Australian of the Year
Each year our nation celebrates the inspiring achievements and contributions of remarkable Australians through the Australian of the Year Awards.
This prestigious awards program showcases leading Australians who serve as role models for us all. Through their talent, drive and passion, they challenge us to make our own contribution towards creating an even better Australia for our future.
The 2010 finalists are:
Queensland's Australian of the Year
- David Elliott - dinosaur fossil expert
- Professor Michael Good AO - immunity expert
- Dr James Morton - autism advocate
- Dr Chris Sarra - Indigenous educator
Queensland's Senior Australian of the Year
- Kev Carmody – singer/songwriter
- Ann Joan George - charity worker
- Albert Holt - Indigenous advocate
- Ron Rankin AM - surf lifesaving leader
Queensland's Young Australian of the Year
- Ray Chen - violin virtuoso
- Jean Madden - shelter designer
- Alissa Phillips - music therapist and social entrepreneur
- Jack Sinclair - charity cyclist
Australia’s Local Hero for Queensland
- Sister Kerry Gordon – Drama teacher (North Ward)
- Reverend Anne Harley - Dynamic pastor (Mount Louisa)
- Mayor Paul Pisasale – Dedicated Mayor (Ipswich)
- Surendra Prasad - Community volunteer (Wishart)
To view the finalists and their achievements, visit the Australian of the Year website (external site).
The Queensland recipients of the Australian of the Year Awards will be announced on 19 November 2009 in Brisbane. The recipients of each award will represent the State when the national winners are announced at Parliament House in Canberra ahead of the 2010 Australia Day celebrations.
