Australian of the Year Finalists 2009
Professor Michael Dodson AM
Indigenous leader
Professor Michael Dodson is widely recognised as a proud, courageous and humble Aboriginal leader who has spent his adult life trying to explain to people why and how they can help his people. A Yawuru man from the Broome area, the contribution he has made to improving the lives of Aboriginal Australians is inestimable. Mick has pursued justice and reconciliation through a process of education, awareness and inclusive dialogue with all Australians. He has served in a variety of challenging and highly sensitive roles at community level, with governments, the United Nations and in academia. An outstanding Australian, Mick represents integrity, wisdom and compassion.
Professor Ross Garnaut AO
Economist and climate change expert
Professor Ross Garnaut has been instrumental in generating awareness and understanding of climate change issues in Australia. His independent report to the government examines the full extent of the problem. It lays out a comprehensive global approach to the problem and defines the role that Australia needs to play in that approach. Professor Garnaut has developed an approach within which global warming can be addressed. Climate change is the most significant issue to face Australia in the coming years and Professor Garnaut works passionately to raise awareness of the issues involved.
Liz O'Brien
Social justice campaigner
For over 28 years Liz O'Brien has devoted her life to the issues related to social justice and community education. Her dedication to the human rights of the disadvantaged, homeless and Indigenous communities is limitless. Currently working as the National Convenor of the National Association of Community Legal Centres, she travels throughout Australia to create, motivate or follow-up community education programs in rights and responsibilities. Championing for rights even further afield, she was the national convener of the Coalition Against Apartheid from 1989 to 1992. Liz believes in the Australian value of the right to a 'fair go' and continuously fights for human rights for all.
Dennise Simpson
Crisis support manager
For 20 years Dennise Simpson has worked tirelessly to help women and children live free from violence. Through the Domestic Violence Crisis Service (DVCS), Dennise has actively sought out and developed partnerships with key organisations including the police, prosecution, and care and protection services. Her expertise in running a service that operates day and night, seven days a week has been sought out both nationally and internationally. She has developed a reputation for her integrity, strength of character, resilience and dedication. Dennise's drive to keep women and children safe is an inspiration to those around her.
Senior Australian of the Year Finalists 2009
Judith Clingan AM
Composer and music educator
Judith Clingan has devoted her life to inspiring people of all ages and abilities to discover the joy of expressing themselves through the arts, especially music and singing. She has founded numerous choirs including Sing for Joy, a music group for people of all abilities. Through her music, Judith has opened people's minds to the power of song. She is inclusive in her approach, tailoring groups to meet the needs of children, the mentally and physically disabled, the 'tone deaf' and the visually impaired. Judith has spent her life encouraging and nurturing the musical talents of people of all ages and abilities, bringing joy into the community.
Reverend Associate Professor Elizabeth MacKinlay AM
Anglican priest
Reverend Elizabeth MacKinlay works selflessly in her many community roles, promoting greater understanding of the issues facing older people. Reverend MacKinlay's service to nurse education, the Anglican Church, the wider community, and the welfare of aged people, particularly through the establishment of the Centre for Ageing and Pastoral Studies has been significant. Her book Spiritual Growth and Care in the Fourth Age of Life won the 2006 Australasian Journal on Ageing Book Award. As Chair of the Ministerial Council on Ageing, she has introduced a seniors employment campaign, achieved grandparental leave in the ACT public service, and improvements in the public transport system for seniors.
Professor Peter Read
Academic and historian
Professor Peter Read is a renowned academic and historian best known for his groundbreaking research on Aboriginal Australia. In the mid-1970s, he was a pioneer of Aboriginal history in the Northern Territory and his work on the separation of Aboriginal children instigated the Bringing Them Home Inquiry. In 1980, he founded Link-Up which is run by and for members of the Stolen Generation to trace and reunite families separated by government policies of the past. For the last 10 years, Professor Read has focused on the question of non-Indigenous place belonging in Australia. Professor Dipesh Chakrabarty, University of Chicago, aptly sums up Read's body of work as being 'of global significance.'
Jim Service AO
Philanthropic businessman
Jim Service has dedicated more than 45 years of his life to the Canberra community. For the past decade he has been Chairman of ActewAGL, Canberra's largest corporation. He has acted as a mentor to many aspiring executives, and has often worked in a voluntary capacity with governments and community organisations. Jim has supported a broad range of institutions and events through membership or patronage, and has given his time freely to many charities. He is also a long-time Chairman of the Salvation Army Advisory Board. His contribution gives testimony to his compassion and awareness of the need for business leaders to look beyond the bottom line, making him one of Australia's most respected businessmen.
Young Australian of the Year Finalists 2009
Sid Chakrabarti - 24
Youth leader
Sid Chakrabarti is a voice for the youth. He joined 1000 othe delegates from all across Australia as a youth representative at the 2020 Summit. One of the key recommendations from his group was to create a series of 'hubs' in which young entrepreneurs could access legal, accounting and logistic assistance. After completing his Masters, Sid intends to begin developing these centres. Sid assisted the Youth Coalition of the ACT and helped to coordinate YouthSpeak, a nationwide United Nations Youth Association survey that captured the experiences, challenges, aspirations and ideals of over 12,000 young people.
Jack Heath - 22
Science fiction author
Jack Heath wrote his first novel when he was just 13 years old and by 18 he had a publishing contract. He has since published a further two books, one of which was shortlisted for the Aurealis Award for Best Science Fiction Novel. As an internationally published author Jack inspires other students interested in writing and generously shares his knowledge with them. He recently toured schools during Book Week and encourages other young people to follow their literary dreams. Jack's fourth book is soon to be released, and in the highly competitive world of publishing he offers a positive example for all those young would-be writers.
Sue Webeck - 24
Voluntary community worker
Over the years Sue has given her time voluntarily to a number of different community organisations including the Youth Coalition of the ACT, the Management Committee of the Canberra Youth Theatre and the National Folk Festival. Sue's background includes working as an outreach worker, supporting Canberra's young people most at risk. Through her role as a case manager she supported children and young people through family breakdowns. Sue believes everyone who has been afforded the opportunities she has should be trying to make our community safer and more supportive for those in need. Sue is trying to make a difference and is a strong role model for young Australians.
Andrew Welling - 25
Anti-drugs campaigner
Andy Welling is passionate about saving young people from the potentially lethal effects of drug use after one of his close friends died after taking ecstasy. This experience drove him to establish the Save-A-Mate program in the ACT to educate young people about the implications of drug use. In his role as Coordinator of the program run through the Australian Red Cross, amongst other Drug & Alcohol initiatives, Andy travelled to schools to educate young people about preventative measures in association with drugs and drug use. Andy's message to other young people is to get out there and make a difference in their community: 'Young people say they want to make a change in the world one day, well that day's now … You can make a difference whether you're six or ninety-six."
Australia's Local Hero Finalists 2009
Dr John Buckingham
Griffith
Breast cancer surgeon
Dr John Buckingham is one of the ACT's most respected surgeons. He is well-loved amongst his patients who endorse his warm bedside manner and caring nature that shines through the medical terminology. Dr Buckingham joined Canberra's Calvary Hospital when it opened in 1979, as a consultant general surgeon. Under his guidance, Calvary was among the earliest institutions in Australia to undertake sentinel node biopsy and the hospital is now leading the way to investigate whether the procedure is suitable for larger cancers. Dr Buckingham is well-loved amongst his patients who endorse his warm bedside manner and caring nature that shines through the medical terminology.
Tim Gavel
Ainslie
Sports commentator
Tim Gavel is highly regarded as a sports journalist for Canberra's ABC Radio Grandstand program. He has commentated countless games, four Olympics and four Commonwealth Games. Tim is respected in the local sports sector for his excellence and passion for the industry as well as the community work he undertakes. He is a Board member of the Kids Fitness Foundation, a patron of the Walking School Bus program and an ambassador for the Heart Foundation. With his caring nature and endless energy Tim has been described as 'the best you can get' in sports commentating in the ACT and is an inspiration to many.
Kelly Hayduk
Giralang
Community worker
Kelly Hayduk was named Barnardos ACT Mother of the Year in 2007. As well as having four children of her own she has over the last 8 years provided respite and short-term foster care for children, many of whom have special needs. Through the church she supports families dealing with drug problems, unemployment, mental health issues and homelessness. She always gives freely of her time and energy to others in the community through coordinating the Back to Basics program for isolated women, the yearly MissionART Show, and assisting with food parcels particularly at Christmas and a community lunch in Glebe Park every Sunday. Kelly has been described as 'leaving loving footprints wherever she goes.'
Elizabeth Steeper
Farrer
Enthusiastic fundraiser
Elizabeth Steeper devotes her time to helping those who are vulnerable in the community. Through Friends of Brain Injured Children ACT she helps families to access intensive therapy programs for their children. Caring for a child with brain injury is a daunting task for any family, and Libby works compassionately to address the issues facing brain injured children and their carers. Libby also works with Mental Illness Education ACT, visiting workplaces, schools and community groups to talk about mental illness. Over the years Libby has made an exceptional contribution to the mental health sector. To many individuals and families in difficult situations Libby offers a lifeline with her caring support and advice.
