MEDIA RELEASE
MONDAY 18 OCTOBER 2021
TASMANIA NOMINEES FOR
2022 AUSTRALIAN OF THE YEAR AWARDS ANNOUNCED
Twitter: @AusoftheYear and #AusoftheYear
Facebook: @AustralianoftheYear
Nominees for the 2022 Tasmania Australian of the Year Awards include a marine ecologist, a paramedic, a man who has devoted his life to plant research and food security, a researcher using Indigenous knowledge for environmental protection, a young disability support worker, the founder of a respite retreat for cancer patients, a model and actor advocating for Indigenous at-risk youth and a woman whose passion for music created a local orchestra.
They are among 16 Tasmanian residents in the running to be named the Tasmania Local Hero, Young Australian, Senior Australian or Australian of the Year.
The 2022 Tasmania award nominees are:
Tasmania Australian of the Year
Joanne Cook – Eating disorder recovery advocate (Hobart)
Dr Emma Lee – Indigenous researcher (tebrakunna country)
Craig Leeson – Documentary filmmaker and journalist (Burnie)
Professor Gretta Pecl – Marine ecologist (Hobart)
Tasmania Young Australian of the Year
Jony Berry – Model, actor and comedian
Kaytlyn Johnson – Youth leader & singer-songwriter (Lapoinya)
Laura Johnson – Youth mental health advocate (Smithton)
Oliver Parnham – Disability support worker (Sandy Bay)
Tasmania Senior Australian of the Year
Michael Barrenger – Paramedic (George Town)
Bruce French AO – Agricultural scientist (Burnie)
Margaret Hoban – Launceston Youth & Community Orchestra Founder (Launceston)
Reverend Josephine Pyecroft – Anglican Priest (Longford)
Tasmania Local Hero
Jay Chipman – Founder, Homely Retreats (Lauderdale)
Paul Hosking – Founder of HOPE at St Paul’s Kitchen (Devonport)
Tani Langoulant – Founder of Gree2b Girls (St Helens)
Kimberley Smith APM – Community volunteer (Hobart)
*see bios on following pages
The nominees are among 129 people being recognised across all states and territories as part of the program, which began in 1960.
The four award recipients from Tasmania will be announced in a ceremony on Friday 29 October 2021 at the Crowne Plaza Hobart which will also be available to watch online via livestream.
They will then join the other state and territory recipients as national finalists for the national awards announcement on 25 January 2022.
National Australia Day Council CEO Karlie Brand congratulated the Tasmanian nominees on being recognised by their communities.
“The Tasmanian nominees are making extraordinary contributions and are all passionate about what they do,” said Ms Brand.
“Whether it be lifelong dedication to helping others every day or leading by example on matters which affect us all, they are truly making a difference.”
For more information on the Australian of the Year Awards visit australianoftheyear.org.au.
ENDS.
Nominee bios on the following pages and can also be viewed from australianoftheyear.org.au.
Nominee photos can be downloaded from this link (note all photos provided by nominees): https://www.dropbox.com/sh/556lss6qxrusrkp/AABrjbdX9I7XbGKbPvKeAohFa?dl=0
Media contact: Nicole Browne 0414 673 762 or nicole@mediaopps.com.au