Veteran West Coast legend David Wirrpanda has been selected as a finalist for the Young Australian of the Year Award in Western Australia.
The Young Australian of the Year Award is one of four categories in the Australian of the Year Awards which seek to acknowledge individuals who inspire national pride and enrich the lives of their fellow Australians.
This year more than 3000 nominations were received for the awards and Wirrpanda is proud of his achievement in being named a finalist for this prestigious honour.
Wirrpanda has become well regarded in the wider community for his work with young Australians and was awarded the inaugural AFL Community Leadership Award in 2003.
Since the establishment of the David Wirrpanda Foundation in 2005, Wirrpanda’s influence has soared and is now directed into development programs tailored to meet the specific needs of indigenous youth.
Together with fellow foundation role models Troy Cook and Bianca Franklin, Wirrpanda is committed to improving the outlook of young Australians by focusing on the importance of education, a healthy lifestyle and informed decision making.
Foundation chief executive officer Lisa Cunningham passed on her thanks to Wilma Ribel, a Pinjarra resident who decided to nominate Wirrpanda based on his impact in the region.
“Wilma was so impressed with David and the work of the foundation that she took it upon herself to nominate him for the award,” Cunningham said.
“That David has now been named a finalist is fantastic recognition of his commitment to not only indigenous students, but the community as a whole.”
The 2009 Australian of the Year Awards will be presented on Saturday, November 22 at Government House Ballroom.
Please visit the following links for further information regarding the David Wirrpanda Foundation and the annual Foundation Dinner to be held on November 13 at Fraser’s Restaurant.
