The 2008 Regional Achievement and Community Awards were officially launched across regional Western Australia. The search is on for individuals and group high achievers, towns and communities that are making a difference to their communities through their hard work, dedication and innovation.

• Wednesday 28th May – BROOME at the Shire of Broome Function Room Proudly sponsored by the Shire of Broome and officially launched by the Shire President Cr Graeme Campbell and
  
• Thursday 29th May – FITZROY CROSSING at Kimberley Aboriginal Law and Culture Centre (KALACC) Proudly sponsored by the KALACC Centre. Officially launched by the Acting Director General, Department of Indigenous Affairs, Jackie Tang.
  
  

All winners will be presented with a trophy and a prize in the relevant category

• RSM Bird Cameron Business Enterprise Award – The winner will receive a Commonwealth Bank Account of $2,000.
  
  
• Department of Local Government and Regional Development Local Government Best Practice Award – The winner will receive a Commonwealth Bank Account of $2,000.
  
  
• Curtin University of Technology Regional Service Award – The winner will receive a Commonwealth Bank Account of $2,000.
  
  
• LandCorp Environmental Sustainability Award – The winner will receive a Commonwealth Bank Account of $2,000.
  
  
• Australia Post Youth Leadership Award – The winner will receive a Commonwealth Bank Account of $2,000.
  
  
• CSBP Water Conservation Award – The winner will receive a Commonwealth Bank Account of $2,000.
  
  
• Department of Indigenous Affairs Indigenous Service Award – The winner will receive a Commonwealth Bank Account of $2,000.
  
  
• Horizon Power Leadership & Innovation Award – The winner will receive a Commonwealth Bank Account of $2,000.
  
  
• Kleenheat Gas Community of the Year Award – The category winner will receive a Commonwealth Bank Account of $2,000.
  
  
• All nominees and finalists will receive a letter of congratulations and a certificate of encouragement for their nomination.
  

AWARDS PRESENTATION

The finalists and winners of the Regional Achievement and Community Awards for Western Australia will be announced at a special gala awards presentation dinner.

This will take place on Friday 7th November 2008.

The presentation dinner will be a formal event attended by about 300 people including VIP guests.

	RSM Bird Cameron Business Enterprise Award More and more enterprises in regional areas are forming businesses or working in groups or partnerships to boost their competitiveness in an increasingly complex business environment. By sharing knowledge and resources, they can achieve outcomes beyond their individual capabilities. Businesses may work in partnership to market their combined products or services, to improve the image of the community, to increase market share, to reduce costs through bulk purchasing, or win larger contracts than is possible working alone. Businesses may be industry specific or broader and they may vary from a loose arrangement to a legal structure such as a co-operative or joint venture company. Nominations are open to groups of businesses, business networks and individual businesses working in partnership with other businesses.
	Local Government Best Practice Award Local Government Best Practice Award is to recognise local governments that are working with communities on successful initiatives to improve services and community needs. These initiatives must demonstrate innovations used to promote and strengthen the future sustainability of Western Australian communities. This award is to inspire creativity in developing best practice models which can be adopted across the local government sector to improve the lives and wellbeing of Western Australians.
	Curtin University of Technology Regional Service Award The Regional Service Award applauds our unsung heroes, acknowleging those people who are passionate in dedicating their lives for the needs of others. When hard times hit or volunteers are needed, there are many selfless men and women, young and old, that often make a difference by giving their guidance, encouragement and much needed support. Whether it be mentoring unemployed, running camps for our underprivileged teenagers or simply spending their time offering friendship, hope and inspiration to the disadvantaged and those who need it most. This award is an opportunity for our whole community to gain inspiration from others through their achievements, demonstrated leadership and outstanding service to the local community.
	LandCorp Environmental Sustainability Award Sustainability encompasses the balancing of environmental, economic and social initiatives. The award for this year will focus on environment specifically, however it does encourage the inclusion of the social and economic aspects of sustainability. This award acknowledges individuals and organisations who show a proven passion and dedication to reducing environmental impacts in rural and regional areas. By implementing sustainability practices on their own properties or within local community, there is an increased commitment to raising awareness, knowledge and understanding of sustainability, which will in turn help to protect the planet's vital resources. Many individuals and organisations recognise our need to improve our patterns of consumption and environmental behaviour. They are environmentally conscious and understand that this and future generations will be dependent on the environment, and their actions will encourage sustainable and responsible development in the future.
	Australia Post Youth Leadership Award The Youth Leadership Award will recognise young people 12-27 years of age who are achieving excellence in their chosen field of endeavour or who are making a valuable contribution to their community. It may be sport, art, leadership, community work, career, academia or community involvement. The Award will also acknowledge and reward groups and organisations that are providing leadership, mentoring and a range of opportunities and activities for your young people that encourage and involve young people in planning, organising, decision making and general community participation. It may be providing social interaction, developing and running community events, creating stronger relationships between young people and the broader community, building skills and leadership or working with other young people on issues affecting young people and communities.
	CSBP Water Conservation Award As the driest populated continent on earth, we can no longer afford gardens and facilities that require excessive amounts of water. This award acknowledges those at home, in business or on the land who are endeavouring to use water wisely. Whether it is to water the garden, trees, crops, sports facilities or cattle, or as part of your business processes, this award recognises water saving methods and ideas which are often simple but effective. The nominees will demonstrate innovative ways to capture water, reduce the use of water, redirect it or recycle it efficiently and effectively. Whether it be protecting our rainfall and water supplies from escaping or redirecting it in the most effective manner, our nominees are showing that having water restrictions does not mean sacrificing our garden, sporting facilities or business.
	Department of Indigenous Affairs Indigenous Service Award The Department of Indigenous Affairs is committed to ensuring that Indigenous Western Australians live long, healthy and fulfilling lives. The department recognises and values Indigenous land, heritage and culture and supports Indigenous people in their needs and aspirations to share equally in the benefits of Western Australian society and economy The Indigenous Service Award recognises a group or individual who has achieved outstanding outcomes for Indigenous people. Nominations may be for a specific project or a larger body of work. The award focus will be on leadership, active engagement with the Indigenous community, long-term positive impact and measurable results. Nominations may be in the areas of health care, education, social justice, employment, culture and the arts, crime prevention, or pastoral care.
	Horizon Power Leadership & Innovation Award Tenacity, dedication, selflessness, and leadership qualities are the key ingredients to those amazing individuals whop are the “driving force” in their community. These leaders are at the forefront of community contribution in their field of endeavour. They may have overcome significant difficulty, adversity or hardship to achieve excellent outcomes and raise pride in the community and our state. They may simply be putting their heart and sole into making Western Australia a better place. The Driving Force Award will acknowledge role models who through their driving force, pave the way for others to follow.
	Kleenheat Gas Community of the Year Award The Community of the Year Award provides groups and organisiations with an opportunity to gain recognition for their achievements and contributions to our community. These awards aim to recognise high-achieving communities and organisations that have made a difference to regional and rural Western Australia. These community groups share a strong sense of community spirit, which plays a vital role in enhancing the social, economic, commercial and environmental prosperity of their region. It is important to recognise and encourage these groups and organisations as their efforts help to make regional communities stronger, more vibrant and help to promote a true community spirit for this and generations to come.