Child Protection Minister Robyn McSweeney today presented 19 young West Australians with Ida Curtois Achiever Awards of up to $4,000.
The awards began in 1990 in honour of former Foster Care Association of Western Australia president Ida Curtois and allow young West Australians who have been or are in the care of the Department for Child Protection, to pursue their dreams through further education.
"The Ida Curtois Achiever Awards aim to provide financial assistance and encouragement to young people aged 16 to 25 years, who have been in care of the department and are continuing with their further education and training," Mrs McSweeney said.
"Aside from being a very prestigious honour for young people who have faced much adversity, the awards help to promote the value of post-secondary education and training.
"It is commendable that despite the difficulties these young people may have faced, they have made the important decision to further their education. Their drive, determination and the courage to have-a-go is remarkable.
"All recipients should be very proud of what they have achieved and we hope that initiatives such as this program continue to encourage young people have prevailed over hardship to realise their full potential."
The awards received a record number of nominations in 2010, with 19 young people nominated into three categories including five in the University Achiever Award, 12 in the Technical and Further Education Achiever Award and two in the Apprenticeship or Traineeship Achiever Award.
"We were so overwhelmed with the standard of nominations this year that every nominee has been selected as an award recipient. Four outstanding Achiever Award winners have also been selected to receive Inspiration Awards," Mrs McSweeney said.
In recognising each young person's efforts while in care, the Minister also called for more West Australians who are able to provide a stable and supportive home environment for a child, to consider fostering.
"There is a shortage of foster carers because many people are not sure of what is involved, or do not understand how rewarding the experience can be," Mrs McSweeney said.
Ida Curtois Achiever Awards 2010 Recipients
University Achiever Award
Leigh Cole - Wilson
Shirley Jacovic - Madeley
Frank Jardim - Atwell
Amanda Pratt - Esperance
Jonathan Tran - Henley Brook
Technical and Further Education Achiever Award
Cassandra Baillie - Applecross
Jennifer Betham - Geraldton
Amy Blanket - Warnbro
Victoria Dilley - Kalamunda
Phillip Edmonds - Spearwood
Brett Flahavin - Morley
Tareha Lake - Koongamia
Rebbecca Payne - Bellevue
Terry Price - Willetton
Ashleigh Smith - High Wycombe
Chantel Starks - Cooloongup
Kat Weston - Mount Lawley
Apprenticeship or Traineeship Achiever Award
Harley Roberts - Warnbro
Luke Smith - Busselton
Inspiration Award
Amy Blanket
Victoria Dilley
Shirley Jacovic
Jonathan Tran
Minister's office - 9222 8950
