Australian of the Year Awards

Michael Cook is the kind of person who is always willing to lend a helping hand to others less fortunate. For the past 12 years Michael has been involved in Operation Flinders, an organisation dealing with kids at risk. As a team leader he takes young people on eight-day walks through the Northern Flinders Ranges, building self-esteem, self-respect, and helping them find direction in life. Michael has also been a Rotary Club member since 1995, holding all office positions at one time or another.

In 2006, he was named the Paul Harris Fellow, the highest Rotary award. Michael has also served as an auxiliary fireman for 13 years and as a St John’s Ambulance paramedic. He was also a volunteer support worker for more than a decade with Life Accommodation Support Services for intellectually disabled young adults living in Riverland. Michael has always been driven to better his community and is a true team player.