7 April 2008
Spirit of Tasmania is
pleased to announce four young Tasmanian finalists for The Southern
Cross Young Achiever Awards in the Spirit of Tasmania Award
category. The finalists are Alice Hansen, 22 of Sandy Bay; Caroline
Dunn, 19 of Ridgley; Katy Pakinga, 27 of Burnie; and Jess Jacobson,
19 of Ulverstone.
The Spirit of Tasmania Award focuses on
the outstanding contributions of young Tasmanians, and recognises
those who serve as a tangible source of encouragement to all young
people.
The Award winners are young people
possessing confidence, creativity, credibility, leadership,
commitment and high achievement. They are also role models for
other young people and the broader community.
Mr Charles Griplas, Chief Executive
Officer, said these wonderful young Tasmanians have displayed such
selfless acts of kindness, generosity and dedication to their
chosen cause to provide opportunities for both Tasmanian businesses
and its people.
"Their priceless
contributions have created attention and culminated in state,
national and international media coverage that has increased much
needed awareness for pertinent local causes," he said.
Journalist Alice
Hansen has self-published several books to create awareness of
Tasmania and the plight of the Tasmanian Devil. She has raised much
needed funding for numerous charities including contributing her
personal profits.
Her latest book A Devilish Tale, has
proven extremely popular with distribution to more than 30
countries and appearing on BBC World's Fast Track Program reaching
more than 270 million viewers. Her books have also been used by The
University of Tasmania and Tourism Tasmania to promote Tasmania at
a national level.
Caroline Dunn is a dedicated music
therapist who is driven by her wish to allow people with a
disability the same experience and access to music as everyone
else. Ms Dunn works for MULTICAP and as the only music therapist in
Burnie she has started therapy in over 12 centres throughout the
North West Coast - seeing more than 200 clients per week Ms Dunn's
selfless contribution has aided young adults who have experienced
struggles throughout their life through disability or mental
illness. The results of music therapy have been astounding and
clients have gained confidence to talk and share their stories
through song.
Katy Pakinga believes in making
opportunities happen not waiting for them to happen. In 2003 Katy
created the contemporary Burnie Youth Choir and just four years
later, the Choir won the best show/pop choir at the Performing Arts
Challenge in Sydney. Katy has also opened her own successful arts
studio "Encore".
She is an inspirational role model with
significant success participating in and coordinating numerous
musical and other events. She has raised the profile of Burnie and
Tasmania through many media stories across the country about her
successes. Katy was rewarded with the Burnie Young Citizen Award in
2005 for her community contribution.
Jessica Jacobsen has been a passionate
contributor to the community for many years and after twelve months
overseas as an ambassador for Tasmania, returned with a renewed
passion to eradicate poverty. She has been involved in numerous
Make Poverty History events and workshops and is also involved in
Coat Day which has become an international highly publicised
event.
Jessica met with John Howard and other
key Australian supporters during the event and over 50,000 coats
have been donated to those in need. As the longest serving
President of Enormity Jess received Life Membership. Also, she was
recently awarded the Central Coast Young Citizen Award.
Mr Griplas
congratulates all four finalists on their hard work, commitment,
outstanding achievements and countless contributions to create
improvements and opportunities for all Tasmanians and their local
communities.
"Spirit of Tasmania
is proud to recognise today's young leaders and help them to
further create and develop new opportunities for Tasmania,' he
said.
"We wish all the
finalists every success for the Southern Cross Young Achiever
Awards Gala Presentation Dinner to be held at Wrest Point Casino,
Hobart on Saturday 12 April 2008."
-ends-
Released by:
Carolyn Neill
Corporate Communications Coordinator
Tel: 03 9206 6220 / 0438 393 898
cjn@spiritoftasmania.com.au
Spirit of Tasmainia
