New South Wales

Joyce Donovan
Human rights and health campaigner

Joyce Donovan, or Aunty Joyce as she is known in the Illawarra and more widely, is a leader who has earned the respect of the Aboriginal community that entitles her to be called an Elder. Joyce felt so strongly about unveiling the scourge of child abuse that she travelled all over NSW, sleeping on floors and living out of her car, gaining support for marches against child sexual abuse in Aboriginal communities. Following the success of the walks and the Purple Ribbon Project she was asked to coordinate an annual candle vigil to recognise that there will be no more silence over child abuse. She travelled thousands of miles conducting healing ceremonies for victims of domestic violence and bringing her message that it takes a whole community to raise a child. Joyce has worked tirelessly for more than thirty-five years and was the driving force behind the establishment of an Aboriginal Medical Service in Wollongong.

Victoria

Jonathon Welch
Choral conductor 

Jonathon Welch touched the heart of the nation when he demonstrated the power of singing in building and renewing promising lives that had been saddened and defeated by circumstance. His Choir of Hard Knocks, one of Jonathon's community choir initiatives, raised to new levels Australia's awareness of the problems of homelessness, depression, and addiction. This is just one of many community projects to which Jonathon has given his time. Others include Geelong Pop Choir and Pop Kidz, the Australian Pop Choir, the Sydney Street Choir, the Sydney Gay and Lesiban Choir and the Melbourne Gay and Lesbian Chorus. Jonathon is also well known as a singing teacher to young singing students and choirs as an adjudicator at community eisteddfods and competitions. He continues to perform as a singer in his own right and is a member of Tenor Australia, a trio of professional tenors. Most of all he has shown that engaging with creativity, expression, with each other, brings new hope.

Queensland

Michael Meehan
Youth Mentor

Michael Meehan has contributed to his community for twenty years as a volunteer helping children, youth, and veterans. He formed Special Kids Queensland, which helps children and adults with special needs, the elderly, the veterans' community, and virtually anyone who needs special support. Michael organised the Queensland Fire & Rescue Service's annual toy drive and opened a wheelchair and mobility aids bank that lends equipment free of charge to people who can't afford it or aren't entitled to government support. His Safe Party Practice program prepares youths for a safer Schoolies Week and he builds better relationships between youth and police, leading to young people voting for the Redlands Top Cop Award for the police officer who has shown professionalism and broken down barriers between them and police. This is just a glimpse of Michael's commitment to his community, given freely despite the serious effects of chemical exposure as a young man.

Western Australia

Geraldine Webster
Community worker

Geraldine Webster was the inspiration in setting up the In Town Centre in Bunbury seventeen years ago. Many said it couldn't be done. Even experts in the field counselled her against providing a service to the homeless that involved a mix of young people, men, women, and children, especially under one roof. After several temporary accommodation bases, the Centre now operates from its own purpose built premises. Geraldine's dedication and commitment to the homeless has changed the lives of many, some of whom have gone on to be role models for others. Some have returned to complete their education, and even gone on to university. Geraldine has volunteered her time at the Centre four days a week for the past seventeen years and was also involved in setting up a young mothers' group. Because of her foresight, the Bunbury community ensures that everyone has at least two meals a day. Geraldine has now recently retired but continues to provide advice and support to the committee.

South Australia

Samantha Krollig
Rural community builder

Samantha Krollig lives in the small South Australian rural community of Bowhill. She understands the importance of teamwork in sharing the workload and strengthening the social and economic capacity of her community, especially when times are tough. Samantha epitomises the strength of character of Australia's many remote rural communities. On seeing the need for support for a local mothers and babies group to provide support and encouragement, Samantha formed the Bowhill Kids & Coffee Parent Group, which offered a welcoming forum to openly discuss concerns, find support and friendship, and learn new mothercraft skills. When the tennis clubroom burnt down three years ago, Samantha led the way in getting it rebuilt as a community hall costing $250,000. It's nearly finished - and debt free due to her fundraising skills. Because of the friendships forged through Samantha's efforts, there are many who no longer face isolation and loneliness.

Tasmania

Imam Sabri Samson
Muslim community leader

Imam Sabri Samson came from Malaysia as an eighteen year old to study at the University of Tasmania and stayed on. After graduating with a Bachelor of Science and a Diploma of Teaching he taught science and electronics in Hobart for almost twenty years before retiring from the education system five years ago. But he hasn't given up being a teacher and mentor in the community as Imam of Hobart Mosque and Executive Member of the Islamic Council of Tasmania, roles he has been performing since 1984. As spokesman for Tasmania's Muslim community he carries positive stories to the media and promotes synergy between the different faiths. Imam Samson lectures and presents information sessions at the Mosque and more widely in the community - for example, in schools, Scouts, inter-faith forums, service clubs, and the police academy - and is involved in Harmony Day, achieving social cohesion in a multi-faith society.

Australian Capital Territory

Dr Peter Sharp
Indigenous health practitioner

Peter Sharp is Medical Director of the Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health Service. Established in 1988 to provide a culturally safe and holistic health service for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people of the Australian Capital Territory and surrounding areas. He is their longest serving staff member. At first he travelled from Sydney every weekend to run a clinic and then took on home visits. He now runs clinics at local and regional correctional facilities and at Narrabundah Primary School, works with older people affected by alcohol and substance abuse, and trains other medical professionals in Aboriginal health. Peter has a high level of understanding of the complex health, social, emotional, and cultural needs of his patients. In return he is held in high esteem by the local Indigenous community.

Northern Territory

Peter Whelan AM
Medical entomologist