From apprentice to WA Local Hero: Frank Mitchell empowers First Nations communities

The 2026 Australian of the Year recipients will be announced next week, with finalists from each state and territory in four categories. Among them is Western Australia’s Local Hero of the Year, proud Whadjuk-Yued Noongar man Frank Mitchell.

Shaped by grief and personal struggle, Mitchell transformed his life, creating apprenticeships that prioritise First Nations people and women, reinvesting profits into community support, opportunity and hope for those facing hardship.

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