They are talented, enthusiastic advocates in their field and more, now up for the State’s prestigious award.
CATEGORY SPORT
Josh Kennedy
Josh Kennedy is a former AFL star and Eagles premiership player who has had an extraordinary career. He is the West Coast Eagles’ all-time leading goal-kicker and a three-time All-Australian.
Josh’s contributions to the community are as significant as his sporting achievements. He has mentored and inspired thousands of young players, led community programs with schools and charities, and served as a long-time ambassador for MSWA.
The JK Foundation, which he founded, provides scholarships and grants to young athletes excelling in their sport, with nine children currently benefiting.
Josh’s farewell at Optus Stadium in 2022, which attracted 50,000 people, was an emotional occasion that demonstrated his incredible impact on the AFL and WA community.
Shirts picturing his face were so popular they sold out at the West Coast Eagles merchandise store, and his team-mates filled an entire double page spread of The West Australian with messages about his positive impact on their careers and the club.
Josh’s continuous success over 15 AFL seasons makes him one of the West Coast Eagles’ most elite players.
His inspiring example extends beyond the football field. When Josh’s home town of Northampton was hit by cyclone Seroja in 2021, he helped to raise $180,000 for relief efforts and visited the town to deliver positive energy and support.
Brad Ness OAM
Brad Ness is a Paralympic champion and admired advocate for para-sport.
After losing his leg in a workplace accident when he was 18, Brad refused to let any obstacles hold him back.
Dedicating himself to wheelchair basketball, Brad was awarded a scholarship to play in the US and represented Australia in five Paralympic Games, winning a gold and two silver medals.
As head coach of the WA Institute of Sport wheelchair basketball program, Brad is sharing his knowledge and experience with the next generation of athletes.
He is a respected and supportive leader who prioritises the wellbeing of his players on and off the court.
Under his guidance, a record number of WA wheelchair basketball players made the national team in 2022.
Off-court, Brad is a vocal advocate for para-sport, working tirelessly to promote programs and encouraging young people with disabilities to participate in physical activity.
Bill Dempsey MBE
Bill Dempsey is a legendary Indigenous Australian Rules player who has positively influenced the lives of prisoners for almost half a century.
His football career spanned 343 games at West Perth and he earned a reputation as a highly respected leader, playing the game fairly and passionately.
Bill’s contribution to the community is equally impressive. He saw the potential to change the lives of struggling young men and became a participant in the Elders’ Program at Karnet prison in 1977.
He has spent 46 years mentoring young Aboriginal men and women, working with soon-to-be-released prisoners to help break the cycle of repeat offending.
Bill helps prisoners find employment and accommodation and stable support networks.
Throughout his career, Bill has shown humility, selflessness and a desire to give back to the community.
CATEGORY BUSINESS
Gina Rinehart AO
Gina Rinehart is an inspiring business leader and philanthropist who has contributed greatly to the mining, agricultural and philanthropic sectors in Australia.
As executive chairman of the Hancock Prospecting Group, she has transformed the company from one experiencing financial difficulties into one of the most successful private businesses in Australian history.
Under her stewardship, Hancock Prospecting has successfully diversified into mining, iron ore, copper, potash, gold, coal, gas, cattle, dairy, and property industries and importantly supports many philanthropic sectors.
Her business acumen and leadership have earned her several awards, including the Telstra Australian Business Woman of the Year (2009) and Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) for distinguished service to the mining sector, philanthropic initiatives, and sport (2022).
A passionate philanthropist, she supports various medical, educational, sporting, health and community organisations, serving as patron of Australia’s Olympic swimming, rowing, volleyball and synchronised swimming teams.
Her contribution to Olympic teams makes her the biggest individual donor to Olympic sport in Australian history.
She has also supported breast cancer and Telethon, enabling more than 100 children’s charities to deliver research, critical services and programs. Her example of giving back has inspired her staff to raise money for various charitable causes, and her teams are renowned for their enthusiastic support of giving back to the community of WA.
Her contributions to the community, leadership, and business success make her an inspiration and role model for many in Australia.
Steve Scudamore AM
A renowned business leader and community figure, Steve Scudamore has worked in senior management for more than 28 years and has served as a respected partner for global accounting giant KPMG.
He was a chairman of Partners from 2004 to 2012, when his collaborative and consultative approach earned him the respect of his colleagues and associates. Steve has given his time to many boards, including Celebrate WA, Barking Gecko, Edge Employment, Awesome Arts and Aquila Resources.
He has been a trustee of the WA Museum since 2006 and vice-chair since 2016. He has also provided support to Telethon Kids Institute.
John Barrington AM
John Barrington is a well-respected entrepreneur, community and business leader and health advocate.
Over his 40-year career, John has played a key role in developing the State’s business community by providing quality education, mentoring, consulting and commercial opportunities.
John has served as the chair of Anglicare WA, revamping its strategy to target sustainability alongside community service.
He is also heavily involved in the arts sector.
His commitment to others was learnt at Cottesloe Surf Life Saving Club, where he rose to become the youngest club captain.
CATEGORY COMMUNITY
Adjunct Professor Tony Pietropiccolo AM
Adjunct Professor Tony Pietropiccolo is a highly regarded representative of the social services sector and a compassionate community leader. As director of Centrecare for 34 years, Tony has grown the organisation from 26 staff members to 300. Centrecare offers vital counselling, social support, and training services across 11 metro and regional branches to help those in need with issues such as domestic violence, gambling and homelessness.
He has served on several committees and boards, including as president of the WA Council of Social Service, chair of the State Homelessness Taskforce and president and co-chair of Community Employers WA. He has also advised government and prominent organisations on issues including family violence prevention, child protection and homelessness. He is currently working towards harnessing support for an Australian Child Poverty Reduction Act.
Robert Graham
Robert Graham is a dedicated volunteer from Karratha, who has devoted countless hours to serving his community and those in desperate need. With a passion for emergency response and community leadership, Robert has taken part in programs from coaching and mentoring sporting groups to serving as a member and instructor for emergency organisations.
He has dedicated more than 4200 hours to volunteer work with the Karratha State Emergency Service, including 1000 hours in the past year alone. Robert has played a crucial role in times of crisis such as after cyclones Damien and Seroja.
Somehow, he also finds the time to be a foster carer and a member of the local primary school board.
Professor Marcus Atlas AM
As a pioneering surgeon, scientist, and healthcare visionary, Professor Marcus Atlas has achieved global recognition in the field of ear and hearing health. He is the director of Ear Science Institute Australia.
Marcus has helped build ESIA into a world-leading ear and hearing medical research institute.
He has attracted global interest in WA, advancing his vision for the State to be the global leader in ear and hearing health.
Marcus leads by example, and his philanthropic work has built a following of donors to support early-career scientists and innovative research.
He has been instrumental in providing high-quality surgery and hearing rehabilitation for the community, with ESIA serving over 44,000 people annually.
He has partnered with Mineral Resources in the Pilbara to support Indigenous-led ear health programs.
CATEGORY YOUTH
Madison Heady
Madison Heady is a 21-year-old disability advocate and para-athlete who has ataxic cerebral palsy and did not walk unassisted until the age of six.
Yet Madison went on to win a National Athletics silver medal.
After being involved in a serious car accident in 2020, doctors advised Madison that she may never walk again and that her dreams of becoming a Paralympic runner could be over.
But she is now running up to 50km a week. Madison is also a public speaker who educates young people about equality and inclusion.
Dr Adam Edwards
Dr Adam Edwards is an innovative researcher dedicated to reducing brain injury suffered by pre-term infants. His research includes brain-imaging techniques to diagnose brain injury and drug therapy to prevent brain injuries.
His drug therapy has been licensed to advance to the next stage of trials.
Adam’s contributions to infant brain injury research have been recognised through various appointments and awards.
Zahra Al Hilaly
Zahra Al Hilaly is a youth activist, speaker, and author who advocates for marginalised communities at home and abroad. Her tireless efforts have resulted in several prestigious awards.
Zahra focuses on prompting societal change, and she collaborates closely with underrepresented young people to help them become effective leaders in their communities.
As co-chair for the WA Government Youth Council, Zahra also advises the minister for youth on matters related to young people.
CATEGORY ABORIGINAL
Des Headland
Des Headland reached the top of his sport as a premiership player with Brisbane’s Lions and, as a proud Nyoongar-Yamatji man is an advocate for Aboriginal employment and representation.
He has built businesses that empower First Nations people and programs to help unemployed Aboriginal people.
Honourable Ken Wyatt AM
Ken Wyatt is a political trailblazer who has been an advocate for an Aboriginal Voice to Parliament.
He was the first Indigenous Australian elected to the House of Representatives and the first to serve as a minister.
Ken is an inspiring leader with unmatched experience in understanding the issues faced by Indigenous Australians.
He has engaged with thousands of communities during his career and advocated at the highest level to close the gap for Aboriginal people.
Professor Cheryl Kickett-Tucker AM
Professor Cheryl Kickett-Tucker is a respected academic and researcher who focuses on Aboriginal wellbeing through education, sport and health.
She is a former basketball coach and player.
As well as her academic achievements, Cheryl’s community contributions are impressive. Her message to the young generation is to stay true to their roots, follow their dreams and refuse to accept the word “no”.
CATEGORY ARTS AND CULTURE
Tim Ungar
As a dedicated philanthropist and businessman, Tim Ungar has supported diversity and helped drive the post-COVID arts recovery.
With his experience as a former Telstra executive and co-owner and chair of TSA Group, Tim has proved to be adept at guiding organisations through challenging times.
He also applies his philanthropic efforts to other important issues including environmental sustainability and homelessness.
Paul Chamberlain
Paul Chamberlain is a passionate supporter and benefactor of the arts in WA.
As chairman of the Art Gallery of WA Foundation, his efforts have been critical in raising funds for the gallery and bringing in new supporters.
Paul established Arts Impact WA, a collective-giving initiative that focuses on the arts.
Arts Impact WA is a clever model of collective giving that has been particularly beneficial during the COVID pandemic, which has devastated cultural industries.
Paul is also a founding member of Impact100WA, which has given away more than $2.4 million to more than 40 not-for-profit organisations.
Iain Grandage
Iain Grandage is a celebrated Australian composer and music director, currently serving as artistic director for Perth Festival.
He has received numerous awards for his contributions to the arts, including seven Helpmann Awards, the Sidney Myer Performing Arts Award, and the Ian Potter Emerging Composer Fellowship.
Even with the unprecedented challenges presented by the pandemic, the Perth Festival flourished under Iain’s leadership.
His creative vision ensured the Festival continues to attract major international acts. Iain has always demonstrated a strong commitment to promoting local artists, focusing on amplifying Noongar voices and creating a more inclusive Festival that connects performers, audiences, and events to the community and place around them.
Despite facing numerous obstacles, Iain’s positive attitude has enabled him to continue connecting people through music, art, and stories, creating understanding, kindness and empathy.
CATEGORY PROFESSIONS
Clinical Professor David Blacker
Professor David Blacker is a revolutionary neurologist who is dedicated to improving the lives of others.
He has focused on improving the outcomes of people with neurological conditions and co-established the acute stroke team at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital.
He has a pro-bono clinic for younger patients with severe stroke and has guided the development of younger colleagues.
Professor Yogi Yogesan
Professor Yogi Yogesan is an unconventional thinker who has created life-changing devices and reimagined healthcare.
After the tragic death of Aishwarya Aswath in the emergency department at PCH, Yogi began developing an AI-embedded wearable band that could track patients’ vital signs from the moment they enter the hospital until they leave.
Professor Andrew Whitehouse
Professor Andrew Whitehouse is a renowned autism researcher, passionate about transforming clinical care for autistic children.
Andrew’s discovery in 2021, showing the benefits of intervention for autism as early as 6-12 months, has transformed international practice.
He led the creation of Australia’s first guidelines for diagnosis and treatment of autism in children, ensuring gold standard care across the country.
