CEWA celebrates young leaders at prestigious awards night
07 June 2022
Known to locals as ‘The Jetty Queen’ for her prowess in catching big fish, 2022 Catholic Education Western Australia People’s Choice Award winner Katlyn Yeeda has been named a three-time winner in the 7News Young Achiever Awards WA.Ms Yeeda is a Derby Visitors Centre worker and Director and Treasurer for the local Warrawa Corporation.
A proud Aboriginal woman, Ms Yeeda also received the Pan Pacific Perth Travel, Tourism and Hospitality Award and 2022 Western Australian Young Achiever of the Year.
The esteemed accolades were awarded at the Pan Pacific Hotel on 27 May in the company of 250 guests, including the Minister for Youth Dave Kelly.
Joining Ms Yeeda is Catholic Education Western Australia Young Leadership recipient, Sia Spark, 29 who was recognised for her work in The Verso Project, an Australian-based not-for-profit that helps survivors of domestic violence.
Catholic Education Western Australia Deputy Executive Director Wayne Bull said both the winners and finalists were outstanding individuals who had shown exemplary leadership and made indelible contributions.
“For the past seven years, CEWA has proudly partnered with the 7News Young Achiever Awards. We are delighted to be involved in the awards program and to share in the recognition of the many young people who make such a great contribution to our state and our country,” Mr Bull said.
“When I look at our finalists I see incredible potential, and I look forward to following their ongoing achievements as they progress along their leadership journeys, inspiring change, and instilling hope in those around them.
“CEWA strives to support all our students to develop this same dedication to the issues that they care deeply about and to the common good. It is this compassion, motivation and excellence of character that will contribute to a brighter future for all,” he added.
Winners across the nine categories each received a trophy, $500 cash, $500 in Qoin, $500 Bartercard and a six-month membership with The Impact Collective, valued at $2,090.
“When I look at our finalists I see incredible potential, and I look forward to following their ongoing achievements as they progress along their leadership journeys, inspiring change, and instilling hope in those around them.”
Catholic Education Western Australia Deputy Executive Director Wayne Bull.
Award winners for the nine main categories were:
- Sia Spark, 29 – Catholic Education Western Australia Young Leadership Award.
- Jack Anderson, 21 – Masonic Care WA/Freemasons WA Community Service and Volunteering Award.
- Emily Suvaljko, 21 – Surge Fitness Sports Award.
- Emily Jones, 27 – RiverBank Estate Restaurant Food and Beverage Excellence Award.
- Dr Hayley Passmore, 29 – Spirit Super Create Change Award
- Alexis McDonald, 19 – First National Real Estate Innovation Award
- Katlyn Yeeda, 25 – Pan Pacific Perth Travel, Tourism and Hospitality Award
- Blake McFarlane, 16 – Qoin Small Business Achiever Award
- Chloe Gault, 28 – Awards Australia Regional Service Award
Ms Yeeda spoke about the significance of winning awards and how she plans to use this platform to pursue her goals.
“When I heard my name being called out that evening for the “People’s Choice Awards”, I was very proud of the people of Derby, knowing the whole town is behind me, supporting my efforts,” she said.
“Winning these awards goes along with how much passion I have for my job. I love talking to people from far and wide and I love talking to them about my hometown, the history, the spectacular scenery of flying above the Horizontal Falls, Buccaneer Archipelago, and the long rough corrugated famous Gibb River Road.
“The encouragement I have been given through the 7News Young Achiever Awards will allow me to encourage more indigenous youth in the community to be involved in any activities which lead them to achieving their goals,” she said.
The 7News Young Achiever Awards WA have been running since 2016, and recognise the incredible leadership, dedication, and pursuit of excellence amongst young people throughout the state.
