MEDIA RELEASE
9 NOVEMBER 2006
Tasmanian Australian of the Year 2007 Finalists Announced
The finalists for the Tasmanian Australian of the Year Awards 2007 were announced today. Finalists include Tasmanians who have been nominated for their community work, youth support, health advocacy, social justice leadership and wildlife protection.
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.
Tasmanian finalists are:
TASMANIAN AUSTRALIAN OF THE YEAR
Royce Fairbrother, Training and community supporter, Devonport
Professor Nigel Forteath AM, Aquaculture researcher, Launceston
Bill Lawson AM, Youth supporter, Bellerive
Dr John Tooth OAM, Dementia care pioneer, Fern Tree
TASMANIAN SENIOR AUSTRALIAN OF THE YEAR
Emeritus Professor Ian C Lewis AO, Public health advocate, Mt Nelson
Frank Hesman OAM BEM, Community contributor, Glenorchy
Narelle Patterson, Grandparenting advocate, Longford
Kerryal Willis, Mental health worker, Launceston
TASMANIAN YOUNG AUSTRALIAN OF THE YEAR
David Burela, 23, IT leader, Rosetta
Katie Kingshott, 18, Social justice advocate, New Town
Matthew Hill, 24, Youth worker, New Norfolk
Michael Smith, 19, Youth worker, Glenorchy
Recipients of each category as well as the Regional and Metropolitan Local Hero of the Year will be announced the Premier of Tasmania, The Honourable Paul Lennon MHA, on Friday 17 November at the Tasmanian Awards Ceremony at Meadowbank Estate, Cambridge 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.
For further information or to arrange an interview please contact:
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
