26 September 2007
Today The 2008 Southern Cross Young
Achiever Awards are being launched and the call for nominations
will commence to all young Tasmanians between 14-27 years of
age. The Awards endeavour to recognise Tasmania's outstanding
young achievers.
There are eight award categories kindly sponsored by iconic
Tasmanian businesses and each award has a different unique set of
criteria.
Mr Peter Simmons, Chief Executive Officer, Spirit of Tasmania,
said the Spirit of Tasmania Award recognises young achievers who
have contributed significantly to the community through involvement
and participation - and have increased state pride and or
development.
"Other sought-after attributes include creativity, innovation
and entrepreneurial skills - invaluable tools in today's
competitive workplace," he said.
Last year's Spirit of Tasmania Award Winner, Robyn McKinnon said
it was her experience growing up in a dysfunctional and abusive
family that encouraged her to raise awareness of the prevalence and
effects of Child Sexual Abuse.
"I work alongside hurting and broken young people and develop
programs to support these young people in their transition to
adulthood," she said.
Ms McKinnon was coordinator of the Rural Co-Pilots program in
the Northern Midlands aimed to help and encourage young people to
reach their full potential and has trained over 40 people to become
mentors of programs that she has organised. Recently she joined
Laurel House as a project worker for the Northern Sexual Assault
Service based in Launceston.
"Learning I had been nominated by a friend and actually winning
the Spirit of Tasmania Award last year was an absolute surprise and
an incredibly rewarding experience," she said.
"I encourage all Tasmanians who know or are involved with a
young person to nominate them for this year's Awards."
Nominations are being sought
throughout Tasmania in the following eight categories:
- Spirit of Tasmania Award
- MyState Arts Award
- Printing Authority of Tasmania Sports Award
- Rio Tinto Aluminium Community Service Award
- TAFE Tasmania Trade and Career Achievement Award
- Forestry Tasmania Regional Initiative Award
- TEMCO Science & Technology Award
- Hydro Tasmania Environment Award
Nominations for the Awards close on Wednesday 19th December
2007.
The Awards will culminate at the Gala Presentation Dinner on
Saturday 12th April 2008 at Wrest Point. Each category winner will
receive a $1,000 prize grant from Motors and Holden and a
magnificent trophy. One of the eight category winners will also be
chosen as the Premier's Young Achiever of the Year and will receive
an additional $1,000, a trophy and a fabulous holiday for two
provided by Wrest Point and Virgin Blue (conditions apply).
Nomination forms are available via www.awardsaustralia.com or by contacting the
Awards Office on (03) 6234 9677 or email tas@awardsaustralia.com
-ends-
Released by:
Carolyn Neill
Corporate Communications Coordinator
Tel: 03 9206 6220 / 0438 393 898
cjn@spiritoftasmania.com.au
Spirit of Tasmainia
