Rob Johnson

Rob Johnson

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    Minister announces major Centenary role for 12 young Western Australians

    28/08/2000 12:52 PM
     
    28/8/00

    Twelve outstanding young Western Australians have been chosen to represent the State during next year’s celebrations for the Centenary of Federation.

    Citizenship and Multicultural Interests Minister Rob Johnson today announced the names of 12 students who will participate in the Youth Envoys project, co-ordinated by the National Council for the Centenary of Federation.

    Australia will celebrate 100 years of Federation, when the six colonies joined together to form a Commonwealth, on
    January 1, 2001.

    One hundred young Australians - including the 12 from Western Australia - will participate in major Centenary events. These are:
    • the Journey of a Nation Federation Parade in Sydney on January 1 next year;
    • the exhibition, A Nation United -100 Years of Nationhood, in Melbourne during May;
    • an evening of traditional and contemporary events and the Road Ahead Concert in Alice Spring in September; and -
    • the Centenary finale in Canberra in late November/early December, 2001.

    Youth envoys will be asked to record their experiences through writing, photography, video, music, drama, poetry, dance and computer technology. These records will be kept in the National Archives.

    Mr Johnson said the 12 envoys were chosen from a very competitive field of 120 applicants.

    “The project is designed to ensure that young people have a major role to play in the nation’s Centenary of Federation celebrations,” he said.

    “I am confident that the Youth Envoys Project will make our 100 years of Federation an illuminating and inspirational experience for these 12 outstanding ambassadors, as well as all young Australians.”

    The National Council for the Centenary of Federation will meet all travel costs, accommodation, meals and a small allowance for the 12.

    They are: Natalie Hepburn, of Wembley, Ryan Atkinson, of Exmouth, Cushla Travers, of Albany, Blair Main, of Ballajura, Danielle McKivett, of Carnarvon, John Robertson, of Dampier, Sarah MacFarlane, of Inglewood, Avneil Swami, of Beechboro, Francis Papalia, of Collie, Daniel Gammell, of Claremont, Natasha Chow, of Riverton, and Peter Sears, of Sorrento.

    Media contact: Fran Hodge (08) 9215 4800