Senior Australian of the Year 2007
South Australia’s Phillip Herreen has been awarded the Senior Australian of the Year 2007 for his role as a mentor for people who have become disabled through accidents and as a volunteer facilitator helping young people in trouble for driving and other offences.
Mr Herreen was one of Australia’s most popular speedway drivers until a horrific crash in 1993 during what was to be his last race before retiring from the track. The accident left him confined to a wheelchair. He now helps other people rebuild their lives as a volunteer peer support advocate. He works with injured people to give them encouragement, inspiration and hints on life in a wheelchair.
His experience as a driver and as a paraplegic is invaluable in educating young people about the dangers of dangerous driving and young people in trouble with the law.
Mr Herreen, 64, lives in Adelaide with his wife Coleen and has four children and one grandchild.
“I’m honoured and proud to be Senior Australian of the Year, but when I look at the other nominees I’m also a little bit embarrassed,” said Mr Herreen. “It’s great to be recognised for having helped others with disabilities and young people to whom I’m trying to get the message ‘don’t take risks in cars’.
There were more than 3,200 nominations received from the public for the 2007 awards and nominations are already being accepted for the Australian of the Year 2008.
You can nominate an Australian who makes you proud now at www.australianoftheyear.gov.au
