Nominations recognise local talents

A raft of Geraldton residents and community groups have been named among the first round of finalists in the upcoming Western Australian Regional Achievement and Community Awards.

The annual awards are aimed at encouraging and acknowledging the valuable contributions individuals, communities and businesses are making throughout regional and rural Western Australia.

Representing Geraldton this year in the community service category are Geraldton Voluntary Tour Guides Association member Diane Evans and WA Centre for Rural Health researcher Lenny Papertalk.

Ms Evans is being recognised for her tireless work promoting the history of the Victoria District Hospital and Old Gaol, while Ms Papertalk has served for more than 25 years in a range of community-focused organisations, specialising in education and employment.

A trio of inspiring Geraldton educators have been given the nod for the hotly contested teaching excellence award, with Kathryn Fitzgerald, Moreton Harslett and Suellen Kelly named among the finalists.

Ms Fitzgerald, a clinical co-ordinator at WACRH, received a nomination for her work in establishing not-for-profit community organisations, while Geraldton University Centre’s Dr Harslett has been substantially involved in the co-ordination, teaching and supervision of undergraduate education programs at the centre.

Ms Kelly has received multiple awards and nominations through the Durack Institute of Technology and was also a 2015 finalist in the teaching excellence category.

Among the group award nominees is the Northern Agricultural Catchments Council in the leadership and innovation category, with the Geraldton Cemetery Board and the Geraldton Volunteer Marine Rescue Group both up for the community group of the year award.

Another category flush with Geraldton talent is the volunteering award with a total of four local nominees.

Retired politician Grant Woodhams joins Marilyn Heberle in the category, with both volunteers being recognised for their commitment to local sporting organisations, while GVMRG’s Ian Beard has received a nomination for his unwavering commitment to the group.

Rounding out the first round Geraldton nominees is five-time State swimming champion Flynn Scott, who is up for the sports award.

The 14-year-old Mid West Academy of Sport scholarship holder impressed judges with his abilities in the pool.

The nominees will be judged next month, and an official ceremony and award presentations will be held on Friday, October 28.