Western Australian Finalists for Australian of the Year 2007 Announced

MEDIA RELEASE

9 NOVEMBER 2006

Western Australian Finalists for Australian of the Year 2007 Announced

The finalists for Western Australia's Australian of the Year 2007 were announced today. Finalists include West Australians who have been nominated for their community work, scientific achievements, sporting achievements, overcoming adversity and health advocacy.

Ms Tam Johnston, National Manager of the Australian of the Year Awards, said the quality of nominations received this year was outstanding.

"The breadth and diversity of the nominations this year was amazing, truly reflecting the amazing achievements and contributions made by Australians each year," said Ms Johnston.

West Australian finalists are:

WESTERN AUSTRALIA'S AUSTRALIAN OF THE YEAR

Janet Holmes á Court AO, Business leader and philanthropist, East Perth

Dr David Joske, Contemporary therapies leader, Nedlands

Professor Barry Marshall and Emeritus Professor Robin Warren, Nobel laureates, Subiaco

Ros Worthington OAM, Humanitarian, West Perth

WESTERN AUSTRALIA'S SENIOR AUSTRALIAN OF THE YEAR

Dr Kenneth Collins AM, Community contributor, Mt Claremont

Bruce Horgan, Environmental & grandparent's advocate, Nollamara

John Lally, Outdoor educator, Dampier

Patricia Morris AM, Civic leader, Thornlie

WESTERN AUSTRALIA'S YOUNG AUSTRALIAN OF THE YEAR

Aaron Hewitt, 23, Special Olympics supporter, Duncraig

Shulyn Hunter, 23, Role model, Broome

Darren Lomman, 23, Innovative engineer, Cloverdale

Joss Tonkin, 17, Charity busker, City Beach

Recipients of each category as well as the Regional and Metropolitan Local Hero of the Year will be announced by the Governor of Western Australia, His Excellency Dr Ken Michael AC, on Saturday 25 November at the West Australian Awards Ceremony at Government House, Perth at 4.30pm.

Recipients in each category then become national finalists for the Australian of the Year Awards to be announced on the lawns of Parliament House in Canberra on January 25, 2007.

Click here for a full list of all State & Territory Finalists or to read their biographies.

For further information or to arrange an interview please contact:

Nicole Browne at media op(p)s on 0414 673 762 or nicole@mediaopps.com.au

Steve Riethoff at media op(p)s on 0417 047 837 or steve@mediaopps.com.au

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