Sam Kerr and the Matildas.
Camera IconSam Kerr and the Matildas. Credit: Supplied/Getty Images

WA Australian of the Year Award winners announced

Jessica WarrinerEastern Reporter

FOUR of Western Australia’s best and brightest have taken out the WA Australian of the Year Awards, including athlete Samantha Kerr.

The winners were announced at a ceremony hosted by the Governor of WA, Her Excellency The Honourable Kerry Sanderson AC.

Dr Tracy Westerman, a Njamal woman, was named the 2018 WA Australian of the Year for her two decades of trailblazing work reducing the burden of mental illness in Aboriginal people.

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The WA Senior Australian of the Year was Kathleen Mazella OAM, who has been a voice for millions of women facing gynaecological issues.

Samantha Kerr (24) took out WA Young Australian of the Year, recognised for her outstanding work on the soccer field and as a women’s sport ambassador.

Swan councillor Peter Lyndon-James was named as the WA Local Hero for his work helping Shalom House residents battle their addictions and establish future goals.

They will join a cohort of 32 state and territory award recipients from around the country in Canberra next year to represent WA at the Australian of the Year awards.

National Australia Day Council chief executive Jenny Barbour said the WA recipients were inspirational.

“The awards allow us to recognise and celebrate the achievements of outstanding Australians – people making extraordinary contributions to our society,” Ms Barbour said.

“The WA award recipients have challenged boundaries, shown great leadership, overcome personal challenge and made a difference for others.”