2009 Australian of the Year winners.
Australia is gearing up ready to vote for their 2010 Australian of the Year, with states already nominating their local heroes.
Every year on the eve of Australia Day, nominees are read out from four categories, Australian of the Year; Young Australian of the Year; Senior Australian of the Year and Australia’s Local Hero. One person is picked from each category as the overall winner.
That person will be deemed to have made a significant contribution to the Australian people and will become a role model for all Australians. It’s a chance for ordinary people to recognise the achievements of others and vote for that one person who makes them proud to be Australian.
Previous winners have been the scientist and campaigner Professor Tim Flannery, Crocodile Dundee star Paul Hogan, Italian immigrant and tireless fundraiser Pat LaManna, MotoGP World Champion Casey Stoner and Sea Rescuer and Educator Graeme Drew.
South Australia have already congratulated their local hero who will now be nominated for the award for Australia’s Local Hero 2010. He is captain of the Murray Bridge County Fire Service, Mike Coddington.
Mr Coddington received his award for dedicating his time to leading a group of volunteer fire fighters and raising membership from just 8 to 24. Without his time and effort many of the volunteers would never have got as far as they have. He also teaches local residents about fire safety.
The Northern Territory have chosen horticulturalist Norma Higgins as their Local Hero.
Ms Higgins established the Katherine Community Market which supports local farmers, has boosted tourism and provided training opportunities for many regional people. She is also an active member of the Katherine Horticultural Association and was a founding member of the NT Women in Agriculture and the Katherine Region Food Processing Group. In 2008 she won the NT Rural Woman of the Year Award.
The Australian Department of Immigration and Citizenship who sponsor the Australian Hero of the Year awards, said: “Ms Higgins is an outstanding citizen who inspires us with the passion she has for this country and its people.”
The DIAC also paid tribute to the awards saying: “DIAC is once again proud to sponsor Australia’s Local Hero Award and to celebrate the extraordinary work of ordinary citizens who make their local community a better place.”
The national Local Hero Award winner will be announced in Canberra on 25 January 2010 on what will be the 50th anniversary of the Australian of the Year Awards.
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One Response to “Australia Gets Ready to Honour Their Heroes”
Comment by kiran bell — November 12, 2009 @ 9:25 pm
No matter what other nations may say about the Australia, immigration is still the sincerest form as it is delivering local hero with in the country and destinating proud to Australian Department of Immigration and Citizenship.