24/01/01
Youth Minister Mike Board has welcomed the announcement that a Western Australian has been chosen as Young Australian of the Year.
Mr Board said James Fitzpatrick, a 26-year-old medical student, was the first Western Australian to win the prestigious award.
“This young man works tirelessly on behalf of rural and remote communities, particularly in indigenous health and medicine, while meeting the considerable challenge of full-time study in medicine and surgery,” he said.
“He is a superb role model and a fine example of the many outstanding young people we have living in this State.
“Awards such as the Young Australian of the Year and our own Youth Awards Showcase are so important in getting the message out that young people are productive and hard-working members of society who make a valuable contribution to the community.
“The finalists we have this year in the Youth Minister’s Positive Image Awards are testament to this - six young people from diverse backgrounds who have achieved extraordinary things for themselves and others.
“Recognition of achievement is important for everybody, but especially so for young people who often bear the brunt of negative publicity generated by a minority who do the wrong thing.
“James Fitzpatrick is well-deserving of the honour bestowed on him today. The community and the medical profession gain much from his efforts.”
The WA Young Person of the Year and overall Youth Minister’s Positive Image Award winner will be announced at the WA Youth Awards Showcase presentation on April 5 this year.
Media contact: Tamatha Smith, 9222 9211
