Australian of the Year Finalists 2009
Professor Christopher Burrell AO
Virologist and festival director
As Professor of Virology at the University of Adelaide and head of the Infectious Disease Laboratories at the Institute of Medical and Veterinary Science, Professor Christopher Burrell has contributed greatly to our understanding of and ability to control virus diseases. His work on HIV/AIDS has led to new understanding about the mechanisms of viral replication in this infection. Professor Burrell has also made a significant contribution to the arts. In 1999, he co-founded the Coriole Music Festival, a celebratory weekend where each year a different musical tradition is explored over three concerts. Professor Burrell's contribution to both the science and arts has been outstanding.
Ivan Copley
Indigenous community worker
Ivan Copley is a committed Aboriginal man who has devoted his life to trying to achieve reconciliation and better outcomes for Indigenous Australians. As founder and Chair of the Campbelltown Council Reconciliation Committee he has achieved excellent results, including a Statement of Reconciliation signed by the Mayor, Council CEO and himself. Through his work with Rotary he established the first clean drinking water purifier in the Aboriginal community of Leigh Creek, having raised the funds for it himself. These are just two of the many ways in which Ivan is putting his heart and soul into bettering his community.
Dr Damian Mead
Health clinic founder
Dr Damian Mead has been a general practitioner for 25 years, dedicating his working life to providing health services for homeless people. In 1995, he established the Brian Burdekin Clinic to provide multi-disciplinary health services to disadvantaged and marginalised people. He has also established an outreach service that assists homeless people into accommodation and provides them with ongoing support. In addition, he is a founding member of the Adelaide Day Centre for Homeless Persons which works in partnership with the clinic to provide a supportive community for homeless and isolated people. Dr Mead is highly regarded and much loved by his patients whose lives he has improved in so many ways.
Dr C. Ross Philpot OAM
Infectious diseases specialist
Dr C. Ross Philpot is a physician, scientist and teacher who specialises in infectious diseases. He has taken on countless executive positions in medical organisations to help improve understanding, diagnosis and treatment of infectious diseases. The commitment he has shown to the broader community is equalled by his regard for individual patients, particularly those with rare, misunderstood diseases. His persistence, ingenuity and rigour have seen him accumulate a broad knowledge of rare diseases; knowledge he uses to help his patients and enables him to solve problems others find baffling. He is a courageous and progressive doctor who embraces new findings and embarks on novel treatments with a cautious and wise manner.
Senior Australian of the Year Finalists 2009
John Halbert MBE
Australian Rules legend
John Halbert has served the sport of Australian Rules at the community level with the greatest distinction over the last 40 years and continues in many of his roles serving the game at a national level. John has had an exceptional career as an academic, sportsman, educator, mentor and public speaker. His dedication to the development of young people in sport has been a focus. John is an honorable and distinguished Australian who continues to inspire young people in Australia through his excellence in the field of sport and the community in general.
Shirley Hogben OAM
Community fundraiser
During her 91 years, Shirley Hogben's broad range of service, dedication and commitment to the community has been outstanding. For 50 years she has been secretary of the Port Adelaide Auxiliary, which raises funds for the Adelaide Children's Hospital. During this time she has helped raise more than $350,000. Shirley has been a Neighbourhood Watch coordinator for the past decade, and served on numerous fundraising committees for hospitals, schools and various clubs. Despite battling cancer she has never given up her work for charity and her dedication to serving others.
Raymond Jones
Fundraising cyclist
Raymond Jones is an energetic 88-year-old cyclist who has single-handedly raised over $120,000 for the Mary Potter Hospice. The Hospice, which provides palliative care for terminally ill patients and their families, relies on fundraising to provide it with the resources needed to remain operating. Raymond's contribution to the organisation's survival is extraordinary. Affectionately known as 'Pedals,' for 17 years he undertook an annual 50-kilometre 'Ride for Love.' He has only recently retired from sponsored riding but his supporters are now carrying on his wonderful work. The Hospice and its patients are indebted to this selfless man who has become a part of their family.
Antonio Romeo
Community-minded businessman
Tony Romeo came to Australia from Italy as a young man looking for an opportunity in life. He now owns and operates 16 Foodland stores throughout South Australia and interstate. Over the years the Romeo Group has donated generously to the needy, homeless and Rotary causes. Tony is a good example of how from small beginnings impressive things can be achieved with hard work and perseverance. Through his kindness and generosity, Tony has made his local community a better place.
Young Australian of the Year Finalists 2009
Deng Chuor - 22
Sudanese refugee
Deng Chuor arrived in Australia from Kakuma Refugee Camp in Kenya four years ago. Since then he has worked to develop mutual understanding between the Sudanese community and the wider Australian community. Deng has a great belief in the value of education, and helps newly arrived Sudanese students make the transition from refugee camps to the Australian education system. Through great persistence and personal financial sacrifice he has also established a primary school in his home village in Sudan which now has over 800 students. In 2006, Deng became an Australian citizen. In a few short years Deng has achieved remarkable things and proved to be a wonderful role model for young refugees.
Matthew Cowdrey OAM - 19
Swimming legend
Matthew Cowdrey was born with a congenital amputation of his left arm below the elbow and yet in all aspects of life he has overcome his disability to achieve great things. An outstanding athlete, he has achieved international status, winning a host of medals. By the age of 19 Matthew had broken 72 world records, 127 Australian records and 180 Australian age records. Last year he was named International Male Disabled Swimmer of the Year, and this year he captained the Australian Paralympic swimming team in Beijing winning more medals than any other Paralympian. He is truly an inspiration to all.
Daniel Daw - 25
Professional dancer
Dan Daw became a well-respected professional dancer against all odds. Born with cerebral palsy, Dan has worked in both the Australian and UK disability dance communities. In 2006, he was awarded a scholarship to further his skills at the CandoCo Dance Company in London, a company leading the way in professional integrated dance working primarily with disabled performers. He is currently a dancer and tutor with Restless Dance Company, South Australia's eminent company for young dancers with and without a disability. Daniel has taken on seemingly impossible odds and turned them into personal triumphs. His philosophy is to 'reach for the stars and see what you can get.'
Eleanor Sobey - 25
Cockatoo recovery program manager
Ellie Sobey has been a driving force in the fight to prevent the Glossy Black-Cockatoo from extinction. Ellie manages the Glossy Black-Cockatoo Recovery Program, which has become one of the most successful recovery programs for threatened species in Australia. The program undertakes continual research and successful on-ground actions supported by an eager and extensive group of volunteers. In 1995, there were just 200 birds left on Kangaroo Island, but thanks to the efforts of Ellie and her team there were an estimated 330 to 350 birds by 2007. Ellie spends most days doing field work well into the night and is passionate about protecting these beautiful birds.
Australia's Local Hero Finalists 2009
Robert Curtis
Holden Hill
Volunteer carer
As a volunteer with Aged Care Housing, Robert Curtis devotes much of his time to helping the disabled and the elderly living with dementia. His work helps older people to maintain their independence and continue living a rich and fulfilling life. He provides respite for their families, is always on call to help in an emergency and has run short courses teaching people over 60 how to use a computer. Robert has been serving the community for more than 50 years. A kind hearted man, he undertakes all the work that he does with diligence and care and says he feels blessed to be able to help those in need.
Frank England
Kingston
Local philanthropist
A retired farmer, Frank England has a proud history of supporting and investing in his local community of Kingston. For more than 60 years Frank has been involved in the local agricultural show, beginning as a 14-year-old sheep steward and then as convenor of the show jumping competition, coordinating 170 events over two days. Frank also bought and donated land to enable the Kingston Retirement Village to expand and build a much-needed further 12 units, and donated $130,000 to the District Council to help establish the Kingston Medical Centre. The Kingston community is indebted to Frank for his generosity and hard work.
Beverley Langley
Cherry Gardens
Wildlife rescuer
Bev Langley runs a voluntary animal rescue service and has rescued and rehabilitated over 6,000 injured and orphaned animals. Without the support of government funding she relies on donations and the goodwill of others to carry out her work. Over 120 volunteers assist her on the Minton Farm Native Animal and Bird Refuge that she set up on her property. Many school groups visit the farm and Bev takes every opportunity possible to teach both children and adults about wildlife, helping promote respect and understanding towards all animals. Without financial reward, Bev has selflessly invested all her spare time into responding to the plight of our wildlife.
Rito Paparella
Woodcroft
Role model and mentor
Living in the low socio-economic area of Onkaparinga, Rito Paparella has sought to involve young people in sporting activities that will give them confidence and direction. Since 1985, he has been involved with Christies Beach Football Club and also presides over the Sports and Recreation Club, whilst still running his own business. Rito has a unique ability to bring out the very best in people and at his Tyree factory he has employed many non-English speaking migrant workers and offered them extensive training and support in order to build their skills. Rito loves to see those around him fulfil their potential and has enriched the lives of many who have crossed his path.
