14 April 2008
Spirit
of Tasmania is pleased to announce this year's winner of the Spirit
of Tasmania Award in the Southern Cross Young Achiever Awards
Program - Ms Katy Pakinga.
Ms Pakinga sets
ambitious goals for herself and believes in making opportunities
happen. In 2003 she created a contemporary youth choir and in just
four years, the Burnie Youth Choir has grown to be awarded at the
McDonalds Performing Arts Challenge in Sydney last year.
Katy's
determination to "make it in Tasmania" has resulted in opening her
own performing arts studio Encore in Burnie in response to a need
in the community. She is also renowned for being an inspirational
role model for Burnie's youth.
Ms Pakinga said
growing up in Rosebery, she found it difficult to follow her
passion for singing, due to limited musical opportunities living in
an isolated area. This experience has instilled in her a drive to
create opportunities, surround herself with positive people and
fulfil her dreams.
"I worked for
several years in the music industry for other people and acquired
the skills and knowledge to create my own choral group. This
endeavour was close to my heart for I was enabling Burnie's youth
to have opportunities that I longed for at the same stage in my
life," she
said.
"The Burnie Youth Choir has given
60-80 young people the opportunity to develop their singing, and be
part of a progressive and successful choir. It has also provided
its members with team building skills, confidence and music
industry experience to inspire them to pursue their personal
dreams.
Ms Pakinga's dedication towards
music and helping today's youth has culminated in hours of
voluntary work informally mentoring young men and women she comes
in contact with.
"I have worked across such a broad
spectrum of community groups including Lions and Rotary, community
service clubs and numerous charities," she said.
"However the area of greatest benefit
has been the youth of the community - particularly those in the
teenage age range."
Mr Charles Griplas, Chief Executive Officer who presented Ms
Pakinga with her award on Saturday night said her passion for music
and commitment to develop the skills and opportunities for youth in
her local community made her an honourable and worthy recipient of
the Spirit of Tasmania Award.
"I was humbled when speaking with
Katy before the Awards Night. Katy is a charismatic and energetic
lady who serves as an outstanding role model and mentor for young
people to aspire to. She also endearingly spoke of her choir and
referred to its members as her "children"," he said.
"The tremendous support and respect
the choir posses for Katy was most apparent when she was announced
the winner. Simultaneously, there were loud cries and roars of joy
from her over excited choir who were utterly delighted to see their
mentor awarded.
"Katy's contribution to the community has been immeasurable -
she has inspired young people to be leaders and to pursue their own
interests such as becoming vocal tutors. Katy has given them the
confidence and self-belief to follow their dreams.
"Congratulations Katy! We wish you every success with your plans
to further develop music throughout Tasmania and I personally look
forward to keeping an eye on your progress."
-ends-
Released by:
Carolyn Neill
Corporate Communications Coordinator
Tel: 03 9206 6220 / 0438 393 898
cjn@spiritoftasmania.com.au
