In a celebration of outstanding achievements, three affiliated staff and alumni from The University of Western Australia have been recognised at the prestigious Western Australian of the Year awards.

“Their achievements serve as an inspiration to all, paving the way for a brighter future in healthcare, autism research and the arts."

UWA Vice-Chancellor Amit Chakma

Emeritus Professor Marcus Atlas AM, Professor Andrew Whitehouse, and Dr Iain Grandage received accolades for their exceptional contributions in their respective fields.

Emeritus Professor Atlas AM won the Alcoa Community Award in recognition of his global contribution to the field of ear and hearing health.

A UWA graduate (MBBS '82), Professor Atlas is director of Ear Science Institute Australia where he has played a pivotal role in transforming the not-for-profit into a world-leading ear and hearing medical research institute.

He said he was thrilled and honoured to receive the Alcoa Community Award.

"WA is well-known for being one of the most generous States in Australia, especially in the spirit of helping others, and this is truly evident in the calibre of my fellow finalists and those doing so much to help others within the community," he said.

"I am proud of what we have done for medical research and clinical care of those with ear and hearing disorders at Ear Science Institute Australia and UWA.”

Autism researcher Professor Andrew Whitehouse (PhD '06), another UWA alumnus, was named Western Australian of the Year in the HBF Professions category.

Professor Whitehouse is the Angela Wright Bennett Professor of Autism Research at Telethon Kids and UWA and Director of CliniKids, where his relentless efforts in autism research have transformed clinical care for the approximately 500,000 Australians on the autism spectrum.

He led the development of the first Australian guideline for the diagnosis of autism and, more recently, the first Australian guideline for supporting autistic children.

Professor Whitehouse said he was humbled to have received an award among such a high calibre field.

"Every bit of recognition goes to the extraordinary team I'm lucky enough to work with, and the kids and families who let us into their lives and share their joys, laughs, tears, and triumphs – what a privilege that is," he said.

Dr Iain Grandage, a UWA graduate (BMus '94 and DMus '17),and seven-time Helpmann Award winner, was honoured with the Woodside Arts and Culture Award.

Perth Festival Artistic Director since 2020, Dr Grandage has showcased significant vision and an unwavering dedication to Western Australia's vibrant art community.

His commitment to celebrating local and Noongar artists and stories has been instrumental in curating engaging and culturally diverse programs for the Festival.

Dr Grandage said he was delighted to receive the award in recognition of his work at Perth Festival.

"In my four years as Artistic Director I have sought to build upon its storied 70-year legacy as the University’s generous arm reaching out into our community," he said.

"I have the great fortune and privilege of working alongside a team at Perth Festival who every day lean into the wheel of effort to support artists and include as diverse and broad a community as possible.

"Thanks to the support of UWA as our Founding Partner and our other Festival supporters, we can acknowledge and amplify the ancient stories from within this country  and sing songs from more recent arrivals from around the globe.

"We get to celebrate the spark of inventiveness and creativity which is in within every one of us, and work together to bring those sparks into the world and make this state a better place."

UWA Vice-Chancellor Amit Chakma said through their ground-breaking research, leadership and dedication to community engagement, all three alumni had left an indelible mark on WA and beyond.

"Their achievements serve as an inspiration to all, paving the way for a brighter future in healthcare, autism research and the arts," Professor Chakma said.

Caption at top of page (from left to right): Dr Iain Grandage, Emeritus Professor Marcus Atlas AM and Professor Andrew Whitehouse.