Introducing Our First Youth Ambassador: Taynan (Tay) Lilydale
At just 11 years old, Taynan (Tay) Lilydale is already showing the kind of leadership, generosity, and cultural pride that inspires everyone around him. Born and raised in Darwin on Larrakia Country, on the lands his family has lived on for generations, Tay carries a deep connection to identity and community.
His family story is woven through significant moments in Northern Territory history. Tay’s great-great-grandmother, Bett Bett Callaghan (Edith Williams), was placed in the Kahlin Compound from the Darwin Half-Caste Home, while his father’s side traces back to Jessie Lyons, who appears in the documentary Croker Island Exodus. These histories, shaped by the Stolen Generations and intergenerational trauma, have helped shape Tay’s sense of strength, resilience, and cultural pride.
A natural athlete and an eight-year rugby league player, Tay is the type of kid who gives his all to any sport he picks up. His teamwork, sportsmanship, and determination follow him off the field too – into school, home life, and the wider community.
Raised by a dedicated mother with a strong background in education and advocacy, Tay has grown up surrounded by conversations about human rights, inclusion, and the importance of looking after others. His mum, nanna, and aunty have all worked as respite and foster carers, giving Tay a deep understanding of compassion from a young age. He has walked alongside his mum at rallies and community gatherings, learning firsthand that positive change begins with courage and care.
After experiencing homelessness in Darwin, Tay and his family moved to Perth, where he has continued to show remarkable strength and adaptability. He still maintains a strong connection to home, returning to Darwin to spend time with family, go goose shooting, barramundi fishing, and camp on Country.
This year, Tay put his heart into a powerful cause. As part of his school Citizenship Award Project, he chose to support the Remote Op Shop Project, raising more than $5,000 in six months and sending over 200 care parcels to 47 remote communities across WA, NT, and QLD. He balanced fundraising, parcel packing, planning, and record-keeping with school, sport, and family commitments – developing skills well beyond his years.
Tay’s commitment to helping others, his cultural grounding, and his belief in fairness and community made him the perfect choice for our very first Youth Ambassador.
We are incredibly proud to welcome Tay to the role, and we look forward to supporting him as he continues to grow, lead, and inspire.
“It makes me feel proud to be helping and happy because I’ve met lots of kind people along the way that want to support me in my journey” – Tay
Support Tay’s Leadership Journey
As our Youth Ambassador, Tay is already stepping into new opportunities to share his story, champion fairness, and inspire others. Over the coming year, he will be:
- hosting events in Perth
- running market stalls
- engaging with schools
- speaking at community and industry events
- and leading new youth-focused initiatives
Your support will help Tay continue this important work.
Donations will go directly toward supporting his activities, covering travel, materials for events, community engagement costs, and the development of youth-led advocacy projects.If you’d like to support Tay’s journey, you can make a contribution.