Well known community figure Steve Heron, has been named as a Western Australia finalist for the Australian of the Year Awards 2015.
The founding director of Nurture Works and creator of BUZ (Build Up Zone) said he felt honoured, surprised and flattered to be placed in the local hero category.
"It is tremendous to see that the contribution Nurture Works and BUZ programs have made over the years is being recognised by my acceptance as a finalist for this award," Mr Heron said.
While Mr Heron is the one being honoured he says that the contributions of many have made BUZ into an effective medium for promoting social and emotion well being in all children.
According to Mr Heron, it was his destiny to work with children.
His lifelong career as a children’s worker and chaplain began when he was just 18.
Over four decades, Mr Heron has worked with children that are happy and healthy and children that are angry and at risk.
A born leader, visionary and creative, Mr Heron was the creator of the BUZ framework and programs, which grew from his observations that teenagers’ problems with suicide, depression, alcohol and drugs often stemmed from their primary school years.
As a ‘one man wonder’, Mr Heron has written books and songs, designed posters and student manuals, held school holiday and weekend camps, solicited donations and staged shows all to give children the confidence to handle life’s challenges.
The Australian of the Year award recipient for each category from Western Australia will be announced at a reception at the Government House Ballroom in Perth on November 15.
Western Australia’s Award recipients will then join recipients from all other States and Territories as finalists for the National Awards, which will be held in Canberra on January 25.
