At just 16, Matilda Thompson is already proving herself as a young leader with a bright future!

Balancing Year 12 studies in Port Hedland with a packed schedule, Matilda Thompson is a Talent Pool Academy team leader, Youth Advisory Council member, and advocate for youth water safety.

In March, Matilda represented Western Australia at the 30th National Schools Constitutional Convention in Canberra, where she joined 14 other WA delegates to debate national priorities and regional economic possibilities.

“It was amazing,” said Matilda. “It was such a good experience to meet everyone... people who were the same age and had similar interests.”

She found the experience eye-opening, connecting with peers who held diverse views. “You don’t go there thinking you’re all going to be different and still be friends... but we all bonded over the same thing.”

Back home, Matilda is making an impact through Talent Pool, a Royal Life Saving WA program that empowers youth mentors in the community, while helping regional and Indigenous young people build careers in the aquatic industry.

“I had a couple of friends at the time who were in Talent Pool, and they kept telling me I should join,” she said. “And when I got the job, it was the most rewarding experience.
Matilda Thomspon standing in front of the National Press Club of Australia
“Seeing kids who wouldn’t otherwise have those opportunities, the respect, and their smiles on their faces. It’s just so great to see, I love it.”

On top of her other commitments, Matilda also plays netball, dances, and recently started working as a swim teacher assistant with Talent Pool.

“It’s been really helpful to me in my personal progression,” she shared. “I assumed I’d be teaching kids, but I’ve actually been helping adults too. And I feel like I’m the one benefiting the most because I’ve learned so much from other swim teachers!”

Her dedication doesn’t stop there. She’s also leading the "Light the World Blue" campaign for World Drowning Prevention Day on July 25th in Port Hedland.

“Raising awareness [about drowning] is really important to me,” she said. “No one goes into the water thinking that that'd ever be put in a situation like that. Leading this campaign is about trying to make youth aware of it.

“A few of the things we're doing are lifeguard drills and swimming drills, and just fun other activities to get youth involved and have them practice safe actions around the water.”

Tim Turner, Talent Pool’s Senior Manager, praised Matilda’s efforts: “Talent Pool Academy is very proud of Matilda and remains committed to ensuring these opportunities are available to all as part of our mission to grow leadership and active citizenship in regional WA.”

As Youth Week WA 2025 embraces the theme ‘Our Threads, This Place, Your Moment,’ Matilda is showing what’s possible when passion meets action.

“One thing that makes young people special is that they're the future for everyone else. And not many people see that or see it that way and put faith in them.
“It's just amazing to see how many different ways people can do things they love and ask to feel like you see that, especially in young people, because they're always motivated.”

When asked to share a piece of advice with her peers and young people looking to get into leadership, Matilda said: “have confidence in [yourself] and to know what [you] want enough to go after and chase it. I feel like one of the best things I've ever I've ever done is getting involved.

Matilda Thompson with her Talent Pool Academy Crew in Port Hedland“If I hadn't initially gone into politics and law, or student leadership at high school and Headland’s Youth Advisory account, I wouldn't be who I am or where I am today. So just get started and have faith in yourself.”

Matilda plans to study law at the University of Melbourne when she graduates at the end of the year and is excited for the challenge and stepping outside her comfort zone.

With the support of BHP, Royal Life Saving WA’s Talent Pool Academy is incredibly proud of Matilda and remains committed to fostering leadership and active citizenship among young people in regional communities.