Australian Capital Territory Australian of the Year 2007 Finalists Announced

MEDIA RELEASE

9 NOVEMBER 2006

Australian Capital Territory Australian of the Year 2007 Finalists Announced

The finalists for the Australian Capital Territory Australian of the Year 2007 were announced today. Finalists include individuals who have been nominated for their work in sport, the community, with youth and with seniors.

Ms Tam Johnston, National Manager of the Australian of the Year Awards, said the quality of nominations received this year was outstanding.

"The breadth and diversity of the nominations this year was amazing, truly reflecting the amazing achievements and contributions made by Australians each year," said Ms Johnston.

Australian Capital Territory finalists are:

ACT AUSTRALIAN OF THE YEAR

Professor Ian Chubb AC, Educator and administrator, Acton

Emeritus Professor Robert Douglas AO, Futurist, Aranda

George Gregan AO, Sportsman, Canberra

Michael Milton OAM, Speed skier, Dickson

ACT SENIOR AUSTRALIAN OF THE YEAR

Stasia Dabrowski, Homeless supporter, Weston

Horrie Holt OAM, Volunteer organist, Kambah

Hilary Lang, Seniors' advocate, Turner

Dr Kaye Price, Indigenous education advocate, Gordon

ACT YOUNG AUSTRALIAN OF THE YEAR

Matt Friend, 24, Arts mentor, Kambah

Julie McKay, 23, Community worker, Turner

Patrick Mills, 18, Rising basketball star, Monash

John Van den Dungen, 25, Youth leader, Civic

Recipients of each category as well as the Regional and Metropolitan Local Hero of the Year will be announced by Chief Minister of the ACT, Mr John Stanhope MLA on Tuesday, November 28 at the Australian Capital Territory Awards Ceremony at the James O Fairfax Theatre, National Gallery of Australia at 6:00pm.

Recipients in each category then become national finalists for the Australian of the Year Awards to be announced on the lawns of Parliament House in Canberra on January 25, 2007.

Click here for a full list of all State & Territory Finalists or to read their biographies.

Nicole Browne at media op(p)s on 0414 673 762 or nicole@mediaopps.com.au

Steve Riethoff at media op(p)s on 0417 047 837 or steve@mediaopps.com.au

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