COURAGE ISN’T FEARLESSNESS.” — WESTERN AUSTRALIA PREMIER HONORS 13-YEAR-OLD AUSTIN APPELBEE IN A LETTER THAT MOVED A STATE AS AUSTIN TO BE NAMED YOUNG AUSTRALIAN OF THE YEAR 2026. Fighting back emotion, Roger Cook wrote to Austin Appelbee not just as a leader — but as a father. “Courage isn’t the absence of fear,” he said. “It’s finding the strength to keep going when fear surrounds you.”

Western Australia Premier Roger Cook has written a deeply moving letter to 13-year-old Austin Appelbee, honouring the teenager’s courage and resilience as he is set to be named Young Australian of the Year 2026.

Fighting back emotion, the Premier wrote to Austin not only in his role as a state leader, but as a father, offering words of encouragement that have since resonated widely across Western Australia.

“Courage isn’t the absence of fear,” Mr Cook wrote.
“It’s finding the strength to keep going when fear surrounds you.”

The letter praised Austin’s quiet determination and the example he has set for young people and families across the state. Community leaders and educators say his story has become a powerful reminder that leadership can come from the most unexpected places.

Since the message became public, many Western Australians have shared the Premier’s words online, describing the letter as heartfelt, personal and deeply inspiring.

At just 13 years old, Austin Appelbee is expected to become one of the youngest recipients of the Young Australian of the Year 2026 honour, recognised for the strength, character and hope he represents for a new generation.

For many, the Premier’s message captured a simple truth — courage is not about being fearless, but about choosing to move forward when fear is present.