Lower South West’s best named among community achievement award nominees

Two Lower South West’s best community contributors have been recognised on the State stage for their dedication to the community. A Manjimup woman and a local program have been named finalists in the 2023 WA Community Achievement Awards, recognising regional contributors who “make regional Western Australia a better community”. Blackwood Youth Action — a not-for-profit group concerned with the wellbeing of young people in the Blackwood region, in particular youth who are marginalised and at-risk — was nominated for the Woolworths Community Group of the Year Award, which recognises groups that make a significant contribution to their regional or rural community. In the individual category, teacher at East Manjimup Primary School Nikki Rooke was nominated for the Curtin University, School of Education Teaching Excellence Award. This award acknowledged Ms Rooke’s passion for her work with students and her demonstrated pattern of outstanding service. Ms Rooke — whose passion over the past five years has been in sustainability education — said she was thrilled to be recognised for her commitment to the students and to the local community. “I want students to grow into good community members and to be involved in their community,” she said. Ms Rooke said she has always had an interest in sustainability practices and has actively fostered students’ passion in the area, including creating a lunchtime student group called the Green Team. “It’s a program designed for those who are committed to the concept of sustainability,” she said. “They show real leadership by taking on the tasks assigned to them.” BYA manager Lisa Burgess said it was an honour to be nominated for the award. “An award like this recognises the incredible team we have,” she said. “It’s incredible. “It’s important to be acknowledged for this as it improves our profile. . . more people become capable of accessing our services. “We’re so pleased and proud to be nominated.” Award winners will be announced at a ceremony in Perth in October, with winners set to receive $2000 in prizes and a trophy.