Young Talent Reaps Reward for Revitalisation Work.

A Northbridge local has won a prestigious State award in recognition of his work at EPRA.

Martin Keen, 25, has been named as the recipient of the 2008 Urban Development Institute of Western Australia (UDIA) Young Development Professional Scholarship, which includes a cash prize of $2,000 and access to UDIA’s industry events in 2008-2009.

Mr Keen, who lives and works in Northbridge, says that winning the prestigious award from such a wide pool of talent is a humbling experience.

“The development industry in Perth is extremely competitive; there’s lots of young talent with excellent credentials, so to be recognised with this scholarship is quite overwhelming.”

The UDIA represents all segments of the development industry, and Mr Keen says that the scholarship will be an exciting opportunity for his career development.

As a senior planner at EPRA, Mr Keen is involved the planning of some of the organisation’s most exciting new projects, including The Link. He has worked on the new Heath Ledger Theatre and is actively involved in heritage conservation and the progression of sustainability initiatives.

“Working at EPRA has been incredibly fulfilling. I’ve had the opportunity to work with industry leaders to deliver some of Perth’s most important urban regeneration projects,” said Mr Keen.

EPRA CEO Tony Morgan says that Mr Keen had demonstrated his potential early and risen quickly through the ranks as a result.

“Martin joined EPRA as part of our Scholarship Planner program for young graduates in 2004, and attained a senior planner position within only 18 months of completing his degree. His work is consistently excellent and we are very pleased that Martin’s achievements have been recognised by the UDIA,” said Mr Morgan.

Mr Keen also contributes to the continued development of other young professionals through his roles as a tutor at Curtin University, and as a mentor to the current EPRA scholarship planner.