WA's outstanding youth awarded and positive media portrayal applauded

19/4/07 A 23-year-old PhD student with a passion for biodiversity conservation has been named Western Australia's Young Person of the Year for 2007.

19/4/07
A 23-year-old PhD student with a passion for biodiversity conservation has been named Western Australia's Young Person of the Year for 2007.
Aimee Silla received the award and a European holiday for two from Youth Minister Ljiljanna Ravlich, at the WA Youth Awards Showcase Dinner at the Burswood Grand Ballroom this evening.
Ms Ravlich said Aimee was chosen from an outstanding group of nominees and was an excellent role model for young Western Australians.
"Aimee is an inspiration to the whole community in the way she dedicates her time and energy to ensuring the world is conserved for future generations to enjoy," she said.
"She is proof that with hard work and the desire to succeed, young Western Australians can achieve great things."
Aimee is currently completing a PhD at The University of WA, in collaboration with the Perth Zoo.
Her PhD project aims to develop captive breeding technologies as a tool to stop the decline of frog species and populations globally.
Prior to embarking on a PhD, Aimee completed a four-year Environmental Science degree with First Class Honours.
She is the Green Office Co-ordinator for the School of Animal Biology at UWA, and is involved in promoting sustainability by implementing initiatives to reduce energy and water consumption, avoid wastage and promote recycling.
Aimee was a team leader for the Ningaloo Turtle Monitoring Program in Exmouth, where her leadership was imperative in training and motivating more than 80 volunteers.
She is an outstanding ambassador for the environment, combining her theoretical knowledge with practical application through volunteering.
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 received $2,000 in prize money and a voyage aboard the STS Leeuwin.
Ms Ravlich also commended the work of the media in bringing to public attention the outstanding contributions of young people.
Golden West Network reporter Matt East was awarded the Special Judges' Commendation for the most outstanding entry by a journalist under 25 years for the second time, and received an award and a cheque for $2,000.
Ms Ravlich said the State Government recognised the important role played by young people in contributing to, and shaping, society - locally, nationally and globally.
"People often say that children and youth are our future, but they are also our today and they are making a huge contribution right now, she said.
"We all need to celebrate that."

WA Youth Award 2007 winners include:

Aimee Silla (West Swan) - WA Young Person of the Year 2007 - Environment
Ms Tabitha Brewer (Katanning) - Active Achievement Award:
Tabitha moved to Katanning four years ago and joined the Katanning Gymnastics Club, but identified that there was no physical activity on offer for younger children. Tabitha started a dance class for three to eight-year-olds and her enthusiasm will benefit children in her community for many years to come.
Mr Josh Fernandez (Malaga) - Leadership Award:
Josh is an inspiring young man with excellent leadership qualities. As the youth pastor at the Perth CIC, he has made a significant contribution to the lives of people in a range of disadvantaged communities in Perth. He has developed, implemented and maintained a range of innovative practices which have had a positive impact on many young people and their families.
Mr Paul Mason (Alfred Cove) - Citizenship (Individual) Award:
Paul is described as a passionate advocate for social change. In January 2006, he was appointed State Director of The Oaktree Foundation, a youth organisation known for their 'Make Poverty History' campaign. Paul's efforts saw the organisation grow from just eight people, to more than 500 supporters and 150 active volunteers. He believes education is the most powerful tool that can be used to change the world.
Millennium Kids Inc - Citizenship (Group) Award:
Millennium Kids is a unique youth environmental organisation, run by kids, for kids. The organisation began as a youth conference in 1996 and has grown to become an incorporated organisation with projects across WA and internationally. Recognised as a leader in environmental issues, this powerful group makes positive changes for the future viability of this planet.
Ms Caitlin Ambrose (Northbridge) - Inspiration Award:
Since she was a young child, Caitlin has cared for two family members suffering mental illness. She successfully juggles her care responsibilities with her education, social life and involvement in the Young Carers Program. Caitlin is committed to raising awareness of young carers in the community and has the courage to speak out about her own experience for the benefit of others.
WA Youth Awards - Media Reporting winners -
Print media - best metropolitan news or feature article:
Joe Spagnolo, from The Sunday Times, for 'My Resolution: Families First'.
Print Media - best suburban news or feature article:
Pamela Medlen, from the Western Suburbs Weekly, for 'Avon Aims Sky High'.
Print Media - best regional news or feature article:
Alicia Bridges, from the Kalgoorlie Miner, for 'Providing for Generation Y'.
Television - best metropolitan feature article/news item:
Elvira Nuic, from the ABC, for 'Cyber Predators'.
Television - best regional feature article/news item and most outstanding entry by a journalist under 25 year of age:
Matt East, from the Golden West Network, for 'Big Dreams. Small Town'.
Radio:
Peter Brennan, from Radio Fremantle, for 'Leaving Home'.
Photograph:
Andrew Ritchie, from the Community Newspaper Group, for 'Pupils serve up week-long morning tea'.
Minister's office - 9213 6800


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