NATIONAL FINALISTS LINE UP FOR 2019 AUSTRALIAN OF THE YEAR AWARDS
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MEDIA RELEASE
MONDAY 19 NOVEMBER 2018
NATIONAL FINALISTS LINE UP FOR 2019 AUSTRALIAN OF THE YEAR AWARDS
Awards to be announced 25 January 2019
australianoftheyear.org.au
The National Australia Day Council has now announced all the State and Territory Award recipients who are
in the running for the 2019 Australian of the Year Awards, to be presented in Canberra on the evening of
Friday 25 January 2019.
There are 33 people vying for the four Award titles:
• 2019 Australian of the Year
• 2019 Senior Australian of the Year
• 2019 Young Australian of the Year
• 2019 Australia’s Local Hero
National Australia Day Council CEO, Ms Karlie Brand, said the national finalists reflect the many heart-
warming and inspirational stories in our nation.
"The Australian of the Year Awards allow us to showcase ordinary Australians doing extraordinary things to
make a difference in their communities, achieving recognition on a national scale and influencing change for
the better," said Ms Brand.
“This year, we have some truly amazing people among our national finalists – some who are household
names, some who quietly go about helping others and some who have overcome great challenges.
“They are all so very worthy of our admiration and our recognition – they are all great Australians.”
The national finalists for the 2019 Australian of the Year Awards are:
2019 AUSTRALIAN OF THE YEAR FINALISTS
2019 Tasmania Australian of the Year – Bernadette Black
2019 Western Australia Australian of the Year – Dr Craig Challen SC OAM
2019 NSW Australian of the Year – Kurt Fearnley AO
2019 South Australia Australian of the Year – Dr Richard Harris SC OAM
2019 ACT Australian of the Year – Virginia Haussegger AM
2019 Northern Territory Australian of the Year – Michael Long
2019 Queensland Australian of the Year – Jon Rouse
2019 Victorian Australian of the Year – Mark Sullivan
2018 SENIOR AUSTRALIAN OF THE YEAR FINALISTS
2019 Queensland Senior Australian of the Year – James Dale AO
2019 South Australia Senior Australian of the Year – Reginald Dodd
2019 Victorian Senior Australian of the Year – Alison Harcourt
2019 Northern Territory Senior Australian of the Year – Charlie King OAM
2019 NSW Senior Australian of the Year – Heather Lee OAM
2019 Western Australia Senior Australian of the Year – Frank Mallard
2019 ACT Senior Australian of the Year – Dr Sue Packer AM
2019 Tasmania Senior Australian of the Year – Sally Wise
2019 YOUNG AUSTRALIAN OF THE YEAR FINALISTS
2019 Northern Territory Young Australian of the Year – Danzal Baker
2019 Queensland Young Australian of the Year – Angel Dixon
2019 South Australia Young Australian of the Year – Eleni Glouftsis
2019 Victorian Young Australian of the Year – Dr Skye Kinder
2019 Western Australia Young Australian of the Year – Noelle Martin
2019 Tasmania Young Australian of the Year – Kirby Medcraft
12019 ACT Young Australian of the Year – Hanna Wandel
2019 NSW Young Australian of the Year – Jarrod Wheatley
2019 AUSTRALIA'S LOCAL HERO -
2019 Queensland Local Hero – Elijah Buol
2019 Northern Territory Local Heroes – Tick and Kate Everett
2019 Western Australia Local Hero – Professor Cheryl Kickett-Tucker
2019 Victoria’s Local Hero – Carol Matthews
2019 South Australia Local Hero – Megan McLoughlin
2019 Tasmania Local Hero – Vicki Purnell
2019 NSW Local Hero – Sophie Smith
2019 ACT Local Hero – David Williams
* Bios on following pages
For more information on the Australian of the Year Awards and details of all State and Territory recipients
visit australianoftheyear.org.au.
The 2019 Australian of the Year Awards will be broadcast live 7:30pm - 9:00pm AEDT on ABC TV.
22019 AUSTRALIAN OF THE YEAR AWARDS
NATIONAL FINALISTS BIOS BY AWARD CATEGORY
2019 AUSTRALIAN OF THE YEAR – NATIONAL FINALISTS
2019 Tasmania Australian of the Year
Bernadette Black GAICD, 42 (Blackmans Bay)
Advocate for teenage parents
As a once 16-year-old mother, Bernie is the founder and CEO of BRAVE Foundation, Australia's only national
organisation, supporting and representing 8,300 expectant and parenting teens in each year. This year, after over 12
years of lobbying Federal ministers and National Human Rights Commissioners, BRAVE Foundation was awarded
$4.4 M to run a nationwide trial connecting 350 expecting and parenting teens to education and support opportunities.
With a strong sense of destiny, Bernie overcame adversity to finish her education; becoming a qualified nurse,
upskilled her corporate governance capacity, enabling her to be appointed to Boards and strengthening her influence
internationally to highlight acceptance and care around every person facing teenage pregnancy and parenthood, so
that they can grow a healthy family. Bernie has been Awarded Barnardos Australian Mother of the Year and Telstra
Tasmanian Woman of the Year
2019 Western Australia Australian of the Year
Craig Challen OAM SC, 53 (Wangara DC)
Cave-diver and rescuer
In July 2018, respected cave diver and retired vet Craig Challen was about to go on a caving holiday in the Nullarbor
Plains, when he was called to help on a rescue mission in Thailand. Craig was part of the international team that
successfully rescued 12 boys and their coach from a flooded cave in Chiang Rai, Thailand. Craig, who has dived some
of Australia’s deepest wrecks and has set depth records in diving, was chosen for the mission based on his technical
expertise. Working 10 to 12 hours a day in extremely dangerous conditions, Craig repeatedly risked his life as the
children were swum, one-by-one, through the dark and narrow flooded caves.Despite admitting he initially thought the
rescue would be too difficult to accomplish, he played a leading role in this successful and heroic mission. Dr Challen
was awarded the Star of Courage for his unwavering and selfless bravery following the successful rescue of the
trapped soccer team.
2019 NSW Australian of the Year
Kurt Fearnley AO, 37 (Newcastle)
Athlete and advocate
Representing Australia over a 20-year wheelchair-racing career, Kurt Fearnley AO has captured the hearts of the
nation. Born without part of his spine, Kurt’s indomitable spirit was apparent at an early age, when he would crawl
through paddocks with his brothers and sisters and race his wheelchair down the grass track at school athletics
carnivals. An outstanding athlete, Kurt has participated in five Paralympic games, winning thirteen medals, including
three gold. This year, he ended his international career on a high – with gold and silver medals at the 2018
Commonwealth Games and carrying the Australian flag in the closing ceremony. In 2009, Kurt acknowledged the
sacrifice of Australian soldiers, crawling the entire 96km length of the Kokoda Track, to raise awareness for men’s
health. Then, in 2011 he crewed on the winning yacht in the gruelling Sydney-Hobart yacht race. Kurt champions the
rights of people with disability and advocates for greater access into communities and workplaces. His determination
and love of life provides inspiration to all Australians.
2019 Western Australia Australian of the Year
Dr Richard Harris SC OAM, 54 (Adelaide)
Specialist anaesthetist and cave diver
In July 2018, Adelaide anaesthetist Dr Richard Harris made worldwide headlines when he joined an international team
to rescue a group of 12 boys and their soccer coach from a flooded cave in Chiang Rai, Thailand.
A diver with 30 years’ experience and a specialist in aeromedical retrieval, Richard was leaving for a cave-diving
holiday when he received the call for help. Under great pressure and putting his own life at risk, he swam through the
narrow cave system to assess the health of those trapped, giving the medical all-clear for each evacuee, and
administering an anaesthetic to each of them within the cave to facilitate their rescue. Richard was key to the rescue’s
success, showing character, determination and courage, and staying until the last person was safe. He has previously
participated in complex diving recoveries, appeared in National Geographic documentaries and, in 2015, was
recognised for his outstanding contribution to cave exploration. In 2017 he was awarded The Australasian Technical
Diver of the Year.
32019 ACT Australian of the Year
Virginia Haussegger AM, 54 (Canberra)
Journalist and women’s advocate
For over 25 years, Virginia Haussegger AM has built a stellar career as a television journalist, writer and commentator.
She has reported around the globe for leading current affairs programs on Channel 9, the Seven Network and the
ABC, and anchored the ABC’s flagship TV News in Canberra. Virginia is also recognised as a leading advocate for
women, and was made a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in 2014. In 2016, she was appointed to head the
University of Canberra’s Institute for Governance and Policy Analysis’ 50/50 by 2030 Foundation, a gender-equality
initiative focussed on improving women’s representation in leadership roles in government and public administration.
She is a sought-after speaker, addressing corporate and government forums on women’s rights, gender equality and
the media. She also advocates for women through her positions on various boards and committees, including the ACT
Government’s Cultural Facilities Corporation and Women in Media Canberra, and is a Patron of Canberra’s Rape
Crisis Centre.
2019 Northern Territory Australian of the Year
Michael Long, 49 (Darwin)
AFL champion and community leader
Darwin born, Michael Long, Australian Rules Football icon is an advocate for reconciliation and fights against racism
through the Michael Long Foundation supporting the ML Learning and Leadership centre and the Long Walk.
Michael played 190 games for Essendon, including two premiership wins. Awarded the Norm Smith Medal in 1993,
Essendon include Michael in their 25 greatest players ever. In 1995, following an on-field taunt, Michael made a stand
which led to the AFL adopting a racial abuse code . In 2004, resolving to meet with Former Prime Minister John
Howard to get Indigenous issues back on the national agenda, Michael embarked on ‘The Long Walk’, trekking 650km
from his home in Melbourne all the way to Parliament House in Canberra. Michael established the Michael Long
Learning and Leadership Centre using the power of football to give young Indigenous Territorians opportunities for the
future. Today, Michael is working with the Essendon Football Club and The Long Walk Foundation to increase
awareness of Indigenous culture and history. Through leadership, speaking out and hard work, Michael is tenacious in
bringing real reform.
2019 Queensland Australian of the Year
Jon Rouse, 55
Detective Inspector and children’s champion
Detective Inspector Rouse has 34 years’ service with Queensland Police. In 1996 Jon commenced investigating
crimes against children and in 2001 commenced at Task Force Argos where he implemented Australia’s first operation
proactively targeting internet child sex offenders. Jon gained national support for the development of the ANVIL project
(Australian National Victim Image Library) to assist police officers to identify the child victims depicted in images seized
from sex offenders. Jon has dedicated significant time to global awareness, delivering training and presentations on
online child exploitation investigations to law enforcement officers across Australian and internationally. Currently Sub
Group Chair of the INTERPOL Covert Internet Investigators Group and a Director with The Society for the Policing of
Cyberspace (POLCYB), Jon is recipient of four Commissioners Certificates for operational leadership, two Excellence
awards for Child Protection Prevention, the Queensland Police Medal, the National Service Medal, the Exemplary
Conduct medal, the National Police Medal and in May 2018 the ‘Champion for Children Award’ in New York from the
International Centre for Missing and Exploited Children.
2019 Victoria Australian of the Year
Mark Sullivan, 53 (Melbourne)
Founder and managing director of MDGH
From his tiny Southbank office, Mark Sullivan’s work ensures millions of disadvantaged people get the medicines they
need. Founder and managing director of not-for-profit Medicines Development for Global Health (MDGH), Mark and his
11-person team develop medicines based on public health needs, rather than commercial opportunity.
After years of fundraising, research and development, MDGH was the first Australian biopharmaceutical company to
receive FDA approval for a new drug, moxidectin. The medicine treats river blindness, a debilitating illness affecting 20
million people in sub-Saharan Africa. The company has a self-sustained model to manufacture and distribute
moxidectin. They are also planning clinical trials to assess moxidectin as a new treatment for the scabies parasite that
up to 70% of Aboriginal babies have suffered by the age of 1.
The drug may also be an option for the 1.5 billion people affected with other neglected tropical diseases. Just as
importantly, Mark has developed a highly effective new business model for developing much-needed new medicines.
42019 SENIOR AUSTRALIAN OF THE YEAR – NATIONAL FINALISTS
2019 Queensland Senior Australian of the Year
Professor James Dale AO, 68 (Moggill)
Scientist
Scientist, researcher and humanitarian Professor James Dale has led significant research programs in agricultural
biotechnology. He was the inaugural Director of the Centre for Tropical Crops and Bio-commodities (CTCB) at
Queensland University of Technology (QUT), and founded Australia’s first molecular farming company, Farmacule
Bioindustries. His ground-breaking work includes seeking a solution to Vitamin A deficiency, which leads to death of
an estimated 670,000 children in developing countries, and blindness in another 400,000. James led a project to
genetically modify bananas – the staple diet in many poor countries – to boost their pro-vitamin A levels. The release of
these lifesaving bananas is planned for East Africa in four years. James also placed disease-resistant genes into local
Cavendish bananas, to protect them from a virus and fungi that destroy crops and cause significant economic damage
in Queensland. He has also led developments including medical technology that enables rapid testing for genetic
diseases, and molecular farming technology that aims to produce edible, plant-based vaccines.
2019 South Australia Senior Australian of the Year
Reginald Dodd, 78 (Marree)
Reconciliation advocate
Arabunna elder Reg Dodd has spent a lifetime advocating for his people. Using a Roget’s Thesaurus, he interpreted
complex legislation, making his first Native Title claim in 1998. At Reg’s initiative, Lawyers for the Arabunna Marree
People (LAMP) was created, with lawyers from all over Australia providing millions of dollars of pro bono legal
assistance – including legal support for Native Title, which was granted to the Arabunna in 2012.Other LAMP initiatives
included a submission for National Heritage listing of Arabunna country, now on the finalised priority assessment list;
securing funding for heritage restoration works; and emergency assistance to individual Arabunna women and men.
With a LAMP lawyer, Reg also co-designed and co-taught a law course at RMIT University on country.A loyal family
man, Reg has led cultural immersion tours of the Lake Eyre region since 1996 to financially support the Arabunna
Centre and promote reconciliation. He is also a magnificent photographic artist, holding many successful exhibitions.
2019 Victoria Australian of the Year
Alison Harcourt, 89 (Kew)
STEM pioneer
As a woman in mathematics and statistics, Alison Harcourt’s seminal work from the 1950s onwards was often
overlooked. She is now best known for developing integer linear programming, the basis of efficient computer
processing. The 1960 paper written with Ailsa Land on the topic has been cited in 3000 academic journal articles.
Alison has written numerous papers and is the co-author of three books. She was also one of the first users of
CSIRAC, Australia’s first digital computer. As a statistician, she worked with social scientist Ronald Henderson and
economist R. J. Harper on what became known on the Melbourne Poverty Survey, Australia’s first systematic,
quantitative measure of poverty. Their work formed the basis of the 1972 Royal Commission into poverty. Alison’s
other outstanding work, with fellow statistician Malcolm Clark, on the randomisation of electoral ballot papers led to a
change in the Commonwealth Electoral Act in 1984.
2019 Northern Territory Senior Australian of the Year
Charlie King OAM, 67 (Darwin)
Human rights campaigner
Gurindji man, Charlie King OAM is a veteran sports broadcaster and human rights campaigner. His expertise on and
off the sporting field has made him much-loved in the Northern Territory and around Australia. In 2008, Charlie became
the first Indigenous Australian to commentate at an Olympic Games. Charlie is also a passionate campaigner against
domestic violence and initiated the zero-tolerance campaign 'NO MORE' in 2006. Reaching the Indigenous and wider
Australian community, the NO MORE campaign has links with more than five sporting codes and nearly a hundred
teams – and is still growing. In 2015, Charlie was awarded an Order of Australia Medal for his service to broadcast
media and the Indigenous community. Charlie won a Northern Territory human-rights award in 2016 and used the
moment to call for an end to family violence over Christmas. For 25 years he has also volunteered to sit with children in
trouble without a parent or guardian during police interviews.
52019 NSW Senior Australian of the Year
Heather Lee OAM, 92 (Richmond)
Athlete
At 92, Heather Lee is an unstoppable Australian. She started walking regularly late in life – signing up for a series of
fun runs in her late 70s – and discovering she was actually quite quick. In 2011, at her physiotherapist’s suggestion,
Heather competed in the Australian Masters Games, just before her 85th birthday – winning four gold medals.
In 2012, she set a new Australian record for the 5km race-walking event for her age group. Later that year, at the
Australian Masters Track and Field Championships, she broke three Australian records; the 10km (84m 06.00s), the
1500m (11m 36.90s) and her own 5km (now in 41m 25.40s). Currently, Heather holds eight Australian and five world
records. Heather has been a member of the local Hawkesbury Cancer Support Group for many years and was the
2018 Cancer Council March Charge Ambassador. Remarkably, Heather is one of the few people who walks the full
24 hours of the Hawkesbury Relay for Life.
2019 Western Australia Senior Australian of the Year
Frank Mallard, 73 (Northampton)
Elder, ex-serviceman and volunteer
Ex-serviceman and Yamatji elder, Frank Mallard, is a proud ambassador and advocate for the contribution of
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander servicemen and women. Part of the Stolen Generation, Frank served in the
Australian army from 1962 to 1985, and in the Army Reserves from 1986 to 1999. He saw active duty in Borneo and
Vietnam – but on returning home, like other Aboriginal soldiers, was rejected by the RSL. This spurred him to promote
the military service of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people within Veterans’ Affairs and the broader community.
Today, despite PTSD and Parkinson’s disease, Frank is Media Officer at Ellenbrook RSL and a dedicated veterans’
issues volunteer. He is the Chairperson of Voice of the Voiceless Ministry that helps people with addiction, mental
illness and social issues. In 2015, he received a Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm Unit Citation as a
member of the 1RAR Group, and was City of Swan Citizen and Senior Citizen of the Year in 2018.
2019 ACT Senior Australian of the Year
Dr Sue Packer AM, 76 (Lyons)
Paediatrician and child advocate
Since starting her career as a paediatrician in 1972, Dr Sue Packer AM has worked tirelessly to advocate for the rights
of children in our healthcare system and in the wider community. She has been involved in child abuse prevention
through the National Association for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect since its very early days and has treated
babies and children suffering terrible trauma from child abuse. In addition, Sue has championed the importance of early
childhood environments for the developing brain, leading to recognition by education and government agencies.
Sue was one of the driving forces behind the acknowledgement of the importance of creating child-friendly spaces in
hospitals and the value of play in recovery. Lecturing internationally and volunteering on a number of boards to improve
health and well-being of children, Sue stands up for the rights of children at every opportunity and encourages others to
do the same.
2019 Tasmania Senior Australian of the Year
Sally Wise, 67 (Molesworth)
Cookbook author
Sally Wise is a kitchen guru, author and media presenter who is dedicated to equipping everyday people to prepare
nourishing food with accessible ingredients. Sally learned cooking from her Grandma and then taught others how to
cook on a volunteer basis. Sally’s skills became widely recognised and in 2006 she received a request from ABC radio
in Hobart, seeking a presenter to lead a discussion on jams and preserves. This led to Sally’s book A Year in a Bottle
which sold tens of thousands of copies; the first of 15 popular cookbooks. Sally launched a program at Risdon prison to
teach soon-to-be released inmates cooking skills. She also speaks to community groups to promote better nutrition
using accessible ingredients. In addition, Sally helps new businesses in the food sector to optimise their recipes and
techniques on a pro bono basis. She has built a business from her farm at Molesworth where she demonstrates the
integration of food production and cooking.
62019 YOUNG AUSTRALIAN OF THE YEAR – NATIONAL FINALISTS
2019 Northern Territory Young Australian of the Year
Danzal Baker, 22 (Darwin)
Rapper and dancer
Working across rap, dance, acting and graffiti, Danzal Baker is a multi-talented, multi-lingual, Indigenous artist. Danzal,
otherwise known as Baker Boy, is the first Indigenous artist to achieve mainstream success rapping in the Yolngu
Matha language. Raised in Milingimbi and Maningrida, Danzal rapped his way to national prominence when his single
Marryuna was voted into 17th place in Triple J’s Hottest 100 for 2017; a notable follow-up from his debut single Cloud 9,
which won Triple J’s Unearthed competition. Danzal is also an award winner at the National Indigenous Music Awards.
He has signed a record deal with Select Music and was handpicked by English rapper Dizzee Rascal to be his
Australian support act. In 2018, Danzal won the prestigious Charles Darwin University Art Award at the Northern
Territory Young Achievers Awards. Touring Australia extensively, Danzal is using his talent to inspire young people in
remote Indigenous communities and encourage them to embrace their culture and take up leadership positions.
2019 Queensland Young Australian of the Year
Angel Dixon, 28 (Gold Coast)
Model and activist
The first agency signed model with a physical impairment to feature in a national television campaign Angel Dixon’s
mission is to challenge societies perception of disability. The two-time Mercedes Benz Fashion Week model is a
passionate activist for disability inclusion and human rights. Aware of the power that the media has in forming
perceptions, Angel is advocacy manager for not-for-profit organisation, Starting With Julius, and CEO of the Attitude
Foundation. Both organisations seek to accelerate the inclusion of people with disability through the creation of
authentic media and education on inclusive principals. Angel is also a member of the steering committee for NOW
Australia, a not-for-profit that provides support for people who have experienced workplace sexual harassment.
A remarkable public speaker and blogger, Angel’s other passion is design. She’s currently working on a line of walking
canes that will be marketed as a fashion accessory – making buying a mobility tool a more positive experience and
helping change attitudes towards disability.
2019 South Australia Young Australian of the Year
Eleni Glouftsis, 26
Australia’s first female AFL umpire
Eleni Glouftsis made history at the age of 25 – by becoming the first woman to officiate Australian Football League
(AFL) games as a field umpire. While in high school, she began umpiring for amateur leagues and was awarded an
AFL Female Pathway Scholarship.Through her dedication to the sport, Eleni became the first female umpire in the
South Australian National Football League – before going on to umpire 33 senior games for the Victorian Football
League. After working hard on her fitness levels, Eleni finally broke though at the highest level in 2017. With no female
umpire to look up to in her own career, Eleni hopes her debut will open doors for other young girls who are passionate
about professional umpiring. Her tenacity and commitment to overcoming barriers have enabled her to smash through
this glass ceiling and redefine the role of women in sport. As a Greek-Australian, Eleni also inspires culturally diverse
communities to be included in Australian institutions.
2019 Victoria Young Australian of the Year
Skye Kinder, 27 (Bendigo)
Doctor
Dr Skye Kinder has dedicated her medical career to improving the health of marginalised patients throughout Australia.
After witnessing her father travel to Melbourne for specialist appointments, she became committed to easing the travel
burden and financial impact of healthcare on rural populations. While studying, Skye became a passionate advocate
for rural health, representing the Australian Medical Students’ Association (AMSA) as Rural Health Officer. Through
AMSA, she co-founded and chaired the first Rural Health Committee and set up a national Rural Health Summit,
creating new opportunities for students in regional areas to participate in advocacy and policy. Now a doctor, and board
member of Rural Doctors Association of Victoria, Skye continues to highlight rural health issues to local, national and
international audiences, through her research, ongoing speaking engagements, press appearances, workshops, and
articles. Skye was named Victoria’s Junior Doctor of the Year in 2017 and Bendigo’s Young Citizen of the Year in
2014.
72019 Western Australia Young Australian of the Year
Noelle Martin, 24 (Nedlands)
Feminist, activist and law reformist
At the age of 18, Noelle Martin, now aged 24, discovered that sexual predators had stolen images of her from social
media, editing them onto pornographic images and videos, adding her name and details of where she lived. The
feminist, law graduate and activist has courageously taken action, helping provide avenues for justice for victims of
image-based sexual abuse. Despite the abuse escalating after she shared her experience publicly and being told that
nothing could be done about the images, Noelle continued to speak out. Her actions were a major factor in new laws
being introduced and passed in New South Wales in 2017, in 2018 at the Commonwealth level and in Western
Australia, making it a criminal offence to distribute non-consensual intimate images. An inspiring and courageous
speaker and expert on image-based sexual abuse, Noelle regularly speaks to the media, and travels the country as a
TEDx speaker, educating people on the harmful impacts of this type of abuse.
2019 Tasmania Young Australian of the Year
Kirby Medcraft, 29 (Hobart)
Assistant Principal
Passionate about maximising parent engagement in their child’s learning, Assistant Principal Kirby Medcraft at
Windermere Primary School is an innovator. Kirby’s Bedtime Stories Afternoon inspired over 200 parents to attend
school to read with their child. Her work building strong partnerships with families has seen a distinct shift in the school
culture. Kirby works closely with early childhood teachers, mentoring and modelling best practice. She is responsible
for leading the implementation of a play based, inquiry approach across the early years and bringing about educational
change. She embraces opportunities for professional learning and in April 2018 attended an international study tour to
Reggio Emilia, Italy to further develop her understanding of this approach to education. Kirby’s dedication and
successful teaching practices have made her a role model with teachers and peers at other schools. Kirby won the
prestigious University of Tasmania, Faculty of Education Teaching Excellence Award in the 2018 Tasmanian Young
Achiever Awards and the 2014 RBF Department of Education Awards for Excellence.
2019 ACT Young Australian of the Year
Hannah Wandel, 29 (Kingston)
Change agent for young rural women
Concerned by the challenges faced by young women in regional Australia, Hannah Wandel founded Country to
Canberra to help break down gender and geographical barriers to success. Hannah’s passion for helping others was
inspired by the generous response of her rural community when a fire destroyed her family’s home when Hannah was
just 13 years old. In 2018, Hannah’s amazing energy and drive saw her travel over 32,000kms to 80 bush communities
nationally, to reach over 3,500 teenage girls to run gender equality, leadership and empowerment workshops.
Hannah has also organised ‘Power Trip’ camps where young rural women visit Canberra to be mentored by politicians
and CEOs, and undertake training. Country to Canberra seeks to equip girls to become leaders in their communities
and reach their potential. Program evaluations overwhelmingly show girls who attend have a greater understanding of
quality issues and improved self-confidence. Hannah’s tireless efforts to advocate for young women also sees her
volunteering on multiple community boards.
2019 NSW Young Australian of the Year
Jarrod Wheatley, 30 (Blue Mountains)
Social entrepreneur
By founding two innovative, not-for-profit organisations, Street Art Murals Australia (SAMA) and Professional
Individualised Care (PIC), Jarrod Wheatley is working tirelessly to improve opportunities for those on the margins of our
community. Five years in the making, PIC is a new model of out-of-home care. Before, children who were too
traumatised or high-needs for a foster home would generally be placed in a group home. Here they would be cared for
by shift workers and were at risk of becoming institutionalised. Instead PIC places one child in the home of a
Professional Therapeutic Carer, who can provide therapeutic intervention and real relationships. PIC has been officially
accredited by the Office of the Children’s Guardian. Through SAMA Jarrod used street art as vehicle for social
inclusion and urban beatification, breaking the negative cycle of criminalisation and alienation by commissioning murals
and workshops. Street artists have now painted more than 360 murals all over the country, for clients such as Pfizer
and Lend Lease.
82019 AUSTRALIA’S LOCAL HERO – NATIONAL FINALISTS
2019 Queensland Local Hero
Elijah Buol, 33 (Regents Park)
Advocate
Since arriving as an unaccompanied minor from South Sudan, Elijah Buol – a Criminologist, former refugee, father of
four and Director of Ethnic Communities Council of Queensland – spends much of his time helping young and
disadvantaged community members integrate successfully into Australian society. With qualifications including a
Master of Law, Master of Justice in Intelligence, a Bachelor of Human Services and currently studying Juris Doctor at
the Australian National University, Elijah has held senior and volunteer positions in community and not-for-profit
sectors. Elijah’s advocacy work was instrumental in helping remove children under 18 from adult prisons in
Queensland. He has held numerous volunteer positions and is recipient of multiple awards for advocacy and
community services. Through motivational speaking and leadership training, Elijah has inspired many disadvantaged
Indigenous, refugee and migrant young people. He established the African Australian Women’s Network now the
African Australian Women’s Association to improve the wellbeing of African women living in Australia. He has
mentored through the prestigious Young African Australian Star Awards, celebrating high performing young African
Australian Queenslanders, as President of Queensland African Communities Council.
2019 Northern Territory Local Heroes
Kate and Tick Everett, 41 & 33 (Katherine)
Advocates against bullying
Following the tragic death of their teenage daughter, Amy ‘Dolly’ Everett in January 2018, following extensive bullying,
Kate and Tick Everett founded Dolly’s Dream, to create positive change and a legacy to their daughter. Dolly’s Dream
aims to raise awareness about bullying and its potentially devastating effects on children and families. It delivers
community education on bullying issues and strategies for preventing and mitigating bullying, through cultural change
and victim support. Over 250 communities have held fundraisers and events to support Dolly's Dream, with a particular
focus on regional and rural Australia. Kate and Tick’s non-stop advocacy, meeting with the Prime Minister and
Education and Health Ministers across the country, has resulted in governments taking childhood bullying and its
devastating impacts more seriously. Kate and Tick advocate tenaciously on a voluntary basis while continuing to
muster cattle, train horses and care for their other daughter, Megan, from their home in Katherine, Northern Territory.
2019 Western Australia Local Hero
Professor Cheryl Kickett-Tucker, 50 (Midland)
Basketballer and researcher
Wadjuk traditional owner, Curtin University Professor, children’s author and mother-of-three, Cheryl Kickett-Tucker, is
passionate about helping children build their confidence and improve their social, physical and emotional wellbeing –
through sport. In 2015, the ex-state and Women’s National Basketball League player launched the basketball lifestyle
program Kaat, Koort and Hoops. Translating as head, heart and hoops, the after-school basketball lifestyle program
aims to build sporting confidence – providing a boost to participants’ self-esteem. By 2018, 250 children had
participated in the program. A highly accomplished woman committed to social development, Cheryl completed a PhD
in 2000 at Edith Cowan University, exploring urban Aboriginal children’s self-identity and self-esteem in the school
sporting setting. She is a voluntary member of not-for-profit Koya Aboriginal Corporation, an Aboriginal-controlled and
owned organisation, which provides services including training, employment, professional development and cultural
security audits. In 2014, she founded Pindi Pty Ltd Centre for Research Excellence in Aboriginal Wellbeing in 2014,
where she is executive director.
2019 Victoria Local Hero
Carol Matthews, 59 (Melbourne)
Bushfire survivor and activist
On 7 February 2009 Carol, Dave and Ellie Matthews experienced an unimaginable tragedy – the death of their
22-year-old son Sam, and the destruction of their home in the Black Saturday bushfires. Despite her considerable pain,
Carol put her grief on ‘hold’ to advocate for emotional preparedness to be included in bushfire planning and
preparation. She has been pivotal in developing a ‘multi-sensory bus’ to help people understand the effect that high
arousal during the chaos of a fire will have on decision making.Carol has attended many meetings with Victorian
Government representatives and supported other community members recovering from the trauma of the bushfire.
Carol was also the lead litigant in the class action against the electricity distributor that caused the fire, securing $500
million for survivors – the largest class action settlement in Australian history. In the face of her own personal loss, she
displayed enormous courage to secure a better outcome for bushfire victims.
92019 South Australia Local Hero
Megan McLoughlin, 37 (Tanunda)
Advocate for organ donation
Megan McLoughlin is the founder of Herd of Hope, which promotes organ donation to schools and the wider
community. The charity sought partnership with the University of South Australia to capture the need for mental health
services for those regionally based affected by the cause. Serious medical complications left Megan legally blind.
Shortly after, she found herself with acute renal failure, she was given only weeks to live – until a transplant saved her
life. Megan is one of 64 women in the world to deliver two children post double transplant. This year, she has faced two
cancer diagnoses, yet continues to focus her energy on improving the lives of others. In 2018, Megan overcame
numerous setbacks to organise a cattle drive on Bondi Beach to launch the Herd of Hope – and planting a ‘tree of
hope’ as a tribute to families who have lost loved ones. Her passion and drive continue to inspire the donor community,
fostering much-needed conversations around organ donation.
2019 Tasmania Local Hero
Vicki Purnell, 62 (Devonport)
Volunteer
When the daughter of a friend gave birth to a stillborn child in 2013, Vicki Purnell found a unique and compassionate
way to help. Another friend had told her how, when her daughter had lost a tiny baby, the hospital simply did not have
the resources to present it to her in a compassionate way. With her talent for sewing, Vicki formed Bridie's Blossoms,
creating beautiful outfits for stillborn babies and keepsakes for parents. Since 2013, she has delivered more than 460
Bridie’s Blossoms packages to six Tasmanian hospitals and funeral homes. The garments are designed for ease of
dressing fragile little babies. Vicki’s service is unique in Tasmania; everything is handmade, with materials purchased
from her own pocket. Vicki has expanded into creating personalized memory quilt keepsake packages and until
recently worked with a local woodwork guild to fit-out and line hand-crafted wooden coffins. Vicki uses her skills to ease
the trauma for parents of stillborn babies and help farewell them with love and dignity.
2019 NSW Local Hero
Sophie Smith, 48 (Coogee)
Fundraiser and founder of Running for Premature Babies Foundation
After losing all three of their prematurely-born triplets within two months of birth, Sophie and husband Ash decided to
give back to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Sydney’s Royal Hospital for Women who had cared for their boys.
They began training for the 2007 SMH Half-Marathon with the goal of raising $20,000 providing the hospital with one
new humidicrib. With their team ‘Running for Premature Babies’, 98 runners, raised $80,000. Now, 3000 people have
run on their team, the largest in the SMH Half-Marathon, celebrating prematurely born children, living and lost, and
raising over $3 million for life-saving neonatal equipment and research, directly benefitting over 5000 premature
babies and their families. Tragically, Ash lost his battle with brain cancer in 2016, leaving Sophie to raise their two
young sons. Despite this heartbreak, she has grown the Foundation to support more Neonatal Intensive Care Units to
give premature babies a better chance of survival and written “Sophie’s Boys” donating the profits back to the
foundation.
2019 ACT Local Hero
David Williams, 60 (Kaleen)
Disability advocate
For people with an intellectual disability, it can be challenging to have their voices heard. But David Williams is helping
these people to speak up for themselves, instead of relying on others. David founded the Confident Speakers program
22 years ago, providing participants with the skills and tools they need to communicate their viewpoint and participate
in the broader community. The program combines a structured communication course with social engagement,
encouragement and mentoring. This approach, along with David’s persistence and care, has seen participants who
seemed non-verbal, grow in confidence, and deliver presentations to others and the community. Participants have also
prepared and delivered papers at international conferences, including the International Down Syndrome Congress and
the 2013 World Down Syndrome Day at the UN. David’s dedication to people with disabilities has included coordinating
five fundraising balls for the ACT Down Syndrome Association, assisting in the Annual Buddy Walk and delivering the
ACT’s Athlete Leadership Program for Special Olympics over 6 years.
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