MEDIA RELEASE
9 NOVEMBER 2006
Victorian Australian of the Year 2007 Finalists Announced
The finalists for the Victorian Australian of the Year 2007 were announced today. Finalists include Victorians who have been nominated for their humanitarian work, animal welfare advocacy, philanthropic efforts, women's advocacy, sporting endeavours and volunteering efforts.
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.
Victorian finalists are:
VICTORIAN AUSTRALIAN OF THE YEAR
Leviseda Douglas, Humanitarian, Endeavour Hills
Ken Morgan, Children's services founder, East Brighton
Dr Hugh Wirth AM, Animal welfare advocate, Burwood East
Philip Wollen OAM, Philanthropic humanitarian, East Hawthorn
VICTORIAN SENIOR AUSTRALIAN OF THE YEAR
Norman Gibbs, Community supporter, Mt Waverley
Dame Elisabeth Murdoch AC DBE, Philanthropist, Langwarin
Marguerite Ryan, International women's advocate, Glen Iris
Richard Williams, Fundraiser, Doncaster East
VICTORIAN YOUNG AUSTRALIAN OF THE YEAR
Jarrod Lyle, 25, Professional sportsman, Shepparton
Duncan McLean, 25, Entrepreneur and charity founder, Balaclava
Katia Sanderson, 25, Student volunteer, Hawthorn
Eliza Stankovic, 25, Paralympian, Abbotsford
Recipients of each category as well as the Regional and Metropolitan Local Hero of the Year will be announced by the Governor of Victoria, His Excellency Professor David de Kretser A.C, on Thursday, November 16 at the Victorian Awards Ceremony at The Great Hall, National Gallery of Victoria at 11:00am.
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
