Illawarra's Best Catch

The Illawarra has a new best catch: David Wassink. “David is only 23 years old but has a remarkable commitment to the Illawarra community through his volunteering, and his life story as a struggling young person to now being an up-standing contributing citizen is an inspirational story we can all learn from” commented the judging panel. After the black tie event was held on Saturday Night at the City Beach Function Centre, the judges awarded him the title after a tough competition with five other young men who were in the running to be Illawarra’s Best Catch for 2008.

David wowed the judges with his piano piece which he composed, a speech about the effects homelessness on a young person and when received a negative stereotype about a young male: he demystified the negative stereotype that young men can not multi-task. “I feel honoured to have received the title, but I do it for all young men in the community who are breaking stereotypes and giving it a go”

The competition aims to empower, profile and encourage young men who volunteer and give back to the community in a positive manner.

David Wassink volunteers for the Southern Youth and Family Services organisation in the Illawarra assisting and mentoring young people experiencing homelessness. As the winner, he now receives a commercial package from Southern Cross Ten, media sponsor of Illawarra’s Best Catch.

The Online Voting for the Illawarra’s Best Catch People’s Choice Award winner was Willy Alarcon who received after thousands of votes from the Illawarra community. Thousands of votes from the public was lodged in support of their favourite young man who gives back to their community.

Judges on the evening included Warwick Marsh, founder of the Fatherhood Foundation, Anna Jenko, a representative from Father Chris Riley’s Youth off the Streets and Richard Howson, academic who specialises in gender politics and masculinises at UOW. Jenko, a representative from Father Chris Riley’s Youth off the Streets and Richard Howson, academic who specialises in gender politics and masculinises at UOW.

This event is the only type within Australia with regions outside of the Illawarra attending keen to see how it works and discussing this event can be duplicated in their regions. “We have been approached by organisations and businesses in other areas across Australia who have liked this Illawarra-born concept and who want to learn how they too can support their local young men in their community” said Melissa Abu-Gazaleh.

To speak to the Best Catch Winner or Online Voting Winner contact:

Melissa Abu-Gazaleh
0404630013

melissa@bestcatch.com.au

and visit www.bestcatch.com.au