Minister Barr: 2018 ACT Australians of the Year
- Written by ACT Government
Released 06/11/2017
An entrepreneur and community leader, a prize winning biophysicist, a youth and outreach worker and a supporter and fundraiser for sick children have tonight been named the 2018 ACT Australians of the Year.
Every year the ACT Australian of the Year Awards celebrate the contribution of those Canberrans who go above and beyond and selflessly give their time for others.
Each of our Canberra recipients honoured this year has helped to make our city better and I am delighted to have had the opportunity to recognise their efforts.
The 2018 ACT Australian of the Year Award was presented to Mark ‘Dion’ Devow. When he chose a controversial name for his business, Dion wanted to reclaim a derogatory term and express pride in his Aboriginal culture and heritage. Darkies Design, which Dion started in 2010, produces contemporary Aboriginal-themed apparel and print media. Dion is also a champion for Indigenous people to build businesses and achieve economic independence. He established the Canberra Business Yarning Circle, an Indigenous business owner’s network, to help other Indigenous business owners achieve their dreams.
The 2018 ACT Senior Australian of the Year Award was presented to Dr Graham Farquhar AO. One of Australia's most eminent scientists, Graham is helping reshape our understanding of photosynthesis. He has received a string of accolades during his distinguished career for his research and in 2017 became the first Australian to win a Kyoto Prize - the most prestigious international award for fields not traditionally honoured with a Nobel Prize. From his long-term base at the Australian National University, Graham is tackling some of the most profound challenges facing humanity and the environment.
The 2018 ACT Young Australian of the Year Award was presented to Zack Bryers. He’s been a homeless teenager, a soldier in Afghanistan, a gridiron player for Australia, a Churchill Fellow, and now he is a youth worker on call 24/7. As YouthCare Canberra’s first full-time outreach worker, Zack uses compassion and consistency to help teens find temporary accommodation, attend court or hospital, overcome drug addictions or transform their lives after time in jail. Drawing on his own experiences, Zack is supporting and inspiring some of our community’s most disadvantaged and disengaged young people.
The 2018 ACT Local Hero was awarded to Suzanne Tunks. After her daughter was born with congenital heart disease, Suzanne learnt to appreciate how hard it is for many families in similar situations. She created the Stella Bella Little Stars Foundation and has raised more than $720,000 to provide support and financial assistance for families. The Little Stars Bead Program brightens the lives of seriously ill children by giving them a bead for medical procedures and milestones, which then become a symbol of their courage. In 2017, she opened the Stella Bella Children’s Centre, which offers much needed respite care.
Good luck to our Canberra recipients, who will now join recipients from all the other states and territories at the national awards on 25 January 2018.
All our nominees contribute to what makes Canberra such a great place to live, work and visit and I thank each of them for their contribution.
Nominees for the 2018 ACT Australian of the Year:
- Jennelle McAppion, Mums Exercise Group Australia founder
- Ruth Osborne, youth dance educator
- Paul Walshe OAM, charity board member and fundraiser
Nominees for the 2018 ACT Senior Australian of the Year:
- Narelle Hargreaves OAM, educator and advocate for children and young people
- Diane Kargas AM, community champion
- Jennifer Kemarre Martiniello, artist and Indigenous arts advocate
Nominees for the 2018 ACT Young Australian of the Year:
- Caitlin Figueiredo, youth advocate and change maker
- Joshua Gilbert, climate change champion
- Sian Keys, science communicator
Nominees for the 2018 ACT Local Hero:
- Genevieve Bolton OAM, community lawyer
- Sarah Mamalai, brain cancer research advocate and fundraiser
- Peter Munday, charity fundraiser
- Statement ends -
Section: Andrew Barr, MLA | Media Releases
