The Finalists have been selected for the Horizon Power Leadership and Innovation Award in the 2018 Western Australian Regional Achievement and Community Awards. The Awards are all about the passion of people who are committed to making regional Western Australia a better place to live.
The Finalists are:
• Anne Poelina, Broome
• Kimika Lee, Broome
• Montana Ahwon, Kununurra
Dr Anne Poelina of Broome has been a leader in policy and procedures in Indigenous education, research and training. She is a role model for young Indigenous women and supervises female PhD student researchers and emerging professionals. Ann is a key Indigenous community leader responsible for drafting the Fitzroy River Declaration and driving the establishment of Martuwarra Fitzroy River Council. Anne was awarded the 2017 Women’s World Summit Foundation Prize for Women’s Creativity in Rural Life.
Kimika Lee of Broome is an Aboriginal Health Worker, in Specialist Palliative Care. Her leadership has inspired others and her work has made a significant impact on the access, experiences and outcomes of Aboriginal patients, carers and families. Kimika has mentored senior nursing and allied health staff and Aboriginal health colleagues, and has contributed to regional and state initiatives. Kimika contributed to palliative care data collection to build the capacity of health workers across the Kimberley.
Montana Ahwon of Kununurra is passionate about improving outcomes for young people in Kununurra. She worked with a local aboriginal organisation Waringarri- to create an aboriginal youth leaders committee. Montana talks about the inequalities faced by indigenous people in areas of education, employment and the impact that trauma has had on the community. She won the 2016 NAIDOC Apprentice of the Year Award and has been invited to attend the Young Leaders Forum in Bangkok.
Tenacity, dedication, selflessness, and leadership qualities are the key ingredients to those amazing individuals and groups who are the ‘driving force’ in their community. Nominees for the Horizon Power Leadership and Innovation Award will be at the forefront of community contribution in their field of endeavour.
Finalists are in the running to win a great prize: Each category winner receives a $2,000 Award prize from Foundation Partner, Commonwealth Bank.
All Finalists will go into the People’s Choice Award which is run through our Facebook page; www.facebook.com/WARACAwards Please ensure you like our page and vote for your favourite Finalist. The winner will be announced at the Awards Gala Presentation Dinner and will receive $500 thanks to CBH Group.
Community members including friends and colleagues of each Finalist are invited to share this special occasion. Tickets are $120.00 each which includes a three-course meal, beverages and entertainment. Tickets can be easily purchased online at https://awardsaustralia.eventsair.com/waraca18/gala
For further information about our Finalists or purchasing tickets please feel free to contact the Awards Office on 9201 1155.
Congratulations and good luck to all Finalists.