Congratulations to Sister Anne Gardiner, who has the honour of being named Senior Australian of the Year for her work promoting and preserving the culture of the Tiwi Islands. Now 85 years of age, Sister Anne first moved to Bathurst Island when she was 22, and has spent decades educating young Indigenous children and most recently, curating the Tiwi Museum.
Clearly moved when speaking at the awards cermony, Sister Anne said she “was most humbled” to receive the award, stating, “as persons, our identity is in who we are, not what we are.”
Why not watch this short video to find out more about her work?
Sister Anne Gardiner AM is the 19th Senior Australian of the year, with the award’s first recipient, Slim Dusty, being given the honour in 1999.
The first Australian of the Year, in 1960, was Sir McFarlane Burnet, who was also awarded a Nobel Prize for his work in the field of medicine. And following in his footsteps is Emeritus Professor Alan Mackay-Sim, who has been named 2017 Australian of the Year for his work in the field of stem cell research. His work has given people with spinal cord injuries hope and has helped them regain some of their dignity.
Find out more about our 2017 Australian of the Year.
Young Australian of the Year is Paul Vasileff, fashion designer and couturier, who is committed to manufacturing his designs in Australia. Paul was named South Australian Young Australian of the Year and has dressed stars in Australia and globally.
You can watch Paul’s story below:
And Australia’s Local Hero award goes to Vicki Jellie, who has worked tirelessly to raise funds to bring cancer services to South West Victoria. Vicki was inspired by her own journey following her husband Peter’s treatment for esophageal cancer, which he had to travel to Melbourne to receive. Sadly Peter died but the treatment centre that opened in July 2016 has treated 150 cancer patients so far.
Why not be inspred by Vicki’s story?
Well done to all winners – you’re an inspiration to everyone.
