WA’s outstanding youth awarded

A 22-year-old businessman, who is passionate about ensuring disabled people can make the most of life, has been named Western Australia's Young Person of the Year for 2006.

Darren Lomman received the award and a European holiday for two from Minister for Youth David Templeman at the WA Youth Awards Showcase Dinner in the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre Ballroom last night.

Mr Templeman said Darren was chosen from an outstanding group of nominees and was an excellent role model for young Western Australians.

Darren operates a business called 'Dreamfit', which specialises in modifying recreational vehicles such as motorcycles, ski boats and even a hovercraft for people with disabilities.

"Darren is an inspiration - not only to those people with disabilities, that are helped through his business to lead more fulfilling lives, but to the whole community," the Minister said.

"He is proof that with dedication and the desire to succeed, young Western Australians can achieve great things."

Darren's passion for modifying recreational vehicles for people with disabilities began in 2003, when he used his engineering skills to rebuild his own motorbike for a friend's father who became a paraplegic after a bike accident.

After three years of modifications and plenty of hard work, Darren's motorcycle was licensed for a paraplegic to ride.

Seeing the joy that riding the motorcycle brought to his friend's father, Darren was inspired to set up Dreamfit to modify recreational vehicles for people with disabilities.

An outstanding all-round achiever, Darren was also named Young Biomedical Engineer of the Year in 2005.

As well as running his own business, Darren manages to find time to volunteer to help others.

He established the Disabled Recreation Club, a non-profit organisation dedicated to encouraging people with disabilities to become physically active.

Darren is also the driving force behind the 'Celebration of People with DisAbilities' event to be held in Perth on December 6.

The WA Youth Awards recognise and reward outstanding young Western Australians aged 13-25 years in the categories of active achievement, leadership, citizenship (individual), citizenship (group), inspiration and environment. Award winners receive $2,000 in prize money and a sail aboard the STS Leeuwin.

Mr Templeman also commended the work of the media in bringing to public attention the outstanding contributions of young people.

ABC Goldfields-Esperance reporter Matt East was awarded the Special Judges' Commendation for the most outstanding entry by a journalist under the age of 25 years and received an award and a cheque for $2,000.

Mr Templeman said the State Government recognised the importance of young people in contributing to, and shaping, society.

"People often say that children and youth are our future," he said.

"But they are also our today, and they are contributing now, and we all need to celebrate that."

A list of award winners is attached:

WA Youth Award 2006 winners (each receives $2,000 and a trophy) included:

WA Young Person of the Year 2006 / Inspiration - Darren Lomman of Rivervale.

Active Achievement Award: Emma Wynne of Dalkeith -
Dubbed the 'west coast wonder' when she was the youngest competitor to enter the Kellogg's Nutrigrain Ironman Series at just 17 years of age, Emma's multi-medal winning streak has seen her blitz her competitors on the national and international surfing circuit. From young 'nipper' to 'ironwoman', Emma has been committed to a gruelling training regime to achieve her dream. When she is not training or competing, she devotes many hours to being a surf lifesaver, which includes coaching and mentoring children and young people. Her determination, enthusiasm and outstanding sportsmanship inspire others to follow her lead and excel in their chosen sport.

Leadership Award: Terrence Winner of Kalgoorlie -
Terrence is a youth officer for the Eastern Goldfields YMCA, where he promotes leadership through the development and delivery of physical activities accessible to all young people. Along with initiatives like the 'Y Challenge' youth camp and
co-ordinating activities for the After School Hours Care Program, Terrence has also found time to mentor young people, volunteer on the Mobile Youth Bus and completed his Certificate III in Health and Fitness. He has won several academic scholarships, the 2006 Australia Day Mayor's Award and been selected to attend many high level youth forums. Terrence also won the ABC Radio's Heywire competition for the region with his story 'Caught in the middle', explaining how his multicultural background had impacted on his life.

Citizenship (Individual) Award: Dave Sparkes of Canning Vale -
Dave's incredible energy and commitment to helping young people choose more positive lifestyles has benefited many in his community, including students at Lakeland High School. As a volunteer with the youth outreach of Touch Australia, David 'adopted' Lakelands and put together a team of young men, including three Aboriginal men, to mentor the students who were lacking positive male role models. The program he developed included free breakfasts, classroom mentoring, lunchtime sports and after-school activities. Dave has taken jobs that enable him to have Wednesdays free to spend at the school, mentoring troubled teenagers, and setting a great example to other young people.

Citizenship (Group) Award: Roebourne Girls FX -
Since 2004, a group of young indigenous girls have been making a huge difference in the Roebourne community as astute and talented businesswomen and positive role models for local youth. In 2005, they mounted a highly successful road show teaching modelling and dance to young people in the Pilbara region. Aged between 12 and 17 years, the group won the Special Achievement Award and Special Performance Award at the Youth Achievement Award Trade Show, and two of the young women have been offered modelling contracts. To join the Roebourne Girls FX, potential members must attend school regularly and not be in trouble with the justice system. Members do not drink, smoke or engage in anti-social behaviour, providing leadership and inspiration to other young people.

Environment Award: Ellen Ward of Maylands -
Ellen is committed to encouraging and inspiring people to improve their environment by using native plants in their gardens, improving sustainable living practices, lowering greenhouse emissions, using energy-friendly designs and being water-wise. As a horticulture student with the Botanic Gardens and Parks Authority in Perth, Ellen is passionate about educating and encouraging people to make a difference to their world and protect their environment.

WA Youth Awards - Media Reporting winners 2006 (each wins a trip to
Margaret River) included:

Print Media - best metropolitan news or feature article:
Marnie McKimmie from The West Australian for 'Never too young to care'.

Print Media - best suburban news or feature article:
Louise Fisher from the Guardian Express for 'Jordan acts his age'.

Print Media - best regional news or feature article:
Clare Allen from the North West Telegraph for 'Troubled youth finds answers to worries'.

Television - best metropolitan feature article/news item:
Saskia Loosjes from Channel Nine News Perth for 'Young drivers'.

Television - best regional feature article/news item: Bianca Hayley from Golden West News for 'Dylan Harper'.

Radio/Most outstanding entry by a journalist under 25 year of age: Matt East from ABC Goldfields-Esperance for 'Army cadets remember'.

Photograph: Will Russell from the Guardian Express for 'Isolated students meet up'.