Western Australian of the Year wants Kimberley nominations

Last year's Western Australian of the Year Ian Trust is encouraging Kimberley people to get their nominations in for the 2014 awards, to be presented this WA Day.

Mr Trust, a well-known figure in the Kimberley, first took out the Aboriginal Award before going on to be named the overall Western Australian of the Year for 2013.

Currently the executive chairman of the Wunan Foundation, interim chairman of Aarnja Limited and deputy chairman of the Indigenous Land Corporation, Mr Trust received the awards for his contribution to regional WA.

In calling for nominations, Mr Trust said many people were making a significant contribution to communities across the State and were not just based in the metropolitan area.

"It's a very exciting time to live and work in regional Western Australia, and I encourage anyone living in this vast State to think about nominations for the Western Australian of the Year Awards," he said.

"If you know someone who is making a difference in regional WA, I encourage you to submit a nomination this year."

The awards recognise the highest level of contribution made to WA by those either born in WA, or those who have chosen to call WA home.

They are organised by not-for-profit organisation Celebrate WA, which has the responsibility for promoting and organising the annual WA Day celebrations.

Award nominations are open to any member of the WA community and the awards are presented at a gala ceremony that will mark the start of the WA Day long weekend on May 30.

The overall Western Australian of the Year is selected from the winners of the individual categories. Categories include Aboriginal, Arts and Culture, Business, Community, Professions, Sport and Youth.

Nominations close 5pm, March 14, and can be made online at www.celebratewa.com.au .