Thai cave rescue diver wins WA award

Craig Challen, the retired veterinarian who helped rescue 12 boys and their coach from a flooded Thai cave, is WA's nominee for Australian of the Year.

Craig Challen (right) is WA's nominee for Australian of the Year. (AAP)

The retired Perth veterinarian who helped rescue 12 boys and their soccer coach from a flooded Thai cave has been named the West Australian nominee for Australian of the Year.

Craig Challen and his dive partner, Adelaide anaesthetist Richard Harris, have already received the rare Star of Courage for their roles in the risky July rescue mission in Chiang Rai.

Working up to 12 hours a day, Mr Challen repeatedly risked his life as the children were ushered through the narrow, dark caves.

Mr Challen was announced as the recipient of the WA Australian of the Year award at Government House in Perth on Tuesday.

WA's Senior Australian of the Year is 73-year-old Yamatji elder, ex-army serviceman and volunteer Frank Mallard, who saw active duty in Borneo and Vietnam.

The WA Young Australian of the Year is 24-year-old feminist, activist and law reformist Noelle Martin, while the local hero is basketballer and researcher Cheryl Kickett-Tucker.