up and speak out, no matter how daunting it might seem.
“Do it. Do it scared. Our fear strengthens us, our rage empowers us, our voice uplifts us all, and as young people, we are no longer the voices of tomorrow. we are the voice of today.”
Since joining Youth Parliament last year, Ananya’s commitment to leadership has only grown stronger. She now serves as president of several local community service clubs and said advocacy and empowerment is still a main thing for her.
Both Chanchala and Ananya show that leadership isn’t for a selected few, but built on lived experience, courage, willingness to listen, learn and act.
