A Mandurah man who has overcome adversity and gone on to champion the employment rights of people with disabilities has been named the 2011 WA Young Person of the Year.
Peter Darch has dedicated himself to helping others since becoming a quadriplegic at 16 in a swimming accident.
Youth Minister Robyn McSweeney presented Peter with his award last night at the 13th annual WA Youth Awards gala ceremony.
Mrs McSweeney said the awards acknowledged individuals and organisations that had shown excellence and innovation in advancing the lives of young people.
"In publicly recognising and thanking these inspiring young leaders, and indeed more than 100 entrants across eight award categories, we recognise that the whole community benefits from such outstanding efforts by young people," she said.
"These young people, youth-led groups and youth workers have excelled in their fields of endeavour in areas as diverse as citizenship, mentoring, leadership, conservation, artistic pursuits, recreation and in helping others overcome adversity. Some have made their mark in the public eye, while others have worked quietly behind the scenes, enriching the lives of others through their contributions."
The Minister made particular note of WA Young Person of the Year Peter Darch's work as an advocate for people with disabilities, campaigning relentlessly over the years to address the shortfalls relating to the employment of people with disabilities in Australia, and developing the 'Access to Employment Scheme', that he hopes the Federal Government will initiate nationwide.
Peter became a youth development officer for the City of Mandurah's Billy Dower Youth Centre a few years ago, establishing a number of award-winning programs, including the Young Men's Program and the School's Out Holiday Program. He also continues to visit schools and other agencies as a motivational speaker, encouraging people to achieve their goals and overcome adversity.
"The outstanding field of young people nominated into the WA Youth Awards demonstrates their quality of leadership, passion and commitment and gives me every confidence that our future is in good hands," Mrs McSweeney said.
Journalists and photographers were also honoured at the awards ceremony for their positive portrayal of young people and youth issues in the media.
Minister's office - 9222 8950
2011 WA Youth Awards winners
WA Young Person of the Year and Minister for Youth's Most Outstanding Youth Worker Award for an individual of any age who has made a significant contribution to their local community.
Peter Darch, 25 (Mandurah)
Innovate! BHP Billiton Award for an outstanding youth-led group or organisation.
Gnowangerup Hub Youth Group (Gnowangerup)
Motivate! Woodside Award for inspirational role models.
Peter Hall, 18 (Ocean Reef)
Recreate! Office for Youth Award for excellence in sport and recreation.
Joseph Davies, 20 (Kununurra)
Create! Propel Youth Arts Award for excellence in the arts.
Brendan Backhouse, 21 (Broome)
Educate! Edith Cowan University Award for leadership.
Emerson Lievense, 22 (Anketell)
Activate! Department of Environment and Conservation Award for an individual or group environmental champion.
Jake Pickersgill, 18 (Lynwood)
Participate! Commissioner for Children and Young People's Award for young people aged 12 to 17 who have made positive changes in their community.
Cheviena Hansen, 17 (Beckenham)
The Communicate! WA Youth Media Awards.
Print
Michelle Ridley - The West Australian for 'The good doers'.
Television
Aleisha Banner - WIN News for 'Patjarr'.
Best Photograph
Dominique Menegaldo - Community Newspaper Group for 'Two schoolboys shine in geography contest'.
Charmaine Dragun Memorial Judges' Commendation for a journalist under 25
Aleisha Banner - WIN News for 'Patjarr'.
