WA's outstanding youth awarded and positive media portrayal applauded

7/4/06
A 22-year-old businessman, who is passionate about ensuring disabled people can make the most of life, has been named Western Australia's Young Person of the Year for 2006.
Darren Lomman received the award and a European holiday for two from Minister for Youth David Templeman at the WA Youth Awards Showcase Dinner in the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre Ballroom last night.
Mr Templeman said Darren was chosen from an outstanding group of nominees and was an excellent role model for young Western Australians.
Darren operates a business called 'Dreamfit', which specialises in modifying recreational vehicles such as motorcycles, ski boats and even a hovercraft for people with disabilities.
"Darren is an inspiration - not only to those people with disabilities, that are helped through his business to lead more fulfilling lives, but to the whole community," the Minister said.
"He is proof that with dedication and the desire to succeed, young Western Australians can achieve great things."
Darren's passion for modifying recreational vehicles for people with disabilities began in 2003, when he used his engineering skills to rebuild his own motorbike for a friend's father who became a paraplegic after a bike accident.
After three years of modifications and plenty of hard work, Darren's motorcycle was licensed for a paraplegic to ride.
Seeing the joy that riding the motorcycle brought to his friend's father, Darren was inspired to set up Dreamfit to modify recreational vehicles for people with disabilities.
An outstanding all-round achiever, Darren was also named Young Biomedical Engineer of the Year in 2005.
As well as running his own business, Darren manages to find time to volunteer to help others.
He established the Disabled Recreation Club, a non-profit organisation dedicated to encouraging people with disabilities to become physically active.
Darren is also the driving force behind the 'Celebration of People with DisAbilities' event to be held in Perth on December 6.
The WA Youth Awards recognise and reward outstanding young Western Australians aged 13-25 years in the categories of active achievement, leadership, citizenship (individual), citizenship (group), inspiration and environment. Award winners receive $2,000 in prize money and a sail aboard the STS Leeuwin.
Mr Templeman also commended the work of the media in bringing to public attention the outstanding contributions of young people.
ABC Goldfields-Esperance reporter Matt East was awarded the Special Judges' Commendation for the most outstanding entry by a journalist under the age of 25 years and received an award and a cheque for $2,000.
Mr Templeman said the State Government recognised the importance of young people in contributing to, and shaping, society.
"People often say that children and youth are our future," he said.
"But they are also our today, and they are contributing now, and we all need to celebrate that."
A list of award winners is attached.
Minister's office: 9220 5050