Premier salutes outstanding citizens and service organisations

Premier Alan Carpenter has praised outstanding citizens and service organisations at the 36th Annual Western Australian Citizen of the Year Awards.

WA Governor His Excellency Dr Ken Michael AM announced the award winners at a special ceremony last night.

This year’s ceremony saw the presentation of the inaugural Sir Charles Court Inspiring Leadership Award, presented to world-renowned ophthalmic surgeon Professor Ian Constable AO.

Professor Constable received the award, which recognises exceptional leadership from all fields of endeavour, for his services to the Lions Eye Institute, science and for his work in helping improve the sight of Aboriginal people.

The Bendat Family Foundation Perpetual Youth Scholarship was awarded to 21-year-old Vinay Menon, for his work with HIV AIDS sufferers, Sudanese refugees and at-risk youth.

Awards were also presented in the categories of Arts, Culture and Entertainment; Community Service; The Governor’s Award for Regional Development; Industry and Commerce; Sport; The Professions; Youth; Youth Arts and the Gold Swan Award for an exemplary service organisation.

Mr Carpenter said he was privileged to acknowledge the contributions of outstanding Western Australians and service organisations.

“The recipients of these awards over the past 35 years have been truly awe inspiring and demonstrate that WA’s greatest asset is its people,” the Premier said.

“I am very pleased to recognise the achievements, vision, commitment and community spirit of individuals and service organisations which make our State a better place to work and live in.

“The State Government is proud to support the awards and extends its congratulations to all 2008 award nominees and recipients for their valued contribution.”

Western Australian Citizen of the Year Award winners include

Arts, Culture and Entertainment Award:

Mr Tony Jones

Community Service Award:

Mrs Patricia Lavater

The Gold Swan Award:

Kidney Health Australia

The Governor's Award for Regional Development:

Mr George (Rex) Edmondson AO

Industry and Commerce Award:

Mr Richard Goyder

The Professions Award:

Professor Peter Klinken

Sport Award:

Mr Ron Tindall OAM

Youth Arts Award:

Ms Aimee Johns

Youth Award:

Mr Vinay Menon

Sir Charles Court Inspiring Leadership Award:

Professor Ian Constable AO

Bendat Family Foundation Perpetual Youth Scholarship:

Mr Vinay Menon