Do you know who our local nominees for Australia of the Year are? The nominees are across a number of categories that cover achievements for all age groups.
While the Australian of the Year typically receives the most attention, it’s worth noting the hard work all of this year’s winners have put into the community to make Canberra … and Australia… a better place.
The exciting part is that any of these winners could go on to win the national award when the big announcement comes from Australia Celebrates Live at Parliament House on Sunday night. In anticipation, we grabbed a few words from (most!) of this year’s winners to see what they love about Australia and Australia Day.
ACT Australian of the Year
Glenn Keys
Business and philanthropic leader
On Australia Day… I‘ll be in Canberra at a number of different Australia Day events starting with the Australia Day Breakfast in Commonwealth Park, where I will be cooking breakfast with a number of the other ACT Australia of the Year category winners. I will then be attending the Citizenship Ceremony and I am looking forward to greeting these lucky people when they become Australian.
After spending some time with my family who are travelling to Canberra for the Australia Day Celebrations, I will attend the Fireworks with my wife, Mel, to finish what should be a great celebration of Australia and being an Australian.
I am always impressed by… Australians who selflessly work to help others. Katherine Hamblin is one, who has worked in Ethiopia helping women who have a debilitating condition caused after an obstructed labour. They become ostracised from their community and their lives can be destroyed.
She and her husband Reg have worked in Africa treating over 40,000 women, more than 90% of them cured. She is a great example of an Australian providing service to others.
Australia Day food I love includes… a range of food that evokes Australian images and feelings, like lamingtons, damper and ANZAC Biscuits.
ACT Senior Australian of the Year
Dr Sandra Mahlberg
On Australia Day… my son Tim and I will be helping at the BBQ in the park to start the day.
We will also be present for the Australian Flag raising event followed by an Australian Citizenship Ceremony where one of my fellow nurses and her family will become new Australians an exciting and proud time for them. We will also be attending the evening Fireworks VIP function.
I truly admire… Katy Gallagher. As Chief Minister showed compassion supporting my ACT ROMAC (Rotary Oceania Medical Aid for Children) children from developing countries that need medical and surgical treatment…children who would have died or who are suffering!
Katy offered to help with the hospital and surgical expenses of up to four children a year. It would be wonderful to have this same generosity from all other States and Territories in Australia!
Australia Day food I love includes… Pavlova. Although it is no good for my diet I hope to see it at the Australia Day party. Steak cooked on the BBQ with hot potato and salad would also be my choice. Making me feel hungry already!
ACT Young Australian of the Year
Patrick Mills
Oh, Patrick! Where are you? Probable doing something really fun. Despite not hearing back from Patty, it’s worth noting his amazing 2014. Patrick not only played a star role in San Antonio Spurs’ Championship-winning performance, he’s furiously proud of his indigenous heritage, which originates in Thursday Island at the very tip of Queensland. Currently, he is working on a documentary that showcases the heritage and culture of his people.
Local Hero
Damian De Marco
On Australia Day… I am an Ambassador at Commonwealth Park – unless I win the Local Hero Award… then I’m not sure where I’ll be!
I truly admire… Hetty Johnson. Hetty is an incredible Australian who turned adversity when her daughter was sexually assaulted into a lifelong quest to prevent child sexual assaults. She has helped thousands of Australians immensely and is in the finals for the 2015 Australian of the Year.
Australia Day food I love includes… Pavlova. It’s quintessentially Australian, and you cannot help but smile when you see a pavlova covered in delicious fruit. It is one of those dishes that can be made with the simplest of ingredients in the remotest locations of Australia.
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Best of luck to everyone on Sunday night!
For more on what to do this Long Weekend, check out our handy Australia Day Guide!
