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