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A doctor who graduated from The University of Western Australia and founded charitable organisation ‘Fair Game’, is one of 40 people recognised in the 2016 40under40 Awards.

Dr John van Bockxmeer, 30, from Port Hedland, received an ‘Inspiring Possibilities’ award from a strong field at a gala dinner attended by business people and nominees.

He was recognised for his contribution to creating healthier communities through Fair Game and through his volunteer work in the community.

Fair Game is a not-for-profit organisation that supports remote and disadvantaged communities, and was established in 2010.

The organisation supports health education and fitness through the donation of recycled sports equipment.

Dr van Bockxmeer runs the organisation with support from 180 volunteers, outside of his full-time employment as a remote emergency doctor in Port Hedland.

Fair Game has been successful in inspiring more than 6,000 Indigenous Australians and refugees to improve their health, while reducing communicable and lifestyle-related diseases through the donation of 20,000 items of recycled sports equipment.

Dr van Bockxmeer, who is also a past Young Western Australian of the Year winner, said he was honoured to be recognised in the 2016 40under40 Awards.

“Fair Game is a business about understanding human values and its success is representative of the support received from the Western Australian community," Dr van Bockxmeer said.

"Receiving this award represents for the hard work of 180 volunteers across Australia who have helped inspire healthy communities for the past six and a half years.”

21-year-old UWA Bachelor of Philosophy student Mark Shelton was also nominated in the 40under40 awards.

Mr Shelton is founder and CEO of Bloom, a not-for-profit organisation that provides thousands of young Western Australians with encouragement, support and infrastructure to grow their ideas into successful ventures.

Bloom has rapidly grown and in 2015, its workshops and seminars attracted 2,500 attendees and its co-working space supported 50 entrepreneurs.

Media references

Jess Reid (UWA Media and PR Officer)                                                                 (+61 8) 6488 6876
John van Bockxmeer                                                                                          (+61 4) 01 230 299