Australian of the Year Awards close 28 August
Professor Ian Fraser, Australian of the Year 2006
More than 2,000 nominations for Australian of the Year, Senior Australian of the Year, Young Australian of the Year and Australia’s Local Hero have been received from across Australia.
Professor Ian Fraser, who was named Australian of the Year 2006 for his research in developing a vaccine to prevent and treat cervical cancer, has called for more nominations. “I think all Australians have a stake in the outcome of the Australian of the Year awards, so this is your chance to be involved and nominate the person you think should be awarded,” said Professor Fraser.
“As Australian of the Year, I’ve had the great honour to travel around the country and meet many people who are unsung heroes in their communities, people who are making a difference to the lives of others and people who are achieving great things.”
According to the National Australia Day Council, which runs the awards program, the vast majority of nominations received to date are for everyday Australians who are contributing to their local communities, although some well-known nominees include:
• Tania Major, for her achievements including being the youngest person elected to ATSIC and her commitment to improving indigenous communities;
• Dr Tim Flannery, for his services to science and the environment;
• Ron Delezio, father of Sophie Delezio, for his efforts to help others by establishing the Day of Difference Foundation;
• The Sydney Dance Company’s Graeme Murphy, for his contribution to the arts;
• Director Rolf De Heer, for his contribution to Aboriginal culture preservation and education through his film ‘Ten Canoes’;
• Golfer Jack Newton for establishing a Foundation for young people in golf;
• Rev Bill Crews for charity and community work;
• Frank Lowy, John O’Neill, Harry Kewell, Lucas O’Neill, John Aloisi and Mark Schwarzer for their contributions to soccer in Australia and for inspiring the country to come together in common national pride;
• Father Chris Riley, for his Youth Off The Streets organisation and dedication to helping at-risk young people.
Nominations for the Australian of the Year Awards close Monday 28 August 2006 and can be made online at www.australianoftheyear.gov.au, with a nomination form from any Commonwealth Bank or Holiday Inn, or by calling 1300 655 193.
