Young achievers in spotlight

The achievements of Broome’s stars of the future were recognised recently as two residents were nominated for prestigious State awards.

Jesse Evans and Joshua Linton were stoked when they found they were in the running for a WA Young Achiever Award, which acknowledges and promotes the extraordinary accomplishments of people under 30.

Jesse, 16, was no stranger to success last year, winning the top junior prize at the Broome Sports Association Awards, as well as taking out the Leading Edge Triathlon, Dash and Splash series, the BRAC to Beach run, the Clontarf Academy Run and others.

The swimmer and runner’s tremendous feats have earned him a nomination in the Surge Fitness sports award category, where he will be pitted against some of the best athletes in WA.

Jesse said he really appreciated being recognised on a State level.

“I feel like I’m representing Broome with this nomination,” he said.

“It would feel really great to win.

“All my sporting coaches have done so much for me and it would be so awesome to see it pay off in this way.”

Mr Linton has been nominated for the community service and volunteering award for his contribution to local clubs and organisations.

The 19-year-old recently took on the role of Towns Football Club president, where he works closely with junior players and focuses on developing their skills.

He also volunteers with Broome Sea Rescue, as well as the Youth Action Committee, where he delivers projects to give young people in town a voice in the community.

Mr Linton said he felt honoured and privileged to be nominated.

“I volunteer for the joy of doing it, not because I feel like I need to be recognised,” he said.

“I just want to give back to a community that gave so much to me when I was younger.”

Derby’s Jeevarayan Rao has also received a nomination for the environment and sustainability award.

Mr Rao helped establish the Young Environmental Consultants Association, where he develops innovative ways of assessing environmental impact and works towards solutions. Nominees in the 10 categories will go through a short-listing process on March 22, with winners announced at a gala evening in Perth in May.