NATIONAL FINALISTS LINE UP FOR 2019 AUSTRALIAN OF THE YEAR AWARDS
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MEDIA RELEASE MONDAY 19 NOVEMBER 2018 NATIONAL FINALISTS LINE UP FOR 2019 AUSTRALIAN OF THE YEAR AWARDS Awards to be announced 25 January 2019 australianoftheyear.org.au The National Australia Day Council has now announced all the State and Territory Award recipients who are in the running for the 2019 Australian of the Year Awards, to be presented in Canberra on the evening of Friday 25 January 2019. There are 33 people vying for the four Award titles: • 2019 Australian of the Year • 2019 Senior Australian of the Year • 2019 Young Australian of the Year • 2019 Australia’s Local Hero National Australia Day Council CEO, Ms Karlie Brand, said the national finalists reflect the many heart- warming and inspirational stories in our nation. "The Australian of the Year Awards allow us to showcase ordinary Australians doing extraordinary things to make a difference in their communities, achieving recognition on a national scale and influencing change for the better," said Ms Brand. “This year, we have some truly amazing people among our national finalists – some who are household names, some who quietly go about helping others and some who have overcome great challenges. “They are all so very worthy of our admiration and our recognition – they are all great Australians.” The national finalists for the 2019 Australian of the Year Awards are: 2019 AUSTRALIAN OF THE YEAR FINALISTS 2019 Tasmania Australian of the Year – Bernadette Black 2019 Western Australia Australian of the Year – Dr Craig Challen SC OAM 2019 NSW Australian of the Year – Kurt Fearnley AO 2019 South Australia Australian of the Year – Dr Richard Harris SC OAM 2019 ACT Australian of the Year – Virginia Haussegger AM 2019 Northern Territory Australian of the Year – Michael Long 2019 Queensland Australian of the Year – Jon Rouse 2019 Victorian Australian of the Year – Mark Sullivan 2018 SENIOR AUSTRALIAN OF THE YEAR FINALISTS 2019 Queensland Senior Australian of the Year – James Dale AO 2019 South Australia Senior Australian of the Year – Reginald Dodd 2019 Victorian Senior Australian of the Year – Alison Harcourt 2019 Northern Territory Senior Australian of the Year – Charlie King OAM 2019 NSW Senior Australian of the Year – Heather Lee OAM 2019 Western Australia Senior Australian of the Year – Frank Mallard 2019 ACT Senior Australian of the Year – Dr Sue Packer AM 2019 Tasmania Senior Australian of the Year – Sally Wise 2019 YOUNG AUSTRALIAN OF THE YEAR FINALISTS 2019 Northern Territory Young Australian of the Year – Danzal Baker 2019 Queensland Young Australian of the Year – Angel Dixon 2019 South Australia Young Australian of the Year – Eleni Glouftsis 2019 Victorian Young Australian of the Year – Dr Skye Kinder 2019 Western Australia Young Australian of the Year – Noelle Martin 2019 Tasmania Young Australian of the Year – Kirby Medcraft 1
2019 ACT Young Australian of the Year – Hanna Wandel 2019 NSW Young Australian of the Year – Jarrod Wheatley 2019 AUSTRALIA'S LOCAL HERO - 2019 Queensland Local Hero – Elijah Buol 2019 Northern Territory Local Heroes – Tick and Kate Everett 2019 Western Australia Local Hero – Professor Cheryl Kickett-Tucker 2019 Victoria’s Local Hero – Carol Matthews 2019 South Australia Local Hero – Megan McLoughlin 2019 Tasmania Local Hero – Vicki Purnell 2019 NSW Local Hero – Sophie Smith 2019 ACT Local Hero – David Williams * Bios on following pages For more information on the Australian of the Year Awards and details of all State and Territory recipients visit australianoftheyear.org.au. The 2019 Australian of the Year Awards will be broadcast live 7:30pm - 9:00pm AEDT on ABC TV. 2
2019 AUSTRALIAN OF THE YEAR AWARDS NATIONAL FINALISTS BIOS BY AWARD CATEGORY 2019 AUSTRALIAN OF THE YEAR – NATIONAL FINALISTS 2019 Tasmania Australian of the Year Bernadette Black GAICD, 42 (Blackmans Bay) Advocate for teenage parents As a once 16-year-old mother, Bernie is the founder and CEO of BRAVE Foundation, Australia's only national organisation, supporting and representing 8,300 expectant and parenting teens in each year. This year, after over 12 years of lobbying Federal ministers and National Human Rights Commissioners, BRAVE Foundation was awarded $4.4 M to run a nationwide trial connecting 350 expecting and parenting teens to education and support opportunities. With a strong sense of destiny, Bernie overcame adversity to finish her education; becoming a qualified nurse, upskilled her corporate governance capacity, enabling her to be appointed to Boards and strengthening her influence internationally to highlight acceptance and care around every person facing teenage pregnancy and parenthood, so that they can grow a healthy family. Bernie has been Awarded Barnardos Australian Mother of the Year and Telstra Tasmanian Woman of the Year 2019 Western Australia Australian of the Year Craig Challen OAM SC, 53 (Wangara DC) Cave-diver and rescuer In July 2018, respected cave diver and retired vet Craig Challen was about to go on a caving holiday in the Nullarbor Plains, when he was called to help on a rescue mission in Thailand. Craig was part of the international team that successfully rescued 12 boys and their coach from a flooded cave in Chiang Rai, Thailand. Craig, who has dived some of Australia’s deepest wrecks and has set depth records in diving, was chosen for the mission based on his technical expertise. Working 10 to 12 hours a day in extremely dangerous conditions, Craig repeatedly risked his life as the children were swum, one-by-one, through the dark and narrow flooded caves.Despite admitting he initially thought the rescue would be too difficult to accomplish, he played a leading role in this successful and heroic mission. Dr Challen was awarded the Star of Courage for his unwavering and selfless bravery following the successful rescue of the trapped soccer team. 2019 NSW Australian of the Year Kurt Fearnley AO, 37 (Newcastle) Athlete and advocate Representing Australia over a 20-year wheelchair-racing career, Kurt Fearnley AO has captured the hearts of the nation. Born without part of his spine, Kurt’s indomitable spirit was apparent at an early age, when he would crawl through paddocks with his brothers and sisters and race his wheelchair down the grass track at school athletics carnivals. An outstanding athlete, Kurt has participated in five Paralympic games, winning thirteen medals, including three gold. This year, he ended his international career on a high – with gold and silver medals at the 2018 Commonwealth Games and carrying the Australian flag in the closing ceremony. In 2009, Kurt acknowledged the sacrifice of Australian soldiers, crawling the entire 96km length of the Kokoda Track, to raise awareness for men’s health. Then, in 2011 he crewed on the winning yacht in the gruelling Sydney-Hobart yacht race. Kurt champions the rights of people with disability and advocates for greater access into communities and workplaces. His determination and love of life provides inspiration to all Australians. 2019 Western Australia Australian of the Year Dr Richard Harris SC OAM, 54 (Adelaide) Specialist anaesthetist and cave diver In July 2018, Adelaide anaesthetist Dr Richard Harris made worldwide headlines when he joined an international team to rescue a group of 12 boys and their soccer coach from a flooded cave in Chiang Rai, Thailand. A diver with 30 years’ experience and a specialist in aeromedical retrieval, Richard was leaving for a cave-diving holiday when he received the call for help. Under great pressure and putting his own life at risk, he swam through the narrow cave system to assess the health of those trapped, giving the medical all-clear for each evacuee, and administering an anaesthetic to each of them within the cave to facilitate their rescue. Richard was key to the rescue’s success, showing character, determination and courage, and staying until the last person was safe. He has previously participated in complex diving recoveries, appeared in National Geographic documentaries and, in 2015, was recognised for his outstanding contribution to cave exploration. In 2017 he was awarded The Australasian Technical Diver of the Year. 3
2019 ACT Australian of the Year Virginia Haussegger AM, 54 (Canberra) Journalist and women’s advocate For over 25 years, Virginia Haussegger AM has built a stellar career as a television journalist, writer and commentator. She has reported around the globe for leading current affairs programs on Channel 9, the Seven Network and the ABC, and anchored the ABC’s flagship TV News in Canberra. Virginia is also recognised as a leading advocate for women, and was made a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in 2014. In 2016, she was appointed to head the University of Canberra’s Institute for Governance and Policy Analysis’ 50/50 by 2030 Foundation, a gender-equality initiative focussed on improving women’s representation in leadership roles in government and public administration. She is a sought-after speaker, addressing corporate and government forums on women’s rights, gender equality and the media. She also advocates for women through her positions on various boards and committees, including the ACT Government’s Cultural Facilities Corporation and Women in Media Canberra, and is a Patron of Canberra’s Rape Crisis Centre. 2019 Northern Territory Australian of the Year Michael Long, 49 (Darwin) AFL champion and community leader Darwin born, Michael Long, Australian Rules Football icon is an advocate for reconciliation and fights against racism through the Michael Long Foundation supporting the ML Learning and Leadership centre and the Long Walk. Michael played 190 games for Essendon, including two premiership wins. Awarded the Norm Smith Medal in 1993, Essendon include Michael in their 25 greatest players ever. In 1995, following an on-field taunt, Michael made a stand which led to the AFL adopting a racial abuse code . In 2004, resolving to meet with Former Prime Minister John Howard to get Indigenous issues back on the national agenda, Michael embarked on ‘The Long Walk’, trekking 650km from his home in Melbourne all the way to Parliament House in Canberra. Michael established the Michael Long Learning and Leadership Centre using the power of football to give young Indigenous Territorians opportunities for the future. Today, Michael is working with the Essendon Football Club and The Long Walk Foundation to increase awareness of Indigenous culture and history. Through leadership, speaking out and hard work, Michael is tenacious in bringing real reform. 2019 Queensland Australian of the Year Jon Rouse, 55 Detective Inspector and children’s champion Detective Inspector Rouse has 34 years’ service with Queensland Police. In 1996 Jon commenced investigating crimes against children and in 2001 commenced at Task Force Argos where he implemented Australia’s first operation proactively targeting internet child sex offenders. Jon gained national support for the development of the ANVIL project (Australian National Victim Image Library) to assist police officers to identify the child victims depicted in images seized from sex offenders. Jon has dedicated significant time to global awareness, delivering training and presentations on online child exploitation investigations to law enforcement officers across Australian and internationally. Currently Sub Group Chair of the INTERPOL Covert Internet Investigators Group and a Director with The Society for the Policing of Cyberspace (POLCYB), Jon is recipient of four Commissioners Certificates for operational leadership, two Excellence awards for Child Protection Prevention, the Queensland Police Medal, the National Service Medal, the Exemplary Conduct medal, the National Police Medal and in May 2018 the ‘Champion for Children Award’ in New York from the International Centre for Missing and Exploited Children. 2019 Victoria Australian of the Year Mark Sullivan, 53 (Melbourne) Founder and managing director of MDGH From his tiny Southbank office, Mark Sullivan’s work ensures millions of disadvantaged people get the medicines they need. Founder and managing director of not-for-profit Medicines Development for Global Health (MDGH), Mark and his 11-person team develop medicines based on public health needs, rather than commercial opportunity. After years of fundraising, research and development, MDGH was the first Australian biopharmaceutical company to receive FDA approval for a new drug, moxidectin. The medicine treats river blindness, a debilitating illness affecting 20 million people in sub-Saharan Africa. The company has a self-sustained model to manufacture and distribute moxidectin. They are also planning clinical trials to assess moxidectin as a new treatment for the scabies parasite that up to 70% of Aboriginal babies have suffered by the age of 1. The drug may also be an option for the 1.5 billion people affected with other neglected tropical diseases. Just as importantly, Mark has developed a highly effective new business model for developing much-needed new medicines. 4
2019 SENIOR AUSTRALIAN OF THE YEAR – NATIONAL FINALISTS 2019 Queensland Senior Australian of the Year Professor James Dale AO, 68 (Moggill) Scientist Scientist, researcher and humanitarian Professor James Dale has led significant research programs in agricultural biotechnology. He was the inaugural Director of the Centre for Tropical Crops and Bio-commodities (CTCB) at Queensland University of Technology (QUT), and founded Australia’s first molecular farming company, Farmacule Bioindustries. His ground-breaking work includes seeking a solution to Vitamin A deficiency, which leads to death of an estimated 670,000 children in developing countries, and blindness in another 400,000. James led a project to genetically modify bananas – the staple diet in many poor countries – to boost their pro-vitamin A levels. The release of these lifesaving bananas is planned for East Africa in four years. James also placed disease-resistant genes into local Cavendish bananas, to protect them from a virus and fungi that destroy crops and cause significant economic damage in Queensland. He has also led developments including medical technology that enables rapid testing for genetic diseases, and molecular farming technology that aims to produce edible, plant-based vaccines. 2019 South Australia Senior Australian of the Year Reginald Dodd, 78 (Marree) Reconciliation advocate Arabunna elder Reg Dodd has spent a lifetime advocating for his people. Using a Roget’s Thesaurus, he interpreted complex legislation, making his first Native Title claim in 1998. At Reg’s initiative, Lawyers for the Arabunna Marree People (LAMP) was created, with lawyers from all over Australia providing millions of dollars of pro bono legal assistance – including legal support for Native Title, which was granted to the Arabunna in 2012.Other LAMP initiatives included a submission for National Heritage listing of Arabunna country, now on the finalised priority assessment list; securing funding for heritage restoration works; and emergency assistance to individual Arabunna women and men. With a LAMP lawyer, Reg also co-designed and co-taught a law course at RMIT University on country.A loyal family man, Reg has led cultural immersion tours of the Lake Eyre region since 1996 to financially support the Arabunna Centre and promote reconciliation. He is also a magnificent photographic artist, holding many successful exhibitions. 2019 Victoria Australian of the Year Alison Harcourt, 89 (Kew) STEM pioneer As a woman in mathematics and statistics, Alison Harcourt’s seminal work from the 1950s onwards was often overlooked. She is now best known for developing integer linear programming, the basis of efficient computer processing. The 1960 paper written with Ailsa Land on the topic has been cited in 3000 academic journal articles. Alison has written numerous papers and is the co-author of three books. She was also one of the first users of CSIRAC, Australia’s first digital computer. As a statistician, she worked with social scientist Ronald Henderson and economist R. J. Harper on what became known on the Melbourne Poverty Survey, Australia’s first systematic, quantitative measure of poverty. Their work formed the basis of the 1972 Royal Commission into poverty. Alison’s other outstanding work, with fellow statistician Malcolm Clark, on the randomisation of electoral ballot papers led to a change in the Commonwealth Electoral Act in 1984. 2019 Northern Territory Senior Australian of the Year Charlie King OAM, 67 (Darwin) Human rights campaigner Gurindji man, Charlie King OAM is a veteran sports broadcaster and human rights campaigner. His expertise on and off the sporting field has made him much-loved in the Northern Territory and around Australia. In 2008, Charlie became the first Indigenous Australian to commentate at an Olympic Games. Charlie is also a passionate campaigner against domestic violence and initiated the zero-tolerance campaign 'NO MORE' in 2006. Reaching the Indigenous and wider Australian community, the NO MORE campaign has links with more than five sporting codes and nearly a hundred teams – and is still growing. In 2015, Charlie was awarded an Order of Australia Medal for his service to broadcast media and the Indigenous community. Charlie won a Northern Territory human-rights award in 2016 and used the moment to call for an end to family violence over Christmas. For 25 years he has also volunteered to sit with children in trouble without a parent or guardian during police interviews. 5
2019 NSW Senior Australian of the Year Heather Lee OAM, 92 (Richmond) Athlete At 92, Heather Lee is an unstoppable Australian. She started walking regularly late in life – signing up for a series of fun runs in her late 70s – and discovering she was actually quite quick. In 2011, at her physiotherapist’s suggestion, Heather competed in the Australian Masters Games, just before her 85th birthday – winning four gold medals. In 2012, she set a new Australian record for the 5km race-walking event for her age group. Later that year, at the Australian Masters Track and Field Championships, she broke three Australian records; the 10km (84m 06.00s), the 1500m (11m 36.90s) and her own 5km (now in 41m 25.40s). Currently, Heather holds eight Australian and five world records. Heather has been a member of the local Hawkesbury Cancer Support Group for many years and was the 2018 Cancer Council March Charge Ambassador. Remarkably, Heather is one of the few people who walks the full 24 hours of the Hawkesbury Relay for Life. 2019 Western Australia Senior Australian of the Year Frank Mallard, 73 (Northampton) Elder, ex-serviceman and volunteer Ex-serviceman and Yamatji elder, Frank Mallard, is a proud ambassador and advocate for the contribution of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander servicemen and women. Part of the Stolen Generation, Frank served in the Australian army from 1962 to 1985, and in the Army Reserves from 1986 to 1999. He saw active duty in Borneo and Vietnam – but on returning home, like other Aboriginal soldiers, was rejected by the RSL. This spurred him to promote the military service of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people within Veterans’ Affairs and the broader community. Today, despite PTSD and Parkinson’s disease, Frank is Media Officer at Ellenbrook RSL and a dedicated veterans’ issues volunteer. He is the Chairperson of Voice of the Voiceless Ministry that helps people with addiction, mental illness and social issues. In 2015, he received a Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm Unit Citation as a member of the 1RAR Group, and was City of Swan Citizen and Senior Citizen of the Year in 2018. 2019 ACT Senior Australian of the Year Dr Sue Packer AM, 76 (Lyons) Paediatrician and child advocate Since starting her career as a paediatrician in 1972, Dr Sue Packer AM has worked tirelessly to advocate for the rights of children in our healthcare system and in the wider community. She has been involved in child abuse prevention through the National Association for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect since its very early days and has treated babies and children suffering terrible trauma from child abuse. In addition, Sue has championed the importance of early childhood environments for the developing brain, leading to recognition by education and government agencies. Sue was one of the driving forces behind the acknowledgement of the importance of creating child-friendly spaces in hospitals and the value of play in recovery. Lecturing internationally and volunteering on a number of boards to improve health and well-being of children, Sue stands up for the rights of children at every opportunity and encourages others to do the same. 2019 Tasmania Senior Australian of the Year Sally Wise, 67 (Molesworth) Cookbook author Sally Wise is a kitchen guru, author and media presenter who is dedicated to equipping everyday people to prepare nourishing food with accessible ingredients. Sally learned cooking from her Grandma and then taught others how to cook on a volunteer basis. Sally’s skills became widely recognised and in 2006 she received a request from ABC radio in Hobart, seeking a presenter to lead a discussion on jams and preserves. This led to Sally’s book A Year in a Bottle which sold tens of thousands of copies; the first of 15 popular cookbooks. Sally launched a program at Risdon prison to teach soon-to-be released inmates cooking skills. She also speaks to community groups to promote better nutrition using accessible ingredients. In addition, Sally helps new businesses in the food sector to optimise their recipes and techniques on a pro bono basis. She has built a business from her farm at Molesworth where she demonstrates the integration of food production and cooking. 6
2019 YOUNG AUSTRALIAN OF THE YEAR – NATIONAL FINALISTS 2019 Northern Territory Young Australian of the Year Danzal Baker, 22 (Darwin) Rapper and dancer Working across rap, dance, acting and graffiti, Danzal Baker is a multi-talented, multi-lingual, Indigenous artist. Danzal, otherwise known as Baker Boy, is the first Indigenous artist to achieve mainstream success rapping in the Yolngu Matha language. Raised in Milingimbi and Maningrida, Danzal rapped his way to national prominence when his single Marryuna was voted into 17th place in Triple J’s Hottest 100 for 2017; a notable follow-up from his debut single Cloud 9, which won Triple J’s Unearthed competition. Danzal is also an award winner at the National Indigenous Music Awards. He has signed a record deal with Select Music and was handpicked by English rapper Dizzee Rascal to be his Australian support act. In 2018, Danzal won the prestigious Charles Darwin University Art Award at the Northern Territory Young Achievers Awards. Touring Australia extensively, Danzal is using his talent to inspire young people in remote Indigenous communities and encourage them to embrace their culture and take up leadership positions. 2019 Queensland Young Australian of the Year Angel Dixon, 28 (Gold Coast) Model and activist The first agency signed model with a physical impairment to feature in a national television campaign Angel Dixon’s mission is to challenge societies perception of disability. The two-time Mercedes Benz Fashion Week model is a passionate activist for disability inclusion and human rights. Aware of the power that the media has in forming perceptions, Angel is advocacy manager for not-for-profit organisation, Starting With Julius, and CEO of the Attitude Foundation. Both organisations seek to accelerate the inclusion of people with disability through the creation of authentic media and education on inclusive principals. Angel is also a member of the steering committee for NOW Australia, a not-for-profit that provides support for people who have experienced workplace sexual harassment. A remarkable public speaker and blogger, Angel’s other passion is design. She’s currently working on a line of walking canes that will be marketed as a fashion accessory – making buying a mobility tool a more positive experience and helping change attitudes towards disability. 2019 South Australia Young Australian of the Year Eleni Glouftsis, 26 Australia’s first female AFL umpire Eleni Glouftsis made history at the age of 25 – by becoming the first woman to officiate Australian Football League (AFL) games as a field umpire. While in high school, she began umpiring for amateur leagues and was awarded an AFL Female Pathway Scholarship.Through her dedication to the sport, Eleni became the first female umpire in the South Australian National Football League – before going on to umpire 33 senior games for the Victorian Football League. After working hard on her fitness levels, Eleni finally broke though at the highest level in 2017. With no female umpire to look up to in her own career, Eleni hopes her debut will open doors for other young girls who are passionate about professional umpiring. Her tenacity and commitment to overcoming barriers have enabled her to smash through this glass ceiling and redefine the role of women in sport. As a Greek-Australian, Eleni also inspires culturally diverse communities to be included in Australian institutions. 2019 Victoria Young Australian of the Year Skye Kinder, 27 (Bendigo) Doctor Dr Skye Kinder has dedicated her medical career to improving the health of marginalised patients throughout Australia. After witnessing her father travel to Melbourne for specialist appointments, she became committed to easing the travel burden and financial impact of healthcare on rural populations. While studying, Skye became a passionate advocate for rural health, representing the Australian Medical Students’ Association (AMSA) as Rural Health Officer. Through AMSA, she co-founded and chaired the first Rural Health Committee and set up a national Rural Health Summit, creating new opportunities for students in regional areas to participate in advocacy and policy. Now a doctor, and board member of Rural Doctors Association of Victoria, Skye continues to highlight rural health issues to local, national and international audiences, through her research, ongoing speaking engagements, press appearances, workshops, and articles. Skye was named Victoria’s Junior Doctor of the Year in 2017 and Bendigo’s Young Citizen of the Year in 2014. 7
2019 Western Australia Young Australian of the Year Noelle Martin, 24 (Nedlands) Feminist, activist and law reformist At the age of 18, Noelle Martin, now aged 24, discovered that sexual predators had stolen images of her from social media, editing them onto pornographic images and videos, adding her name and details of where she lived. The feminist, law graduate and activist has courageously taken action, helping provide avenues for justice for victims of image-based sexual abuse. Despite the abuse escalating after she shared her experience publicly and being told that nothing could be done about the images, Noelle continued to speak out. Her actions were a major factor in new laws being introduced and passed in New South Wales in 2017, in 2018 at the Commonwealth level and in Western Australia, making it a criminal offence to distribute non-consensual intimate images. An inspiring and courageous speaker and expert on image-based sexual abuse, Noelle regularly speaks to the media, and travels the country as a TEDx speaker, educating people on the harmful impacts of this type of abuse. 2019 Tasmania Young Australian of the Year Kirby Medcraft, 29 (Hobart) Assistant Principal Passionate about maximising parent engagement in their child’s learning, Assistant Principal Kirby Medcraft at Windermere Primary School is an innovator. Kirby’s Bedtime Stories Afternoon inspired over 200 parents to attend school to read with their child. Her work building strong partnerships with families has seen a distinct shift in the school culture. Kirby works closely with early childhood teachers, mentoring and modelling best practice. She is responsible for leading the implementation of a play based, inquiry approach across the early years and bringing about educational change. She embraces opportunities for professional learning and in April 2018 attended an international study tour to Reggio Emilia, Italy to further develop her understanding of this approach to education. Kirby’s dedication and successful teaching practices have made her a role model with teachers and peers at other schools. Kirby won the prestigious University of Tasmania, Faculty of Education Teaching Excellence Award in the 2018 Tasmanian Young Achiever Awards and the 2014 RBF Department of Education Awards for Excellence. 2019 ACT Young Australian of the Year Hannah Wandel, 29 (Kingston) Change agent for young rural women Concerned by the challenges faced by young women in regional Australia, Hannah Wandel founded Country to Canberra to help break down gender and geographical barriers to success. Hannah’s passion for helping others was inspired by the generous response of her rural community when a fire destroyed her family’s home when Hannah was just 13 years old. In 2018, Hannah’s amazing energy and drive saw her travel over 32,000kms to 80 bush communities nationally, to reach over 3,500 teenage girls to run gender equality, leadership and empowerment workshops. Hannah has also organised ‘Power Trip’ camps where young rural women visit Canberra to be mentored by politicians and CEOs, and undertake training. Country to Canberra seeks to equip girls to become leaders in their communities and reach their potential. Program evaluations overwhelmingly show girls who attend have a greater understanding of quality issues and improved self-confidence. Hannah’s tireless efforts to advocate for young women also sees her volunteering on multiple community boards. 2019 NSW Young Australian of the Year Jarrod Wheatley, 30 (Blue Mountains) Social entrepreneur By founding two innovative, not-for-profit organisations, Street Art Murals Australia (SAMA) and Professional Individualised Care (PIC), Jarrod Wheatley is working tirelessly to improve opportunities for those on the margins of our community. Five years in the making, PIC is a new model of out-of-home care. Before, children who were too traumatised or high-needs for a foster home would generally be placed in a group home. Here they would be cared for by shift workers and were at risk of becoming institutionalised. Instead PIC places one child in the home of a Professional Therapeutic Carer, who can provide therapeutic intervention and real relationships. PIC has been officially accredited by the Office of the Children’s Guardian. Through SAMA Jarrod used street art as vehicle for social inclusion and urban beatification, breaking the negative cycle of criminalisation and alienation by commissioning murals and workshops. Street artists have now painted more than 360 murals all over the country, for clients such as Pfizer and Lend Lease. 8
2019 AUSTRALIA’S LOCAL HERO – NATIONAL FINALISTS 2019 Queensland Local Hero Elijah Buol, 33 (Regents Park) Advocate Since arriving as an unaccompanied minor from South Sudan, Elijah Buol – a Criminologist, former refugee, father of four and Director of Ethnic Communities Council of Queensland – spends much of his time helping young and disadvantaged community members integrate successfully into Australian society. With qualifications including a Master of Law, Master of Justice in Intelligence, a Bachelor of Human Services and currently studying Juris Doctor at the Australian National University, Elijah has held senior and volunteer positions in community and not-for-profit sectors. Elijah’s advocacy work was instrumental in helping remove children under 18 from adult prisons in Queensland. He has held numerous volunteer positions and is recipient of multiple awards for advocacy and community services. Through motivational speaking and leadership training, Elijah has inspired many disadvantaged Indigenous, refugee and migrant young people. He established the African Australian Women’s Network now the African Australian Women’s Association to improve the wellbeing of African women living in Australia. He has mentored through the prestigious Young African Australian Star Awards, celebrating high performing young African Australian Queenslanders, as President of Queensland African Communities Council. 2019 Northern Territory Local Heroes Kate and Tick Everett, 41 & 33 (Katherine) Advocates against bullying Following the tragic death of their teenage daughter, Amy ‘Dolly’ Everett in January 2018, following extensive bullying, Kate and Tick Everett founded Dolly’s Dream, to create positive change and a legacy to their daughter. Dolly’s Dream aims to raise awareness about bullying and its potentially devastating effects on children and families. It delivers community education on bullying issues and strategies for preventing and mitigating bullying, through cultural change and victim support. Over 250 communities have held fundraisers and events to support Dolly's Dream, with a particular focus on regional and rural Australia. Kate and Tick’s non-stop advocacy, meeting with the Prime Minister and Education and Health Ministers across the country, has resulted in governments taking childhood bullying and its devastating impacts more seriously. Kate and Tick advocate tenaciously on a voluntary basis while continuing to muster cattle, train horses and care for their other daughter, Megan, from their home in Katherine, Northern Territory. 2019 Western Australia Local Hero Professor Cheryl Kickett-Tucker, 50 (Midland) Basketballer and researcher Wadjuk traditional owner, Curtin University Professor, children’s author and mother-of-three, Cheryl Kickett-Tucker, is passionate about helping children build their confidence and improve their social, physical and emotional wellbeing – through sport. In 2015, the ex-state and Women’s National Basketball League player launched the basketball lifestyle program Kaat, Koort and Hoops. Translating as head, heart and hoops, the after-school basketball lifestyle program aims to build sporting confidence – providing a boost to participants’ self-esteem. By 2018, 250 children had participated in the program. A highly accomplished woman committed to social development, Cheryl completed a PhD in 2000 at Edith Cowan University, exploring urban Aboriginal children’s self-identity and self-esteem in the school sporting setting. She is a voluntary member of not-for-profit Koya Aboriginal Corporation, an Aboriginal-controlled and owned organisation, which provides services including training, employment, professional development and cultural security audits. In 2014, she founded Pindi Pty Ltd Centre for Research Excellence in Aboriginal Wellbeing in 2014, where she is executive director. 2019 Victoria Local Hero Carol Matthews, 59 (Melbourne) Bushfire survivor and activist On 7 February 2009 Carol, Dave and Ellie Matthews experienced an unimaginable tragedy – the death of their 22-year-old son Sam, and the destruction of their home in the Black Saturday bushfires. Despite her considerable pain, Carol put her grief on ‘hold’ to advocate for emotional preparedness to be included in bushfire planning and preparation. She has been pivotal in developing a ‘multi-sensory bus’ to help people understand the effect that high arousal during the chaos of a fire will have on decision making.Carol has attended many meetings with Victorian Government representatives and supported other community members recovering from the trauma of the bushfire. Carol was also the lead litigant in the class action against the electricity distributor that caused the fire, securing $500 million for survivors – the largest class action settlement in Australian history. In the face of her own personal loss, she displayed enormous courage to secure a better outcome for bushfire victims. 9
2019 South Australia Local Hero Megan McLoughlin, 37 (Tanunda) Advocate for organ donation Megan McLoughlin is the founder of Herd of Hope, which promotes organ donation to schools and the wider community. The charity sought partnership with the University of South Australia to capture the need for mental health services for those regionally based affected by the cause. Serious medical complications left Megan legally blind. Shortly after, she found herself with acute renal failure, she was given only weeks to live – until a transplant saved her life. Megan is one of 64 women in the world to deliver two children post double transplant. This year, she has faced two cancer diagnoses, yet continues to focus her energy on improving the lives of others. In 2018, Megan overcame numerous setbacks to organise a cattle drive on Bondi Beach to launch the Herd of Hope – and planting a ‘tree of hope’ as a tribute to families who have lost loved ones. Her passion and drive continue to inspire the donor community, fostering much-needed conversations around organ donation. 2019 Tasmania Local Hero Vicki Purnell, 62 (Devonport) Volunteer When the daughter of a friend gave birth to a stillborn child in 2013, Vicki Purnell found a unique and compassionate way to help. Another friend had told her how, when her daughter had lost a tiny baby, the hospital simply did not have the resources to present it to her in a compassionate way. With her talent for sewing, Vicki formed Bridie's Blossoms, creating beautiful outfits for stillborn babies and keepsakes for parents. Since 2013, she has delivered more than 460 Bridie’s Blossoms packages to six Tasmanian hospitals and funeral homes. The garments are designed for ease of dressing fragile little babies. Vicki’s service is unique in Tasmania; everything is handmade, with materials purchased from her own pocket. Vicki has expanded into creating personalized memory quilt keepsake packages and until recently worked with a local woodwork guild to fit-out and line hand-crafted wooden coffins. Vicki uses her skills to ease the trauma for parents of stillborn babies and help farewell them with love and dignity. 2019 NSW Local Hero Sophie Smith, 48 (Coogee) Fundraiser and founder of Running for Premature Babies Foundation After losing all three of their prematurely-born triplets within two months of birth, Sophie and husband Ash decided to give back to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Sydney’s Royal Hospital for Women who had cared for their boys. They began training for the 2007 SMH Half-Marathon with the goal of raising $20,000 providing the hospital with one new humidicrib. With their team ‘Running for Premature Babies’, 98 runners, raised $80,000. Now, 3000 people have run on their team, the largest in the SMH Half-Marathon, celebrating prematurely born children, living and lost, and raising over $3 million for life-saving neonatal equipment and research, directly benefitting over 5000 premature babies and their families. Tragically, Ash lost his battle with brain cancer in 2016, leaving Sophie to raise their two young sons. Despite this heartbreak, she has grown the Foundation to support more Neonatal Intensive Care Units to give premature babies a better chance of survival and written “Sophie’s Boys” donating the profits back to the foundation. 2019 ACT Local Hero David Williams, 60 (Kaleen) Disability advocate For people with an intellectual disability, it can be challenging to have their voices heard. But David Williams is helping these people to speak up for themselves, instead of relying on others. David founded the Confident Speakers program 22 years ago, providing participants with the skills and tools they need to communicate their viewpoint and participate in the broader community. The program combines a structured communication course with social engagement, encouragement and mentoring. This approach, along with David’s persistence and care, has seen participants who seemed non-verbal, grow in confidence, and deliver presentations to others and the community. Participants have also prepared and delivered papers at international conferences, including the International Down Syndrome Congress and the 2013 World Down Syndrome Day at the UN. David’s dedication to people with disabilities has included coordinating five fundraising balls for the ACT Down Syndrome Association, assisting in the Annual Buddy Walk and delivering the ACT’s Athlete Leadership Program for Special Olympics over 6 years. 10
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