Nominations sought for 1998 Young Australian of the Year Awards

2/6/97

The State Government today urged Western Australia's young achievers to step forward and nominate for the 1998 Young Australian of the Year Awards.

Youth Minister Mike Board said the awards recognised the talents and achievements of WA's young people.

They covered seven categories of arts, sport, the environment, science and technology, community service and regional development.

Category winners would automatically be nominated for the national awards, to be presented by the Prime Minister on January 22, 1998.

Every young person nominated for the awards would be considered for the title of 1998 Young Australian of the Year.

"Our youth are involved in so much and form such a vital part of our community," Mr Board said.

"We must support them and recognise their potential and many achievements.

"We must also work actively to promote the positive image of young people, both within Government and in the community."

The Young Australian of the Year Awards aims to pay tribute to all young people aged between 14 and 27 who are achieving excellence in their particular field of endeavour.

Past WA winners of the awards have included para-Olympian Louise Sauvage, El Questro Station owner William Burrell, champion cyclist Darryn Hill and outstanding scientist Kathryn Heaton.

Olympic hockey gold medallist Novis Peris-Kneebone is the current Australian of the Year.

Other national award winners have included entrepreneur Poppy King, pianist Rebecca Chambers and sporting stars Kieran Perkins and Cathy Freeman.

The awards are presented by the National Australia Day Council, Channel 10, Golden West Network and the Community Newspaper Group.

Further information about the Young Australian of the Year Awards can be obtained from the event's Perth office, PO Box 1134, Osborne Park WA 6916 or by telephone (08) 9446 1677.

Media contact: Peter Harris (08) 9222 9211