Difficulties inspires teen

As a young child, she had aspirations to become Australia's first female Prime Minister.

But after being pipped to the post by Julia Gillard, Parmelia teen Tanesha Bennell set her sights on changing the world one teenager at a time.

She's doing this by working to promote an inclusive, anti-bullying, mentally healthy message as part of her role on Kwinana's Youth Advisory Council.

Tanesha said she had thrown herself in to helping organise community events for young people, including NAIDOC Week celebrations, Lyric Awards and Freakfest Skate and Bike competitions, since she joined the group last year.

The 14-year-old said the "be strong, speak up" message YAC was working to promote during this week's National Youth Week events, was particularly close to her heart.

She said some experiences in her personal life, including caring for two younger brothers with autism, had been difficult, but had made her more determined to succeed.

"I have four younger brothers, and Taj and Jason have autism," Tanesha said.

"They aren't too bad, but sometimes things can escalate and they start attacking each other.

"Mum became critically ill for a long time after she had my youngest brother Tremaine, who is three now, and Dad has been sick for a long time too, which has meant I mostly have to look after them."

The young carer said she had never let her home-life challenges hold her back and, after achieving good grades at Gilmore College, was delighted when she won an indigenous scholarship at All Saints' College.

She said it had been a shock starting at the Bull Creek private school in February, but she was determined to get as much out of it as possible.

"It's been quite difficult because everyone there has already bonded," Tanesha said.

"It's different to my old school because the girls don't really talk to boys and no one hugs.

"I'm trying to fit in, but it is quite hard.

"I want to show everyone indigenous kids can do something positive."

Tanesha, who has Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal heritage, said she wanted to dedicate her life to helping others who found themselves in difficult situations.

The Year 9 student said she had already decided which subjects she wanted to study in Years 11 and 12 to allow her to study psychology at university.

She said she was committed to promoting the YAC Youth Week motto.

"Sometimes young people in Kwinana are too scared to ask for help," she said.

"I just want us to all be able to stand up for one another."

I want to show everyone indigenous kids can do something positive. Tanesha Bennell