HOME > BLOG 21 JAN 2020 By Latika Mani, The Fred Hollows Foundation
The Australian of the Year award recognises inspirational Australians each year for their incredible contribution to society, whether it is through their charitable work, show of leadership, advocacy or social work. It could also be for their groundbreaking work in the fields of medicine, science, engineering and technology or for their achievement in academics, arts or sports. They are eminent Australians from all walks of life who will inspire you to pursue your passion. When the world feels like a scary place, when all the news is bad news, and when unprecedented events cause widespread loss and destruction, feelings of helplessness and anxiety are unavoidable. But during trying times, everyday heroes emerge who step up to the plate as a beacon of hope in an otherwise dismal situation. These unsung heroes give us all strength with their steadfast leadership, offering not just words of comfort but performing difficult tasks with kindness. During the Australian Bushfire Crisis, we have seen incredible leadership and bravery from our first responders, especially the volunteer firefighters who have put themselves on the frontline, battling the blaze to protect us, our homes and properties, and the Australian Wildlife. The NSW Rural Fire Service Commissioner, Shane Fitzsimmons, is in charge of handling this catastrophic emergency by coordinating thousands of volunteer firefighters who have spent months fighting the flames. The majority of them have taken unpaid leave from their day jobs, missed out on quality time with their families, and forgone their holidays during Christmas and New Years. Shane Fitzsimmons has garnered the respect of all Australians for his strong leadership. He has been calm, clear-headed and compassionate during this devastating disaster, reassuring the public, and offering support to his team and their loved ones, especially the families of the fallen firefighters who lost their lives while defending ours. The bravery of these men and women has resonated with us all and in the eyes of the entire nation, they truly are Australians of the Year. Even though nominations closed months ago and the finalists – all worthy – have been announced, no one will argue that every single volunteer firefighter is more than deserving of the moniker. They have gone above and beyond for their fellow Australian. During these troubled times when we’re all looking for assurance and guidance, we want to turn your attention towards 10 inspiring Australian of the Year recipients from years gone by. Their stories will uplift your spirits and motivate you to follow your passion, take action, and be the change you wish to see in the world.
*COVER PHOTO: Colin Murty (1990)
Click on the link below to go directly to the Australian of the Year you’re most interested in:
Major General Alan Stretton AO CBE was the commander of the cyclone Tracy relief operation. Cyclone Tracy ravaged Darwin on Christmas day in 1974, causing widespread destruction to property and taking the lives of 71 people. Stretton managed the relief effort, evacuating 36,000 people and leading the restoration of essential services. When named Australian of the Year Stretton responded by saying: “There should be 45,000 awards so that one could be awarded to each of the people of Darwin.”
Galarrwuy Yunupingu AM is an Aboriginal leader and land rights advocate. He is a Gamatj man of the Yolngu people. Yunupingu helped his father draft the Bark Petition at Yirrkala in 1963, and gained nationwide recognition as the court interpreter for the landmark Gove Land Rights Case, even though it was unsuccessful. This was the first legal battle led by Indigenous Australians to challenge the exploitation of traditional lands by mining companies. He was elected chairman of the Northern Land Council in 1977 and played a key role in negotiations surrounding the Ranger Uranium Mine to ensure that Aboriginal people were fairly compensated for the use of their land and that the land was used respectfully. Even to this day, Yunupingu is advocating for the land rights of traditional owners.
Lowitja O’Donoghue is an Indigenous leader who was born in 1932 in South Australia. She was removed from her mother when she was only 2-years-old and raised at the Colebrook Children’s Home. She didn’t see her mother for over 30 years after that. After completing high school, O’Donoghue fought hard to gain admission at the Royal Adelaide Hospital to train as a nurse, becoming the first black nurse in South Australia. She worked as a nurse and welfare officer in remote Aboriginal communities where she built a strong reputation as an Indigenous rights advocate. Later on, she was appointed the senior liaison officer for the Department of Aboriginal Affairs, and has chaired several boards, conferences and commissions related to the rights and welfare of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People. As well as being awarded the Australian of the Year, O’Donoghue has several accolades under her belt, including being named an Australian Living Treasure.
The Fred Hollows Foundation now works in more than 25 countries and has restored sight to over two and a half million people worldwide. This couldn’t have been achieved without the overwhelming support of the Australian public. We’re as determined now as ever to end avoidable blindness. Help keep Fred's vision alive by donating today.
Latika is a digital content writer for The Fred Hollows Foundation with over 15 years of professional writing and message amplification experience. Latika shares Fred’s view that “having a care and concern for others is the highest of human qualities” – and is committed to sharing ideas and information that connects readers with their social conscience.
Discover more Australian of the Year recipients who want to help keep Fred's vision alive and check out our YouTube channel for more.
