WA Winner - Local Hero Award 2010

Rhonda Parker has been announced as the winner of the Western Australian Local Hero Award, 2010, one of the four categories in the Australia Day Awards at a ceremony at Government House. Rhonda has been the long standing Music Director for the Boyup Brook Country Music Club, and was bestowed with the honour not just for her driving force behind the Festival, but also for her long term commitment to the local community of Boyup Brook 

She is a tireless volunteer and has been the driving force behind many local organisations for the past 28 years. From 3,000 nominations received Statewide, Rhonda was named along side three other finalists for the Award and honoured along with the States best.

The Local Hero Award is one of four categories of the Australian of the Year program, presented by the National Australia Day Council in association with state and territory Australia Day organisations. The Australian of the Year Award acknowledges individuals who inspire national pride and enrich the lives of their fellow Australians.

Rhonda and three other state Award recipients will join winners from all other States and Territories as finalists for the National Awards to be announced in January, 2010 in Canberra. Rhonda is looking forward to a ‘once in a lifetime’ opportunity to visit the Canberra residence of Prime Minister Kevin Rudd “The Lodge”, when she attends a gala dinner the night before the awards ceremony.

Congratulations Rhonda

WA Tourism Awards Finalist

One thousand of the country’s artists, arts workers and arts volunteers have just left Alice Springs after being part of the largest Regional Arts Australia conference in history – art at the heart.

“I am very honoured and privileged to receive this Award. I believe there are many volunteers doing many great things in their communities. Over the years I have been Committee member, Administrator, and general hands on volunteer. I have attended a number of National and State Art conferences and have come home once again completely inspired. There are so many great activities taking place in very small communities across Australia. The conference drew together a very diverse range of artists, performers, art worker’s, funding bodies and volunteers and brings many like minded people together to inspire, connect, tell their stories, meet new friends and old acquaintances. The inspiration from the conference will help us to develop strong arts practices and in doing so will make a strong contribution to our town and region. Connection to place is what drives me to do what I am doing”.

Sharon Winter