It’s that time of year again! It’s the time when Australians get together and celebrate all that’s good about our fantastic country. Most of us celebrate by throwing some snags on the barbie, and watching a bit of Cricket or catching the Tennis action of the Australian Open. However Australia Day for many people means so much more.
Many people choose Australia Day to become Australian Citizens. They choose to make themselves part of this fantastic country. Celebrations happen all around the country to celebrate. It is a truly special moment for all involved. If you ever have the privilege to attend one of these events it is well worth the effort.
Australia Day is also the time where we celebrate some of the most inspirational people you will ever meet. These people generally have done whatever they can to make a difference in the world. They have done whatever they can to bring about change. They range from educated professors, to scientists, to human rights advocates, to sports personalities, to elderly people who have dedicated their life to their careers, to the young Australians who are just starting out. The Australian Of The Year Awards not only celebrate everything that Australia stands for but they celebrate people who are really changing the world!
Here are a few of those people!
2009 Australian Of The Year - Professor Michael Dodson AM
Professor Dodson is an Aboriginal Leader and proud Australian who has played a significant part in the push for equal rights for indigenous people. He played a key role in pushing for the Australian Government to say sorry to the stolen generation in 2008. Professor Dodson serves as Co-Chair of Reconciliation Australia, and has worked in roles for numerous organisations including the UN. Professor Dodson is a brilliant but yet humble Australian and represents all the values which Australians believe in. He is a very worth recipient of the highest award offered on Australia Day.
Find Out More About Michael Dodson HERE!
2009 Senior Australian Of The Year - Pat LaManna OAM
The Italian born Pat LaManna moved to Australia in 1948 and suffered years of racism and financial trouble before he found his calling as an entrepreneur. However Pat LaManna did not ever forget his background and used his skills to benefit many charities and organisations. He founded the highest fundraising Lions club in Australia, The Lions Club of the Melbourne Markets in 1972 and has been elected president of the club seven times. Pat LaManna has also raised significant amounts of money (over $1.5 Million) though the Pat LaManna Cancer and Research Stroke Foundation. Pat LaManna is certainly an extraordinary Australian and worthy receiver of this award.
You can find out more about Pat LaManna HERE!
2009 Young Australian Of The Year - Jonty Bush
29 year old Jonty Bush has already experienced terrible tragedies in her young life. While she was 21 her sister was murdered. Not only did that cause immense sadness and grief but just 5 months later her father was killed in an unprovoked attack. Most people would take a long time to recover, however Jonty decided to volunteer for the Queensland Homicide Victim’s Support Group and help others through their time of need. From her excellent work as a volunteer Jonty was made CEO by the age of 27. Jonty has also been a campaigner to prevent further tragedy by starting the One Punch Can Kill campaign. The campaign has been so successful that the Queensland Government has taken it on in an attempt to prevent further deaths. Jonty is no doubt a worthy recipient of the Young Australian Of The Year award and is certainly an inspiration for all other who have gone through any kind of tragedy.
You can find out more about Jonty Bush HERE!
2009 Australia’s Local Hero – Graeme Drew
Graeme Drew is a professional fisherman living in Bremer Bay, Western Australia. Graeme has played a significant role in making the oceans off Western Australia safer. He is involved with Sea Rescue and founded the Bremer Bay SES. He has been known to always help out in times of need, often at the sacrifice of personal time and money in the search for missing people and vessels out on the water. Graeme started a trust to help with ocean safety in honour of his nephew, who was swept out to sea by a rip and died in 2003. Graeme Drew is a true Local Hero and worth recipient of this award.
You can find out more about Graeme Drew HERE!
Congratulations to all the recipients! You are all truly inspirational and deserving of your awards.
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