Meet the inspiring Western Australian of the Year finalists

Meet the inspiring Western Australian of the Year finalists

They are gifted, enthusiastic advocates of their subject and extra, now up for the State’s prestigious award.

CATEGORY SPORT

Josh Kennedy

Josh Kennedy is a former AFL star and Eagles premiership participant who has had a rare profession. He is the West Coast Eagles’ all-time main goal-kicker and a three-time All-Australian.

Josh’s contributions to the neighborhood are as important as his sporting achievements. He has mentored and impressed 1000’s of younger gamers, led neighborhood packages with colleges and charities, and served as a long-time ambassador for MSWA.

The JK Foundation, which he based, gives scholarships and grants to younger athletes excelling of their sport, with 9 kids presently benefiting.

Josh’s farewell at Optus Stadium in 2022, which attracted 50,000 folks, was an emotional event that demonstrated his unimaginable affect on the AFL and WA neighborhood.

Shirts picturing his face have been so common they offered out on the West Coast Eagles merchandise retailer, and his team-mates crammed a whole double web page unfold of The West Australian with messages about his constructive affect on their careers and the membership.

Josh’s steady success over 15 AFL seasons makes him one of many West Coast Eagles’ most elite gamers.

His inspiring instance extends past the soccer subject. When Josh’s residence city of Northampton was hit by cyclone Seroja in 2021, he helped to lift $180,000 for aid efforts and visited the city to ship constructive power and help.

Former West Coast Eagles star Josh Kennedy.
Camera IconFormer West Coast Eagles star Josh Kennedy. Credit: Nic Ellis/The West Australian

Brad Ness OAM

Brad Ness is a Paralympic champion and admired advocate for para-sport.

After dropping his leg in a office accident when he was 18, Brad refused to let any obstacles maintain him again.

Dedicating himself to wheelchair basketball, Brad was awarded a scholarship to play within the US and represented Australia in 5 Paralympic Games, successful a gold and two silver medals.

As head coach of the WA Institute of Sport wheelchair basketball program, Brad is sharing his data and expertise with the following technology of athletes.

He is a revered and supportive chief who prioritises the wellbeing of his gamers on and off the courtroom.

Under his steering, a file variety of WA wheelchair basketball gamers made the nationwide workforce in 2022.

Off-court, Brad is a vocal advocate for para-sport, working tirelessly to advertise packages and inspiring younger folks with disabilities to take part in bodily exercise.

Pictures of WA's Paralympic legend Brad Ness in the Perry Lakes surrounds where his basketball dreams were born. 
Brad is pictured near to where the old basketball stadium was in Floreat, Perth.
Photo Ross Swanborough. 201021
Camera IconBrad Ness is a Paralympic champion and admired advocate for para-sport.  Credit: Ross Swanborough/The West Australian

Bill Dempsey MBE

Bill Dempsey is a legendary Indigenous Australian Rules participant who has positively influenced the lives of prisoners for nearly half a century.

His soccer profession spanned 343 video games at West Perth and he earned a fame as a extremely revered chief, taking part in the sport pretty and passionately.

Bill’s contribution to the neighborhood is equally spectacular. He noticed the potential to alter the lives of struggling younger males and have become a participant within the Elders’ Program at Karnet jail in 1977.

He has spent 46 years mentoring younger Aboriginal women and men, working with soon-to-be-released prisoners to assist break the cycle of repeat offending.

Bill helps prisoners discover employment and lodging and steady help networks.

Throughout his profession, Bill has proven humility, selflessness and a need to provide again to the neighborhood.

PERTH, AUSTRALIA - MAY 16: Bill Dempsey talks to the media during the 2022 Sir Doug Nicholls Round Launch at Optus Stadium on May 16, 2022 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Carson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)
Camera IconBill Dempsey is a legendary Indigenous Australian Rules participant. Credit: Daniel Carson/AFL Photos/AFL Photos through Getty Images

CATEGORY BUSINESS

Gina Rinehart AO

Gina Rinehart is an inspiring business chief and philanthropist who has contributed significantly to the mining, agricultural and philanthropic sectors in Australia.

As government chairman of the Hancock Prospecting Group, she has remodeled the corporate from one experiencing monetary difficulties into one of the profitable non-public companies in Australian historical past.

Under her stewardship, Hancock Prospecting has efficiently diversified into mining, iron ore, copper, potash, gold, coal, gasoline, cattle, dairy, and property industries and importantly helps many philanthropic sectors.

Her business acumen and management have earned her a number of awards, together with the Telstra Australian Business Woman of the Year (2009) and Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) for distinguished service to the mining sector, philanthropic initiatives, and sport (2022).

A passionate philanthropist, she helps varied medical, instructional, sporting, well being and neighborhood organisations, serving as patron of Australia’s Olympic swimming, rowing, volleyball and synchronised swimming groups.

Her contribution to Olympic groups makes her the most important particular person donor to Olympic sport in Australian historical past.

She has additionally supported breast most cancers and Telethon, enabling greater than 100 kids’s charities to ship analysis, crucial providers and packages. Her instance of giving again has impressed her employees to lift cash for varied charitable causes, and her groups are famend for his or her enthusiastic help of giving again to the neighborhood of WA.

Her contributions to the neighborhood, management, and business success make her an inspiration and function mannequin for a lot of in Australia.

Images of Gina Rinehart supplied by Hancock Prospecting - Gina Rinehart profile photo
Camera IconGina Rinehart is an inspiring business chief and philanthropist. Credit: unknown/provided by Hancock Prospecting

Steve Scudamore AM

A famend business chief and neighborhood determine, Steve Scudamore has labored in senior administration for greater than 28 years and has served as a revered associate for world accounting big KPMG.

He was a boss of Partners from 2004 to 2012, when his collaborative and consultative method earned him the respect of his colleagues and associates. Steve has given his time to many boards, together with Celebrate WA, Barking Gecko, Edge Employment, Awesome Arts and Aquila Resources.

He has been a trustee of the WA Museum since 2006 and vice-chair since 2016. He has additionally offered help to Telethon Kids Institute.

Steve Scudamore, who is involved in several Kalgoorlie institutions, has been nominated for West Australian of the Year. Picture: Tom Zaunmayr.
Camera IconSteve Scudamore has labored in senior administration for greater than 28 years. Credit: Tom Zaunmayr/Kalgoorlie Miner

John Barrington AM

John Barrington is a well-respected entrepreneur, neighborhood and business chief and well being advocate.

Over his 40-year profession, John has performed a key function in growing the State’s business neighborhood by offering high quality schooling, mentoring, consulting and industrial alternatives.

John has served because the chair of Anglicare WA, revamping its technique to focus on sustainability alongside neighborhood service.

He can also be closely concerned within the arts sector.

His dedication to others was learnt at Cottesloe Surf Life Saving Club, the place he rose to turn out to be the youngest membership captain.

CEO Voice Event at AIM WA in Floreat. John Barrington (Co-Founder & Director Artya). Picture Jackson Flindell The West Australian.
Camera IconJohn Barrington is a well-respected entrepreneur, neighborhood and business chief and well being advocate.  Credit: Jackson Flindell/The West Australian

CATEGORY COMMUNITY

Adjunct Professor Tony Pietropiccolo AM

Adjunct Professor Tony Pietropiccolo is a extremely regarded consultant of the social providers sector and a compassionate neighborhood chief. As director of Centrecare for 34 years, Tony has grown the organisation from 26 employees members to 300. Centrecare affords important counselling, social help, and coaching providers throughout 11 metro and regional branches to assist these in want with points resembling home violence, playing and homelessness.

He has served on a number of committees and boards, together with as president of the WA Council of Social Service, chair of the State Homelessness Taskforce and president and co-chair of Community Employers WA. He has additionally suggested authorities and outstanding organisations on points together with household violence prevention, little one safety and homelessness. He is presently working in direction of harnessing help for an Australian Child Poverty Reduction Act.

Tony Pietropiccolo
Camera IconAdjunct Professor Tony Pietropiccolo is a extremely regarded consultant of the social providers sector. Credit: Abigail Harman/TheWest

Robert Graham

Robert Graham is a devoted volunteer from Karratha, who has devoted numerous hours to serving his neighborhood and people in determined want. With a ardour for emergency response and neighborhood management, Robert has taken half in packages from teaching and mentoring sporting teams to serving as a member and teacher for emergency organisations.

He has devoted greater than 4200 hours to volunteer work with the Karratha State Emergency Service, together with 1000 hours up to now 12 months alone. Robert has performed a vital function in instances of disaster resembling after cyclones Damien and Seroja.

Somehow, he additionally finds the time to be a foster carer and a member of the native main faculty board.

Robert Graham from Karratha SES
Camera IconRobert Graham is a devoted volunteer from Karratha. Credit: Supplied/RegionalHUB

Professor Marcus Atlas AM

As a pioneering surgeon, scientist, and healthcare visionary, Professor Marcus Atlas has achieved world recognition within the subject of ear and listening to well being. He is the director of Ear Science Institute Australia.

Marcus has helped construct ESIA right into a world-leading ear and listening to medical analysis institute.

He has attracted world curiosity in WA, advancing his imaginative and prescient for the State to be the worldwide chief in ear and listening to well being.

Marcus leads by instance, and his philanthropic work has constructed a following of donors to help early-career scientists and progressive analysis.

He has been instrumental in offering high-quality surgical procedure and listening to rehabilitation for the neighborhood, with ESIA serving over 44,000 folks yearly.

He has partnered with Mineral Resources within the Pilbara to help Indigenous-led ear well being packages.

Professors Marcus Atlas, Youesan Kanagasingam, and Lyn Beazley..
PIC BY SHARON SMITH
THE WEST AUSTRALIAN
FAIRFAX ONLINE OUT FIN REVIEW OUT
Camera IconProfessor Marcus Atlas has achieved world recognition within the subject of ear and listening to well being. Credit: Sharon Smith/WA News

CATEGORY YOUTH

Madison Heady

Madison Heady is a 21-year-old incapacity advocate and para-athlete who has ataxic cerebral palsy and didn’t stroll unassisted till the age of six.

Yet Madison went on to win a National Athletics silver medal.

After being concerned in a severe automobile accident in 2020, docs suggested Madison that she might by no means stroll once more and that her goals of turning into a Paralympic runner may very well be over.

But she is now working as much as 50km per week. Madison can also be a public speaker who educates younger folks about equality and inclusion.

Public speaker and advocate for inclusion and people with disabilities Madison Heady, pictured at her home.
Camera IconMadison Heady is a 21-year-old incapacity advocate and para-athlete who has ataxic cerebral palsy and didn’t stroll unassisted till the age of six.  Credit: Danella Bevis/The West Australian

Dr Adam Edwards

Dr Adam Edwards is an progressive researcher devoted to lowering mind harm suffered by pre-term infants. His analysis consists of brain-imaging strategies to diagnose mind harm and drug remedy to stop mind accidents.

His drug remedy has been licensed to advance to the following stage of trials.

Adam’s contributions to toddler mind harm analysis have been recognised by way of varied appointments and awards.

Dr Adam Edwards of Perron Institute
Camera IconDr Adam Edwards is an progressive researcher devoted to lowering mind harm suffered by pre-term infants. Credit: KELLY PILGRIM-BYRNE/TheWest

Zahra Al Hilaly

Zahra Al Hilaly is a youth activist, speaker, and writer who advocates for marginalised communities at residence and overseas. Her tireless efforts have resulted in a number of prestigious awards.

Zahra focuses on prompting societal change, and she or he collaborates carefully with underrepresented younger folks to assist them turn out to be efficient leaders of their communities.

As co-chair for the WA Government Youth Council, Zahra additionally advises the minister for youth on issues associated to younger folks.

Opi Zahra - Zahra Al Hilaly Youth Week Ambassador
Camera IconZahra Al Hilaly is a youth activist, speaker, and writer who advocates for marginalised communities at residence and overseas. Credit: unknown/provided

CATEGORY ABORIGINAL

Des Headland

Des Headland reached the highest of his sport as a premiership participant with Brisbane’s Lions and, as a proud Nyoongar-Yamatji man is an advocate for Aboriginal employment and illustration.

He has constructed companies that empower First Nations folks and packages to assist unemployed Aboriginal folks.

Des Headland who is the chief executive of Spartan First, an Indigenous occupational health provider that undertakes pre-employment services for mainstream companies.
Picture: Daniel Wilkins
Camera IconDes Headland reached the highest of his sport as a premiership participant with Brisbane’s Lions. Credit: Daniel Wilkins/The West Australian

Honourable Ken Wyatt AM

Ken Wyatt is a political trailblazer who has been an advocate for an Aboriginal Voice to Parliament.

He was the primary Indigenous Australian elected to the House of Representatives and the primary to function a minister.

Ken is an inspiring chief with unmatched expertise in understanding the problems confronted by Indigenous Australians.

He has engaged with 1000’s of communities throughout his profession and advocated on the highest stage to shut the hole for Aboriginal folks.

GEN Ken Wyatt at Kings Park.
Camera IconKen Wyatt is a political trailblazer who has been an advocate for an Aboriginal Voice to Parliament.  Credit: Iain Gillespie/The West Australian

Professor Cheryl Kickett-Tucker AM

Professor Cheryl Kickett-Tucker is a revered educational and researcher who focuses on Aboriginal wellbeing by way of schooling, sport and well being.

She is a former basketball coach and participant.

As nicely as her educational achievements, Cheryl’s neighborhood contributions are spectacular. Her message to the younger technology is to remain true to their roots, observe their goals and refuse to just accept the phrase “no”.

Author Cheryl Kickett-Tucker.
Camera IconProfessor Cheryl Kickett-Tucker is a revered educational and researcher. Credit: Claire Miller/Claire Miller

CATEGORY ARTS AND CULTURE

Tim Ungar

As a devoted philanthropist and businessman, Tim Ungar has supported range and helped drive the post-COVID arts restoration.

With his expertise as a former Telstra government and co-owner and chair of TSA Group, Tim has proved to be adept at guiding organisations by way of difficult instances.

He additionally applies his philanthropic efforts to different necessary points together with environmental sustainability and homelessness.

Tim Ungar, Jamie Price, Chris Ungar & Gilbert George - Perth Festival: Johnathan Paget
Picture by Matt Jelonek The West Australian 20 Feb, 2022
Camera IconTim Ungar has supported range and helped drive the post-COVID arts restoration. Credit: Matt Jelonek/The West Australian

Paul Chamberlain

Paul Chamberlain is a passionate supporter and benefactor of the humanities in WA.

As chairman of the Art Gallery of WA Foundation, his efforts have been crucial in elevating funds for the gallery and bringing in new supporters.

Paul established Arts Impact WA, a collective-giving initiative that focuses on the humanities.

Arts Impact WA is a intelligent mannequin of collective giving that has been significantly useful in the course of the COVID pandemic, which has devastated cultural industries.

Paul can also be a founding member of Impact100WA, which has given away greater than $2.4 million to greater than 40 not-for-profit organisations.

Paul Chamberlain pictured in front of wall mural artwork by Creepy, Kyle Hughes-Odgers at carpark behind Post Office in Claremont ahead of street art festival Public which starts next month.
17/03/14
Picture : Lincoln Baker/The West Australian. ***Fairfax Online/Financial Review Out***
Camera IconPaul Chamberlain is a passionate supporter and benefactor of the humanities in WA.  Credit: Lincoln Baker/WA News

Iain Grandage

Iain Grandage is a celebrated Australian composer and music director, presently serving as inventive director for Perth Festival.

He has acquired quite a few awards for his contributions to the humanities, together with seven Helpmann Awards, the Sidney Myer Performing Arts Award, and the Ian Potter Emerging Composer Fellowship.

Even with the unprecedented challenges introduced by the pandemic, the Perth Festival flourished below Iain’s management.

His artistic imaginative and prescient ensured the Festival continues to draw main worldwide acts. Iain has all the time demonstrated a powerful dedication to selling native artists, specializing in amplifying Noongar voices and making a extra inclusive Festival that connects performers, audiences, and occasions to the neighborhood and place round them.

Despite dealing with quite a few obstacles, Iain’s constructive perspective has enabled him to proceed connecting folks by way of music, artwork, and tales, creating understanding, kindness and empathy.

Iain Grandage.
Camera IconIain Grandage is a celebrated Australian composer and music director, presently serving as inventive director for Perth Festival.  Credit: Jessica Wyld/TheWest

CATEGORY PROFESSIONS

Clinical Professor David Blacker

Professor David Blacker is a revolutionary neurologist who is devoted to enhancing the lives of others.

He has centered on enhancing the outcomes of individuals with neurological situations and co-established the acute stroke workforce at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital.

He has a pro-bono clinic for youthful sufferers with extreme stroke and has guided the event of youthful colleagues.

GEN Former boxing champ Rai Fazio and Perrin Institute medical director David Blacker.
Camera IconProfessor David Blacker is a revolutionary neurologist who is devoted to enhancing the lives of others.  Credit: Iain Gillespie/The West Australian

Professor Yogi Yogesan

Professor Yogi Yogesan is an unconventional thinker who has created life-changing gadgets and reimagined healthcare.

After the tragic demise of Aishwarya Aswath within the emergency division at PCH, Yogi started growing an AI-embedded wearable band that would monitor sufferers’ important indicators from the second they enter the hospital till they depart.

Professor Yogesan Kanagasingam with his invention Dr Grader using AI to help kerbing the symptoms of diabetes.
Picture:Sharon Smith The West Australian
Camera IconProfessor Yogi Yogesan is an unconventional thinker who has created life-changing gadgets and reimagined healthcare.  Credit: Sharon Smith/The West Australian

Professor Andrew Whitehouse

Professor Andrew Whitehouse is a famend autism researcher, enthusiastic about remodeling medical look after autistic kids.

Andrew’s discovery in 2021, exhibiting the advantages of intervention for autism as early as 6-12 months, has remodeled worldwide observe.

He led the creation of Australia’s first pointers for prognosis and remedy of autism in kids, making certain gold normal care throughout the nation.

Professor Andrew Whitehouse is a professor of autism research at Telethon Kids and the University of Western Australia.
Camera IconProfessor Andrew Whitehouse is a famend autism researcher. Credit: provided/TheWest

Source: www.perthnow.com.au