Western Australia's finalists for Australian of the Year, Senior Australian of the Year, Young Australian of the Year and Australia's Local Hero awards were announced today. They include a legendary outback adventurer, an indigenous war veterans' advocate, a charity horserider, a geriatrics specialist, a footballer and a sea rescuer.
There are four finalists in each award category and recipients will be announced at Western Australia's Australian of the Year Awards event on Saturday 22 November 2008 in Perth. The WA recipients will then join recipients from all other States and Territories as finalists for the national awards. The national awards will be announced on 25 January 2009.
Ms Tam Johnston, Director of the Australian of the Year Awards, said the finalists were selected from more than 3,300 nominations received from across the nation.
"Western Australia has some outstanding finalists in this year's awards, all of whom are inspiring in their achievements," said Ms Johnston.
"The state has given us some great former Australian of the Year award recipients - who knows, maybe we'll see another West Australian accept the award in 2009."
The Western Australia finalists are:
WA AUSTRALIAN OF THE YEAR
Fred Chaney AO - Social justice campaigner (Claremont)
Dr Penny Flett - Geriatrics specialist (Osborne Park)
Professor Max Kamien - General practitioner (City Beach)
Ros Worthington OAM - Social philanthropist (Kewdale)
WA SENIOR AUSTRALIAN OF THE YEAR
Patrick Dodson - Indigenous leader (Broome)
Malcolm Douglas - Outback adventurer (Cable Beach)
Peter Fitzpatrick AM - Business and community leader (North Perth)
John Schnaars - Indigenous war veterans' advocate (Bayswater)
WA YOUNG AUSTRALIAN OF THE YEAR
Annabelle Coppin - Beef cattle producer (Port Hedland)
Sam Hill - World mountain biking champion
Tim Roberton - Humanitarian worker (Swanview)
David Wirrpanda - Indigenous footballer (Subiaco)
WA LOCAL HERO
Diane Annear - Women's supporter (South Perth)
Graeme Drew - Sea rescuer & educator (Bremer Bay)
Melissa Matheson - Community spirit (Jarrahdale)
Kerry Stanley - Charity rider (Bindoon)
This year marks the thirtieth anniversary of the Commonwealth Bank's involvement with the Australian of the Year Awards.
For more information of the Australian of the Year Awards visit www.australianoftheyear.org.au.
Ends.
Finalist bios attached with this media release or downloadable from www.australianoftheyear.org.au
For further information or to arrange an interview please contact:
Nicole Browne, Media Opps 02 9954 7677 or 0414 673 762 or nicole@mediaopps.com.au
WESTERN AUSTRALIA FINALISTS 2009
Australian of the Year - WA Finalists
Fred Chaney AO
Social justice campaigner
Former federal minister Fred Chaney has spent the last 30 years working to advance the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. A law graduate of the University of Western Australia, Fred began his career as a crown prosecutor in Papua New Guinea and co-founded the Law Society of Western Australia's Legal Advice Bureau and helped establish the state's Aboriginal Legal Service for which he worked as a volunteer in the early 1970s. Fred served as a Liberal senator for Western Australia and as the federal minister for Aboriginal Affairs. After leaving Parliament he undertook research into Aboriginal Affairs policy and administration at the University of Western Australia. He served as Co-Chair of Reconciliation Australia for a number of years and is still a member of the Board, as well as the Chair of Desert Knowledge Australia. His work in the fields of social justice, human rights, equality and anti-racism has been outstanding. As Australian Catholic University National Vice-Chancellor Professor Peter Sheehan says: 'His ongoing commitment to reconciliation, native title issues and improved access to legal aid, among other causes, is testament to his political integrity and social justice vision.'
Dr Penny Flett
Geriatrics specialist
Dr Penny Flett has had a long interest in geriatric medicine but has become a champion for people of all ages who require a high level of ongoing support. Dr Flett has worked in a variety of positions including serving with the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). In 1974, she became the first woman in peacetime to hold a male rank and the first woman doctor to serve in the RAAF. She is currently the Chief Executive Officer of Brightwater Care Group, which provides residential and at-homes services for elderly and young disabled people. Over the years she has contributed to many boards and associations and is currently Chair of the WA Aged Care Advisory Council. The Council provides advice to the West Australian Government on health and related aged care services for older people. In this role she oversaw the development of a State Aged Care Plan, which provided the first ever blueprint to guide the evolution of health and aged care services for the elderly. She has worked tirelessly to dispel stereotypes of old age, and shift deep-seated cultural attitudes. Dr Flett's goal is for the community to revalue older people, and respect their wisdom and experience. She is leading the way in enhancing the lives of older Australians.
Professor Max Kamien
General practitioner
Professor Max Kamien has a long history of service to the Australian community in the field of general medical practice, in particular improving remote and rural health and Indigenous health. He chaired a parliamentary enquiry into the retention and recruitment of country doctors, leading to the establishment of the WA Centre for Remote and Rural Medicine and the Country Medical Foundation, which has financially supported over 100 rural medical undergraduates to complete medical degrees and return to practice in rural WA. Professor Kamien was also specialist adviser to the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Aboriginal health that produced a report supporting and underpinning the funding for Aboriginal medical services throughout Australia. He chooses to practice in areas of need in WA and has eschewed monetary reward for providing services to underprivileged areas. He was the founder of the Department of General Practice at the University of Western Australia and continues to work hard to educate the community. In addition, he has provided medical assistance in critical medical aid countries such as East Timor. Professor Kamien's drive, foresight and determination have seen him make a practical difference in people's lives.
Ros Worthington OAM
Humanitarian
Ros Worthington is a woman driven to help others and is a prime example of turning pain into power. Not letting her personal challenges and traumas stand in the way of her call in life, Ros is an unstoppable force in the WA charity scene. After suffering chronic breast disease since the age of 16 and undergoing a mastectomy and reconstruction at 34, Ros carved out a niche by setting up a mastectomy boutique in Perth. But knowing she could do more in this neglected field, she founded the Breast Cancer Foundation of WA in 2000, which has since gone on to be one of WA's most well recognized and regarded charities. It is Ros' vision and hard work that has seen the foundation raise millions of dollars and help thousands of women at a grass-roots level. Another passion lies in working with indigenous communities and Ros has worked closely with Aboriginal women suffering breast cancer across the State to create awareness and support services, which have never before been available. Ros' charitable spirit began when she established the Make-A-Wish Foundation in WA in 1986 and she went on to become the international director, granting hundreds of wishes for terminally-ill children. Ros has now returned to her heart's home of working with children and has set up a new charity, the Love Angel Foundation, to teach WA children compassion for other kids less fortunate around the globe. She has teamed up with a special Afghan woman named Mahboba to raise $1 million to build a learning centre for children in Afghanistan.
Senior Australian of the Year - WA Finalists
Patrick Dodson
Indigenous leader
Patrick Dodson has given a lifetime of service to the Australian community. With his trademark long flowing beard and Akubra, he has been a striking figure at the forefront of Indigenous issues. In 1975, he became Australia's first ordained Aboriginal Catholic priest but after ongoing challenges with the ecclesiastical hierarchy over his beliefs about Catholicism and traditional Aboriginal spirituality he eventually left the priesthood. In 1977, Patrick was the founding chairman of the Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation and subsequently became known as the 'Father of Australian reconciliation.' During his chairmanship he brought together leaders within the Aboriginal, mining, religious, pastoral, and cultural communities, culminating in the historic Aboriginal Reconciliation Convention. In 1981, he joined the Central Land Council and was later appointed director, playing a key role in many politically sensitive negotiations with the Commonwealth and Northern Territory Governments. His sensitive approach saw many successes for Indigenous land rights, including the return of the Uluru Kata-Tjuta National Park to traditional owners. He was also appointed as a commissioner for The Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody. Patrick has devoted his life to building bridges between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. He has demonstrated that reconciliation is a practical reality and a future that we should all be working towards.
Malcolm Douglas
Outback adventurer
Malcolm Douglas is Australia's answer to David Attenborough. As a natural history filmmaker Malcolm has earned respect and a wide following with documentaries about the wonders of the Australian wilderness and its inhabitants. He screened his first movie in the Perth Town Hall and 40 years later is still fascinating people world-wide with his films. Among the Gudadja tribesmen of the Great Sandy Desert Malcolm is known as a 'white fella bush man,' a title he earned after placing second in a spear-throwing contest. In 1983, he established Crocodile Park, a research centre that is home to one of Australia's finest display of crocodiles. Malcolm has also developed a unique wildlife park and animal refuge just outside Broome. Over the years Malcolm has educated the public about the environment and tried to save it from destruction. He has campaigned against mining and exploration proposals and for World Heritage protection in the Kimberley region, urging Australians to help preserve this pristine wilderness. He is a champion of the natural environment.
Peter Fitzpatrick AM
Business and community leader
Peter Fitzpatrick is a natural leader and an outstanding communicator who motivates and encourages people to reach their full potential. He achieved personal success as executive director of the Law Society of Western Australia for over a decade and now as Chief Executive Officer of the Motor Trade Association of Western Australia. However it is his generous contribution to the community for which he is most revered. In 1990, he was the inaugural chair and driving force behind the establishment of Youth Focus, a not-for-profit organisation that offers a lifeline to young people who show early signs of suicide, depression and self-harm. He opened his heart and his home to become a friend and mentor to many of these young people, and spent many weekends attending youth camps. He also established the Youth Focus Foundation to support the organisation which today counsels over 500 young people and 150 families each year. In 2004, he became Chair of the Celebrate WA Council, which manages an annual state-wide program of community initiatives, and he recently established the Motor Industry Foundation to provide access to vehicles for those who suffer disability, illness or injury as a result of a car accident. Peter Fitzpatrick is one of Western Australia's most highly regarded business and community leaders.
John Schnaars
Indigenous war veteran's advocate
John Schnaars has worked diligently and courageously to address the lack of recognition of the Indigenous war veterans who fought for our country even before they were recognised as citizens. An Indigenous veteran himself who served in the Vietnam War, after his retirement John became an advocate for servicemen experiencing health problems caused as a result of their time in the military. It was during this period that he became more acutely aware of the plight of Indigenous servicemen who were so often shunned and maltreated on their return to Australia. He realised that something needed to be done to recognise and thank these soliders, and decided to ensure that every Indigenous solider who did not have a headstone should receive one. He began a long and often heart-wrenching struggle to achieve his dream, gathering together a team of volunteers and raising funds to begin his work. Installing these headstones and holding memorial services helps bring families together and assist with the healing process, providing their loved ones with the recognition and dignity they deserve. So far he has organised 50 ceremonies and has another 300 planned for WA. John has been unrelenting in his fight to right the wrongs of the past and allow our Indigenous veterans' efforts to be remembered, honoured and treasured.
Young Australian of the Year - WA Finalists
Annabelle Coppin - 24
Beef cattle producer
Growing up on an isolated cattle property in the Pilbara, Annabelle Coppin has risen to become a spokesperson and leading light in the live-export industry. She has been fascinated by the cattle industry ever since she was a small child and has become a passionate advocate for the Australian beef industry, both in Australia and overseas. Recently she became one of the youngest people in Australia ever to be awarded the prestigious Nuffield Scholarship. She plans to use her scholarship to study beef export trends by going to the Middle East, Indonesia and South America. Annabelle currently manages a 2,300-hectare property, beginning work before the sun rises and ending long after the sun has gone down. 'Agriculture is just something that burns inside me,' she says. 'If you ever get the privilege to experience it, you'll realise that the sky's the limit - there are so many endless opportunities.' Annabelle has shown great initiative and displayed a maturity and character well above her age. She is a dynamic advocate for her industry and is always working hard to improve the beef trade.
Sam Hill - 23
World mountain biking champion
Sam Hill is a professional downhill mountain biker who was named Off Road Cyclist of the Year in 2007 and was World Champion in 2006 and 2007. In this year's World Championships in Italy Sam had an incredible seven second lead on the other cyclists when he crashed on the second last corner and ended finishing in third. Racing for the Monster/Iron Horse downhill team, he has raised the bar of what is needed to race at World Cup level. Sam rode his first bike at two years of age, and started competitive mountain bike riding at nine. When he rode his first downhill event at the age of 12 he immediately fell in love with the sport. He became a member of the Melville/Fremantle Cycling Club and with their help began to attend national level events. In 2001, at the age of 16, Sam attended his first overseas races, travelling to Canada and the USA. At 18, he made the decision to ride in the elite category, and won both the Australian DH Championship and the Oceania DH Championship titles. Since then his domination of the sport has been unstoppable.
Tim Roberton - 28
Humanitarian worker
Tim Roberton has worked quietly and effectively to bring joy to the disabled and the needy. As carer of his younger brother who is in a wheelchair following a car accident, Tim is aware firsthand of the challenges involved. This knowledge has informed his work with Disabilities Services, the Red Cross and Catch Music, which he established to encourage those with physical and mental disabilities to join in making music in whatever way they can. As an organist, Tim brings his considerable skills to this area, encouraging participants to sing, listen, play and compose. The program aims to alleviate isolation, using a love of music to create meaningful, fun and social opportunities. Tim has also helped those overseas. In 2004, he spent 12 months helping people in war-torn Jerusalem, and crossing into Palestine. He then worked as program officer for World Vision in Nazran, responding to the devastation caused by the Chechnya wars. Both roles were potentially very dangerous. He has also recently established Grass Roots Project, which helps NGOs in their planning and interfacing. Tim is a humble man who is driven to help others, working quietly to provide support and achieve positive change in people's lives.
David Wirrpanda - 29
Indigenous footballer
This year, footballer David Wirrpanda was named the ninth most influential Indigenous Australian by The Bulletin. His career began at the young age of 16 when two West Coast recruiters saw him play and were impressed by his skills. He made the difficult decision to move away from his family in Victoria to join the Eagles in Perth, and at 17 became their youngest ever debutante. He recently played his 200th game and became a life member of the AFL. David has used his influence to encourage young Indigenous people to get an education. In 2005, he launched the David Wirrpanda Foundation to assist and develop underprivileged young people through education, promoting healthy lifestyles and strong role models, and building self-esteem. His aim is to make change slowly from the ground up. He wants to increase the retention of Indigenous students in school, and improve their life choices after leaving school by encouraging further study or entry into the workforce. Since establishing programs in Perth and Roebourne, school attendance and behaviour has improved. David describes the realisation of his Foundation as a 'dream come true.' 'If I can help the kids even a little bit, I will be able to sleep each night.'
Australia's Local Hero - WA Finalists
Diane Annear
South Perth
Women's supporter
Diane Annear has worked tirelessly to improve the position of women in West Australian society. She was instrumental in changing the procedure for restraining order applications which were previously inaccessible to women, such as those wary of the justice system, victims of domestic violence, or those with limited English, who were not willing to speak in court before a magistrate. Diane's work ensured protection for all women. She was instrumental in establishing Zonta Women's Refuges, a number of homes in WA used by victims of domestic violence. She then established the Women's Legal Referral Service and voluntarily drives women to meet lawyers who assist them with property settlement entitlements pro bono until the point of settlement. Without this service these women would have remained in refuges with the sense of disempowerment that often comes with being a victim of domestic violence. As a result of Diane's intervention, many women have obtained enough funds to secure private rentals and the confidence to rebuild their lives. There is now such a demand for this service that Diane receives referrals from a number of different organisations while continuing to operate on limited funds. Diane has sensitively created a bridge between victims of domestic violence and the law.
Graeme Drew
Bremer Bay
Sea rescuer and educator
A professional fisherman operating from the small town of Bremer Bay, Graeme Drew is the co-founder of the Bremer Bay SES and Sea Rescue. He and his boat have always been available in times of need. He has searched for lost or disabled vessels, and retrieved the bodies of those drowned while fishing, donating his time and equipment long after official searches have been called off. Graeme has campaigned for numerous causes. One example is that there was no safe anchorage between Esperance and Albany, a distance of 600 kilometres, and Graeme was instrumental in lobbying the government and the local shire council to build a land-backed wharf at Bremer Bay, thus providing safe mooring for boats. In 2003, after Graeme's nephew died tragically after falling into a dangerous rip that carried him out to sea, he established a trust in his memory. This trust has purchased self-inflating buoyancy vests that are hired out from bait shops, installed warning signs on dangerous sections of coast, promoted ocean fishing safety, educated school groups on ocean safety, and built the prototype of a system called the Silent Sentry that has already been instrumental in saving two lives. Graeme loves and respects the ocean and wants to ensure that the community are able to safely enjoy it.
Melissa Matheson
Jarrahdale
Community spirit
Melissa Matheson is a resident of a tiny historic timber mill town, Jarrahdale, situated in the Darling Ranges. Her goal is to restore the area and ensure that a pristine environment is handed on to future generations. Melissa has been taking small steps that have over the years amounted to significant changes. She replants trees and picks up any rubbish in the vicinity which is then sold to Roadside Collection with the funds generated being used to purchase more trees. She has spent countless hours removing blackberry plants that are suffocating natives, gradually reclaiming the Gooralong Brook so that it can flow freely again, and removing rubbish from the water so that animals can thrive. She is a Landcare volunteer and has established The Friends of the Park, a group responsible for environmental projects in the town. Melissa volunteers for all manner of other causes. She has been instrumental in establishing a skate park and the new Jarrahdale Youth Club, and was a founding member and vice president of the Jarrahdale Community Association. She is a community-minded person who wants to make a difference and has been described as having 'more energy than a bumble bee in the middle of Spring.'
Kerry Stanley
Bindoon
Charity rider
Kerry Stanley suffers from a rapidly deteriorating hearing condition and was looking for an opportunity to spend quality time with her daughters before losing her hearing completely. As most of the female members of her family have suffered from breast cancer she decided to do something about it. She planned an epic 4,300km charity trail ride from Bindoon, just north of Perth, across the Nullabor Desert to Beaudesert in Queensland. With the support of the Lions Club, Kerry was able to buy horses and equipment, and after 12 months of planning was ready to saddle up. Named 'Ride for Life,' Kerry and her daughters, aged 10 and 12, rode their horses for up to nine hours a day over 110 days, breaking a world record in the process. The ride was gruelling and beset with challenges, but even when the driver of her storage truck resigned Kerry did not consider giving up. She achieved her goal of raising community awareness about the disease and raised more than $21,000 for breast cancer research. Kerry's grit and determination are remarkable. Her achievement epitomises true Aussie spirit.
