Hayley Whatman

Voice for youth

2025 ACT Young Australian of the Year Nominee

Hayley Whatman, a proud Wiradjuri woman, is a strategic advocate for youth, mob, social justice and ethical accountability.  

Hayley's approach, founded on the principles of truth-telling, is committed to amplifying the voices and safeguarding the interests of marginalised youth, families, communities and future generations. She brings her grassroots community service knowledge, social work background and lived experience to her activism. 

Her various positions include co-chair of the ACT Ministerial Youth Advisory Council; ACT representative for the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Housing Association's inaugural Youth Roundtable; and the director of research and policy at Foundations for Tomorrow – a youth-driven non-profit committed to renewing Australia’s leadership, decision-making and governance approaches.  

Hayley draws strength from her own story and her contributions have earned her several accolades, including induction into the 2023 ACT Women's Honour Roll; the 2023 Executive Dean's Award from Charles Sturt University; and a 2022 Young Canberra Citizen of the Year Award.