MEDIA RELEASE
SATURDAY 15 NOVEMBER 2014
WOMEN DOMINATE FINALISTS FOR AUSTRALIAN OF THE YEAR AWARDS 2015
Awards to be announced 25 January 2015
australianoftheyear.org.au
The extraordinary group of inspiring Australians in the running for the Australian of the Year Awards 2015 is now finalised, with all State & Territory Award recipients announced at a series of events around Australia over the past three weeks.
State & Territory Award recipients in the four Award categories - Australian of the Year, Senior Australian of the Year, Young Australian of the Year and Australia's Local Hero - are now national finalists for the Awards which will be announced in Canberra on 25 January 2015.
Six of the eight finalists for the 2015 Australian of the Year Award are women - the highest number of female finalists in the category since the State and Territory award process was introduced in 2003. Of the 32 finalists across all four award categories, 17 are women.
"All the Australian of the Year Award national finalists are remarkable people making a real difference to our nation," said Jeremy Lasek, CEO of the National Australia Day Council.
"It's wonderful to see so many women among the finalists in all four Award categories and across the board it's great to recognise Australians whose strength of character, courage, achievements and vision are making Australia a better place.
"The national finalists represent the diversity of Australian society, with five finalists of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Island background and six finalists who were born overseas and emigrated to Australia.
"Their contributions and achievements are also widely varied - ranging across science, human and equal rights advocacy, community leadership, medicine, volunteering, breaking down barriers and setting new benchmarks - but they are all inspirational Australians.
"From this impressive group of 32 Australians will come our next Australian of the Year, Senior Australian of the Year, Young Australian of the Year and Australia's Local Hero."
Those now in consideration for the national Awards are:
AUSTRALIAN OF THE YEAR 2015 - FINALISTS
New South Wales - Deborra-lee Furness
Victoria - Rosie Batty
Queensland - Hetty Johnston AM
Western Australia - Professor Lyn Beazley AO
South Australia - Dr Gill Hicks MBE
Tasmania - Rodney Croome AM
Australian Capital Territory - Glenn Keys
Northern Territory - Rosalie Kunoth-Monks OAM
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SENIOR AUSTRALIAN OF THE YEAR 2015 - FINALISTS
New South Wales - Jackie French
Victoria - Professor Sam Berkovic AC
Queensland - Fred Hyde AM
Western Australia - Graham Mabury OAM
South Australia - John Swan
Tasmania - Professor Henry Reynolds
Australian Capital Territory - Sandra Mahlberg
Northern Territory - Eddie Robertson
YOUNG AUSTRALIAN OF THE YEAR 2015 - FINALISTS
New South Wales - Genevieve Clay-Smith
Victoria - Thomas King
Queensland - Yassmin Abdel-Magied
Western Australia - Drisana Levitzke-Gray
South Australia - Kristin Carson
Tasmania - Adam Mostogl
Australian Capital Territory - Patrick Mills
Northern Territory - Chantal Ober
AUSTRALIA'S LOCAL HERO 2015 - FINALISTS
New South Wales - Kevin Robinson
Victoria - Louise Davidson
Queensland - Juliette Wright
Western Australia - Stacy Dunbar
South Australia - Vince Coulthard
Tasmania - Mary Kay
Australian Capital Territory - Damian De Marco
Northern Territory - Ray Palmer
The Commonwealth Bank is a major sponsor of the Australian of the Year Awards.
“For more than 35 years, we have been pleased to support the Australian of the Year Awards - a national program that recognises outstanding individuals. Each year we are inspired by the calibre of recipients from each State and Territory. We congratulate all this year’s national finalists and wish them all the best for the Awards,” said Commonwealth Bank CEO, Ian Narev.
The announcement of the Australian of the Year Awards 2015 will be held on the lawns outside Parliament House in Canberra on Sunday 25 January 2015.
For more information on the Australian of the Year Awards visit australianoftheyear.org.au
ENDS.
Bios of national Award finalists are attached and also available from australianoftheyear.org.au
Media enquiries, interviews and photos:
Zannie Abbott, Media Opps 0418 274 291
Nicole Browne, Media Opps 0414 673 762
Embargo note:
Embargo applies due to Western Australia Awards announcements being made in Perth on Saturday afternoon. The Western Australia Awards is the final State & Territory Awards announcements to be held, thereby finalising the list of national Award finalists.
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AUSTRALIAN OF THE YEAR AWARDS 2015
FINALIST BIOS BY AWARD CATEGORY
AUSTRALIAN OF THE YEAR 2015 - FINALISTS
New South Wales
Deborra-lee Furness - Child advocate and adoption campaigner
An actor, director and producer, Deborra-lee is fighting for the rights of children in Australia and around the world. Recognising the great need to help abandoned and vulnerable children and the mother of two adopted children herself, Deborra-lee establishedNational Adoption Awareness Weekin 2008, building the campaign from a volunteer-led, grassroots organisation to the active advocacy group it is today. In 2014, Deborra-lee launchedAdopt Changeand is leading the campaign to overhaul Australia’s anti-adoption culture and lobby for national adoption law reform. As aWorld Visionambassador, Deborra-lee has worked with world leaders, travelling through Asia and Africa to raise awareness of the global orphan crisis.Determined to use her profile to support causes close to her heart, Deborra-lee is focused on helping the thousands of Australian children needing loving homes. A passionate patron of the arts, Deborra-lee also established theJackman Furness Foundationfor the Performing Arts in 2014 with a broad mission to nurture Australia’s rising stars.
Victoria
Rosie Batty - Domestic violence campaigner
Tyabb
52 years old
Rosie has risen above her personal tragedy and the great loss of her 11 year old son, Luke, who was the victim of domestic violence at the hands of his father in a very public assault. Rosie’s story jolted Australia into recognising that family violence can happen to anyone and she has given voice to many thousands of victims of domestic violence who had until then remained unheard. Rosie now champions efforts to fight domestic violence, making many media and public speaking appearances to shine a spotlight on the issue and call for systemic changes. Her incredible strength and selfless efforts are an inspiration to many other victims of domestic violence, while her courage and willingness to speak out will make Australia a far better and safer place.
Queensland
Hetty Johnston AM - Child protection activist
Cedar Creek
56 years old
As the founder of child protection charity, Bravehearts, Hetty is determined to make Australia the safest place in the world for children.She established Bravehearts in 1997 after learning her daughter had been sexually assaulted. Since then, Hetty has dedicated her life to creating awareness that child sexual assault is largely preventable and encouraging the nation to prioritise the safety of children. Today, Hetty leads a team of more than 70 employees who provide therapeutic, educational and advocacy services across the nation. Hetty has worked tirelessly to bring attention to a topic that was once taboo and her work has resulted in major policy and legislative changes, as well as numerous inquiries across the nation.Hetty's tireless work has compelled Australia to address child sexual assault and support the thousands of children who are sexually assaulted each year.She remains passionate and determined in her fight for children and her legacy will be a safer nation in which to raise a child.
Western Australia
Professor Lyn Beazley AO - Scientist
Mount Claremont
70 years old
For Lyn, science has been a lifelong passion.After graduating from Oxford and Edinburgh Universities, Lyn has dedicated more than 30 years to the field of neuroscience, researching recovery from brain damage and changing clinical practice in the treatment of infants at risk from pre-term delivery. As Chief Scientist of Western Australia from 2006 to 2013, Lyn advised the state government on science, innovation and technology as well as fulfilling the role of science ambassador in Australia and internationally. Lyn has been determined to demonstrate that science is not just a theoretical exercise, but a practical one too. She helped set up a nationwide ‘hotline’ for laboratory technicians in schools, worked for healthier waterways across the state by establishingDolphin Watch and was involved in the negotiations for the Square Kilometre Array, the radio telescope project that is arguably the world’s largest science endeavour. Lyn’s goal is for every Australian child to learn and love science.
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South Australia
Dr Gill Hicks MBE - Peace campaigner
Wayville
46 years old
When she was caught in an explosion, in the tunnel between London’s King’s Cross and Russell Square tube stations in July 2005, Gill’s injuries were so severe that paramedics couldn’t even identify her gender. The last person to be rescued alive from the train, Gill was given a tag describing her as ‘One Unknown - estimated female’. Trapped in the chaos, her legs destroyed, Gill was close to death but made a vow to survive and make a difference.In the nine years since, that vow has never weakened and Gill has dedicated her life to working for world peace. The founder of M.A.D. For Peace, Gill’s work concentrates on ending violent extremism and building sustainable peace.She is an inspiring motivational speaker, author, curator and trustee for several cultural organisations.Gill’s memoir, One Unknown, was the catalyst for a powerful play which premiered at the 2013 Adelaide Arts Festival. In January 2013, Gill gave birth to her daughter Amelie, which she calls “the second miracle” of her life.
Tasmania
Rodney Croome AM - Equality activist
South Hobart
50 years old
Walking into a Hobart police station with his partner in 1994, Rodney Croome confessed to a serious crime: homosexuality. Rodney’s actions, reported the world over, were a major catalyst for the campaign to decriminalise homosexuality in Tasmania which Rodney took all the way to the High Court of Australia and the United Nations. A champion of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) rights in Tasmania and throughout Australia, Rodney has spent the past 26 years campaigning for decriminalisation, anti-discrimination protections, and the recognition of same-sex relationships and families, including marriage equality. He has also worked tirelessly to end discrimination and improve educational and health outcomes for LGBTI people, particularly those in rural and remote communities.The National Convenor forAustralia Marriage Equality, Rodney has made many personal sacrifices in the face of hostility and ignorance, challenging homophobia in schools and in the police service, removing stigma and normalising relationships for same-sex attracted couples. Rodney embodies intelligence, courage, tenacity and vision and his life’s work has transformed Australia and improved the lives of thousands of LGBTI people and their families.
ACT
Glenn Keys - Business and philanthropic leader
Chapman
51 years old
A leader in both business and philanthropy, Glenn Keys believes in giving back. A former Australian Defence Force test flight engineer, as managing director of global healthcare provider, Aspen Medical, Glenn puts corporate social responsibility at the heart of his business. The company has its own foundation which uses a percentage of its profits to tackle major Australian health issues, particularly in Indigenous communities. The parent of a child with an intellectual disability, Glenn is passionate about helping people with a disability to reach their potential. As the Chairman of Special Olympics ACT, Glenn has worked tirelessly to provide opportunities for athletes with a disability to develop physical fitness, gain skills and forge friendships. An inaugural board member of the National Disability Insurance Agency, Glenn’s latest project is Project Independence, a housing initiative in partnership with the ACT Government that offers home ownership options for people with disability. Glenn is an active member of the Canberra Business Council and inspires other business leaders to incorporate community service into their busy professional lives.
Northern Territory
Rosalie Kunoth-Monks OAM - Humanitarian.
Utopia
77 years old
Growing up on the remote Utopia Station in the Northern Territory, Rosalie Kunoth‐Monks learnt the laws of her tribe, the Anmatjere people. After moving to Alice Springs to attend school, Rosalie was cast in the lead role in the classic Australian film Jedda in 1953. Later, Rosalie spent a decade as a nun in a Melbourne convent before leaving to establish the first Aboriginal hostel in Victoria. In 1970 she married, settled in Alice Springs and became involved in social work and politics. Since then, she has been a government adviser, an interpreter, an environmental campaigner and has chaired or contributed to many boards and councils devoted to Indigenous issues.Passionate about law, justice, education, children and youth affairs, Rosalie cares for other children besides her own and has an enduring commitment to her country and her community. In defending her traditional way of life and her culture, Rosalie not only stands up for Indigenous people, but for all people and is respected nationwide.
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SENIOR AUSTRALIAN OF THE YEAR 2015 – FINALISTS
New South Wales
Jackie French - Author
Araluen Valley
61 years old
Living in a shed and needing to register her car, Jackie wrote her first children’s book, Rainstones, in 1991. While her editor said it was the messiest, worst spelt manuscript ever received, the book was shortlisted for Children’s Book of the Year and Jackie’s career as a best-selling author began. One of the few writers to win both literary and children’s choice awards, Jackie has published 140 books in 32 languages and received more than 60 literary prizes for beloved children’s classics such as Diary of a Wombat. Overcoming dyslexia herself, Jackie is a tireless advocate for children with learning difficulties. As the current national Children’s Laureate, Jackie is travelling the country to promote literacy and share the transformational power of reading, creativity and story-telling in the lives of young Australians.
Passionate about the conservation of wildlife and our planet, 60 year old Jackie is also a director of
The Wombat Foundation that raises funds for research into the preservation of the endangered northern hairy nosed wombat.
Victoria
Professor Sam Berkovic AC - Neurologist
Caulfield North
61 years old
One of the world’s most respected neurologists, Professor Sam Berkovic’s seminal research has revolutionised understanding and approaches to human epilepsy. Sam’s original and meticulous research over 25 years has transformed diagnosis, enabled accurate genetic counselling and significantly improved treatment for patients. Sam’s work established the connection between genetics and epilepsy, with major global efforts now focused on gene discovery and understanding how genetic abnormalities cause seizures. Recognised at the highest international level, Sam has published more than 400 peer-reviewed articles relating to epilepsy and genetics; these have been cited in scientific publications more than 25,000 times. He is admired for his careful mentorship of young specialists, his leadership in building the Comprehensive Epilepsy Program at Austin Health, his work chairing international committees and his skill as a teacher and communicator. Now 61, Sam leads his field with wisdom, intellect and skill and his research has put Australia at the forefront of global research into epilepsy while improving the lives of people around the globe.