A palliative care researcher, an Olympic runner, a social worker and a social entrepreneur have been honoured at the 2023 WA Australian of the Year awards.
End-of-life care advocate Professor Samar Aoun has become the state's candidate for 2023 Australian of the Year due to her extensive work pushing for a person-centred approach to end-of life care.
Professor Aoun has dedicated her career to under-served groups such as those with motor neurone disease, dementia and carers.
She has been recognised for her work to equip people to better support terminally ill patients and those facing bereavement.
The 63-year-old Bunbury resident is an international leader in her field, holds a number of board positions and co-founded the South West Compassionate Communities Network.
Olympian Nagmeldin Bol, known by his first name Peter, is WA's Young Australian of the Year due to both his athletic achievements and his work off the field.
The 28-year-old became the first Australian to make it into a 800m final in 53 years after winning his semi-final at the Tokyo Olympic Games in 2021.
The Sudan-born middle-distance runner arrived in Australia, via Egypt, when he was eight and was quickly recognised as a star athlete.
In addition to training and studying, Mr Bol works as a coach, mentor, keynote speaker and has been recognised for his philanthropic efforts.
WA Senior Australian of the Year Theresa Kwok has helped migrants settle in Australia since she herself arrived from Hong Kong 35 years ago with a background in social work.
The 68-year-old Joondanna resident looks after about 800 people through her work as the CEO of Perth's Chung Wah Community and Aged Care, helping elderly people live independently and access culturally appropriate services.
2023 WA Local Hero winner James Murphy, also known as Jimmy, founded the non-profit Town Team Movement which aims to inspire people to improve their own communities.
It has since since grown to more than 100 teams across WA and NZ.
The 42-year-old social entrepreneur from Leederville advocates for more accessible community spaces and started grassroots level initiatives such as working bees, street festivals, community gardens and co-ops in various communities.
The four recipients will attend the national awards in January 2023.
