6 years ago
AUSTRALIAN OF THE YEAR
BILL SHORTEN MP
I’m delighted to extend my congratulations to the outstanding winners of the 2019 Australian of the Year awards.
As ever, the magnificent achievements and the remarkable service of the winners, and indeed all the nominees, are a source of pride and inspiration to Australians everywhere.
Congratulations to the 2019 Australians of the Year, Dr Craig Challen SC OAM and Dr Richard Harris SC OAM, two great mates who made international headlines for their selfless bravery in the famous Chiang Rai cave rescue.
In difficult and dangerous circumstances, with the eyes of the world upon them, both Craig and Richard played vital roles in an inspiring story of international co-operation and triumph over adversity.
These two Australians demonstrated extraordinary calm under unimaginable pressure and yet on a wave of richly-deserved adulation and gratitude have been nothing but humble and self-effacing. They are truly worthy winners of this great honour.
All of us are in awe of the courage and resilience of Australia’s Local Heroes for 2019, Kate and Tick Everett.
These two parents have channelled the most devastating, cruel and personal tragedy, the loss of their beloved daughter, Amy ‘Dolly’ Everett, into a national call for action against the scourge of bullying. I have no doubt that Dolly’s Dream will profoundly change – and save – young lives.
Congratulations to the 2019 Senior Australian of the Year, Dr Suzanne Packer AM.
Sue has dedicated her working life to championing the welfare of children. She is a powerful advocate for early education, for places for kids to learn and play in hospital and, for decades, has strived to prevent child abuse and treat those who have suffered from it.
Congratulations to the 2019 Young Australian of the Year, Danzal Baker.
Danzal is a rising star whose talents have already won the hearts of Australian music lovers and his success has brought the Yolgnu Matha language to a new national audience
Danzal’s brilliance as a performer is matched by his passion as a leader and role-model, encouraging and inspiring his peers.
The exceptional people we honour with these awards represent our nation’s highest ideals and our most deeply-held values. All of us are proud to salute their achievements and their example.
Finally, I want to thank the National Australia Day Council and their Chair Danielle Roche OAM for the work they have done to ensure we have this opportunity to celebrate the best of our nation.
As ever, the magnificent achievements and the remarkable service of the winners, and indeed all the nominees, are a source of pride and inspiration to Australians everywhere.
Congratulations to the 2019 Australians of the Year, Dr Craig Challen SC OAM and Dr Richard Harris SC OAM, two great mates who made international headlines for their selfless bravery in the famous Chiang Rai cave rescue.
In difficult and dangerous circumstances, with the eyes of the world upon them, both Craig and Richard played vital roles in an inspiring story of international co-operation and triumph over adversity.
These two Australians demonstrated extraordinary calm under unimaginable pressure and yet on a wave of richly-deserved adulation and gratitude have been nothing but humble and self-effacing. They are truly worthy winners of this great honour.
All of us are in awe of the courage and resilience of Australia’s Local Heroes for 2019, Kate and Tick Everett.
These two parents have channelled the most devastating, cruel and personal tragedy, the loss of their beloved daughter, Amy ‘Dolly’ Everett, into a national call for action against the scourge of bullying. I have no doubt that Dolly’s Dream will profoundly change – and save – young lives.
Congratulations to the 2019 Senior Australian of the Year, Dr Suzanne Packer AM.
Sue has dedicated her working life to championing the welfare of children. She is a powerful advocate for early education, for places for kids to learn and play in hospital and, for decades, has strived to prevent child abuse and treat those who have suffered from it.
Congratulations to the 2019 Young Australian of the Year, Danzal Baker.
Danzal is a rising star whose talents have already won the hearts of Australian music lovers and his success has brought the Yolgnu Matha language to a new national audience
Danzal’s brilliance as a performer is matched by his passion as a leader and role-model, encouraging and inspiring his peers.
The exceptional people we honour with these awards represent our nation’s highest ideals and our most deeply-held values. All of us are proud to salute their achievements and their example.
Finally, I want to thank the National Australia Day Council and their Chair Danielle Roche OAM for the work they have done to ensure we have this opportunity to celebrate the best of our nation.