The Finalists have been selected for the Horizon Power Leadership and Innovation Award in the 2019 Western Australian Regional Achievement and Community Awards (WARACA).
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:
- Albany Roller Derby League, Spencer Park
- Grant Westthorp, Albany
- Claire Roach, Harvey
Albany Roller Derby League has redefined volunteerism and leadership. They built a sporting club and a one-of-a-kind venue, run solely by volunteers who rely on fundraising and a passion to achieve the dream. The specialised venue called “The Track” has since become the site of multiple community swap meets, subleasing at a low cost to small start-up businesses and community groups and a training venue for the roller derby league. They are the first regional roller derby club in WA to be accredited by the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association. Albany Roller Derby League is operated by volunteers, from executive and management committees to coaches.
Grant Westthorp of Albany encourages positive wellbeing among men. Grant is CEO of Men’s Resource Centre. Following a bike accident, he has since dedicated 11 years of his life to community service, particularly in improving men’s health and wellbeing. He helps address “real problems” by developing meaningful solutions and lasting results. Grant designed innovative ways to encourage men of Albany and the Great Southern WA to attend events like Mental Health Week, Australia Day Fun Run and a Positive Mentoring Program. He collaborates with Pivot Support Services, Chorus Support Services, YMCA and other organisations. Grant received the 2018 WA Senior Juniper Lifetime Achievement Award Regional.
Claire Roach of Harvey has made significant contributions to the aged care community. She is the CEO of South West Community Care, an aged care facility that employs 150 people and serves more than 1,000 elderly people across the south west. Since becoming its CEO, South West Community Care has consistently grown by 10% every year. Over 13 years, Claire has introduced innovations, always identifying potential for expansion and advancement whilst ensuring that elderly people in remote areas receive the same quality service. Despite being a large corporation, she maintains excellent connection with elderly consumers, their families and communities. Claire is also a cancer survivor.
Tenacity, dedication, selflessness, and leadership qualities are the key ingredients to those amazing individuals and groups who are the ‘driving force’ in their community. The Horizon Power Leadership & Innovation Award will acknowledge role models who through their innovation, leadership and driving force, pave the way for others to follow.
All Finalists will go into the People’s Choice Award which is run through the WARACA Facebook page. Please ensure you like the page and vote for your favourite Finalist. The winner will be announced at the Awards Gala Presentation Dinner and will receive a great prize.
Community members including friends and colleagues of each Finalist are invited to share this special occasion. Tickets are $125.00 each which includes a three-course meal, beverages and entertainment. Tickets can be easily purchased online at https://awardsaustralia.eventsair.com/waraca19/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.