Australian of the Year Finalists 2009
Bernadette Black
Writer and campaigner
When Bernadette Black faced an unplanned pregnancy at the age of 16 she promised herself three things. To be a good mother, finish her education, and write the book that she needed, and couldn't find, to help and encourage others in her situation. She now has three children and has fulfilled all three promises. Brave Little Bear is the book. It endorses motherhood, showing that teenage mothers can be good mums and still have a great life, but it is also very frank about the issues Bernadette had to deal with. With around 25,000 teenage pregnancies in Australia each year, Bernadette offers vulnerable young woman much-needed empathy, encouragement and support.
Dr Scott Brennan
Rowing legend
Olympic gold medallist Scott Brennan achieved exceptional results as a junior rower and in his first senior event won gold in the quad scull in Lucerne at the World Cup. As a 21 year old he made his Olympic debut in Athens placing seventh but it was in Beijing that he won his first Olympic gold medal in the men's double scull with David Crawshay. While training he has also worked full time to complete his medical degree and is now a practicing doctor. He demonstrates that with hard work, tenacity and perseverance you can achieve your goals.
Peter Cundall AM
Gardening expert
Peter Cundall has been gardening since he was a small child and in 1956 he began his own business designing and constructing gardens in Tasmania. In 1967, he began hosting one of the world's first gardening talkback programs on a Launceston radio station and two years later began a career in television with a program for the ABC which was to become Gardening Australia, one of the longest running, most iconic shows in Australia. He played a major role in creating the Organic Gardening and Farming Society, and is deeply involved with environmental campaigns. Peter is a well-known and much-loved figure in Australian gardening who is respected for his sincere and open-hearted manner.
Sally Fletcher
Suicide prevention campaigner
After a serious illness Sally made a promise to herself to focus on doing all the things she loved. She began cycling and in 2002 she initiated a project, known as Sally's Ride, to prevent youth suicide. Each year she has ridden around 1400 kilometres across Tasmania and to date has raised $95,000. A partnership with the Australian Rotary Health Research Fund sees them match her contribution. These funds go to the Yshareit program which fosters peer networking utilising internet mental health resources. Sally leads by example, encouraging many young people to care about their physical and mental wellbeing.
Senior Australian of the Year Finalists 2009
Ronnie Burns
Respite centre founder
Ronnie Burns is a well-known singer and former 'King of Pop' but he gave up the world of showbiz to dedicate his life to saving children. Supported by his wife Maggie, he created the Appin Hall Children's Foundation Respite Centre which provides refuge for terminally ill, disadvantaged, abused and destitute children, and their carers. Ronnie is known as a man with a huge heart who is generous and selfless with his time. He works tirelessly in his quest to create a safe and nurturing environment and a future for what he sees as the most precious thing on this planet - our children.
Aunty Phyllis Pitchford
Aboriginal elder
Phyllis Pitchford is a respected Aboriginal elder who is a proud advocate for her people. As a poet and author her writing explores Aboriginal history, traditions, culture and identity. She has served on boards for a diverse range of Aboriginal institutions and is a committed mentor for young Aboriginal people. She has been involved with Meenah Mienne (My Dream), an art-based pilot project for Aboriginal youth in the justice system. She has worked tirelessly for her community on a range of issues including youth justice, childcare, education, housing, family violence and Indigenous women's health and wellbeing.
Vlastislav Skvaril
Marathon runner
Vlastik Skvaril demonstrates that age is no barrier to achieving great things. At 69 years of age he enjoys running across the country to raise money for charity and has been described as the 'Forrest Gump of Braddon.' Two years ago he ran from Tasmania's South-East Cape to the tip of Cape York, covering a total of 5,506 kilometres in 92 days to raise funds for Camp Quality. Vlastik is currently undertaking a 6,000 kilometre run from Shark Bay to Bryon Bay to raise $50,000 for CanTeen. This remarkable man says he is inspired to run by the young people he meets who live with cancer and still get so much out of life.
Bryn Warrick
Sea rescue volunteer
In serving the coastal rescue services of Tasmania over the last 14 years, Bryn Warrick has clocked up a staggering 50,000 hours of unpaid volunteer work. As the Search and Rescue Coordinator for Tamar Sea Rescue he is the reassuring voice on the other end of the radio coordinating rescue efforts. His presence is vital to maintenance of morale as he relays between the occupants of a distressed vessel and the rescue authorities. At 81 years of age, Bryn's commitment to this role shows no signs of wavering. Described by those who know him as a 'human dynamo,' his dedication to protecting those travelling the seas is inspirational.
Young Australian of the Year Finalists 2009
Sam Cawthorn - 28
Motivator
In 2006, Sam was involved in head-on collision with a semi trailer that resulted in his right arm being amputated above the elbow and broken bones in his right leg. As a result of his experiences he decided to help others by establishing the program 'Be Motivated.' The program aims to provide young people with the necessary life skills to achieve the seemingly impossible. Sam invests those around him with confidence and self-belief. He represents the ability to remain positive and enthusiastic about life in the face of adversity.
Katie Crane - 25
Youth leader
For over a decade Katie Crane has been a member of Rural Youth, an organisation that brings people together from all over Tasmania for competitions, social events and support. At the age of just 17, Katie was elected as President of the Oatlands Rural Youth Club, and one year later she became a member of Rural Youth's governing body. Then at 24, Katie became the youngest Chair of Agfest, one of Tasmania's most significant events involving 740 exhibitors and over 80,000 participants. Katie is a great ambassador for rural youth of Tasmania.
Abyilene Dobson - 26
Environmental advocate
Working for the Kingborough Council, Abyilene Dobson is the youngest Senior Environmental Health Officer in Tasmania and a Leader-in Charge of the Forester Guides. Abyilene has won the EHA Industry Award for her environmental work and has undertaken volunteer work in Peru to help improve hygiene standards. Abyilene's goals for the future include proactively and practically addressing climate change issues on a local level, and increasing the profile of environmental health.
Katarina Pakinga - 28
Choirmaster and performer
Katy Pakinga doesn't believe in waiting for opportunities to happen, she believes in making them happen. In 2003, Katy's passion for music led her to create the Burnie Youth Choir, a place where kids could enjoy music together. The choir won both Best Show/Pop Choir at the Performing Arts Challenge and Best Show Choir at the Australasian Choral Championships. More than 200 young singers take lessons from Katy each week and she has also opened her own successful performing arts studio. Katy's energy and enthusiasm for music is infectious and she has brought joy into the lives of hundreds of children.
Australia's Local Hero Finalists 2009
Mary Binks OAM
Devonport
Homeless helper
Mary Binks played an important role in local government in Tasmania, serving the Devonport City Council for 14 years, four as mayor. Since then it has been her voluntary work with the homeless that has garnered her respect. She founded Gran's Van, which provides meals to the homeless and needy in the town. The van has almost 300 volunteers and feeds up to 15 people each night. In 18 months she has served more than 2,100 meals. Mary hopes to expand the project from three to seven nights a week, and is currently running a campaign to provide gloves for the homeless.
John Layton Hodgetts OAM
New Norfolk
Band leader
After moving to New Norfolk, a small town in Tasmania's Derwent Valley, John Hodgetts discovered that there was little to do for those not interested in sport and so formed the Derwent Valley Community Band. The band has since toured the globe and played in the Calgary Stampede in Canada as well as the royal wedding parade for Princess Mary and Prince Frederick in Denmark. John was awarded a gold medal for conducting at the 2008 European Championships. He is an inspiration to his community for his determination and passion to create something they can be proud of.
Gerald Kay
Smithton
Pharmacist and fundraiser
Gerald Kay is a pharmacist who has great love for his community. Over the years he has fundraised to improve a wide range of facilities in Circular Head. He was a driving force behind the development of the Circular Head Community and Recreation Centre and is Chair of the committee that has raised $850,000 to help build the Emmerton Park Aged Care Facility. He is a founding member of and for the past 25 years has helped organise the highly successful annual Bawdy Banquet event that raises funds for sporting and community groups. Last year alone saw over $20,000 raised for the Emmerton Park. Gerald is always willing to lend a helping hand to better every aspect of his community and his contribution has been invaluable.
Kim Schneiders
West Launceston
Arts champion
Kim Schneiders has given an extraordinary amount in a voluntary capacity to ensuring the arts vision for her community comes to life. In 1988, she established Interweave Arts Association, a volunteer arts organisation auspicing quality programs that promote arts, education, culture, community and health. Through the organisation she co-founded the Streets Alive Youth Arts Festival; established a Car Park Cinema to provide a drive-in style cinema where established and emerging filmmakers can screen their work; and designed Access Arts Link, where practising artists mentor artists with disabilities. Kim has worked to provide countless opportunities for arts practitioners and make the arts accessible to the wider community.
