Australian citizens who inspire us

Jonty Bush - Young Australian of the Year 2009

Victim's support worker

In her short life Jonty Bush has experienced more tragedy than most of us ever will. When she was 21 her younger sister was murdered, and then just five months later her father was killed due to unprovoked attack. It is a tribute to her strength and courage that she not only managed to keep going but that she began to help others deal with their grief by becoming a volunteer with the Queensland Homicide Victim's Support Group. The compassion and understanding Jonty showed others brought her recognition and at just 27 she was appointed CEO of the organisation. In all that she does Jonty shows others how to cope with their day-to-day lives after a tragedy, and helps them build a future for themselves despite their loss.

Graeme Drew - Australia's Local Hero 2009

Sea rescuer and educator

With an award proudly sponsored by the Department, Graeme epitomises the great Australian tradition of working to make our local communities a better place.

A professional fisherman operating from the small town of Bremer Bay in Western Australia, Graeme Drew is the co-founder of the Bremer Bay SES and involved with the Sea Rescue. Graeme has campaigned for numerous causes and has searched for lost or disabled vessels, and retrieved the bodies of those drowned while fishing, donating his time and equipment long after official searches have been called off. In 2003, after Graeme’s nephew died tragically after falling into a dangerous rip that carried him out to sea, he established a trust in his memory. The trust has helped to educate others on ocean safety and purchase safety equipment that is hired out in bait shops. Graeme loves and respects the ocean and wants to ensure that the community is able to safely enjoy it.

Professor Michael Dodson – Australian of the Year 2009

Indigenous leader

Professor Michael Dodson is widely recognised as a proud, courageous and humble Aboriginal leader who has spent his adult life trying to explain to people why and how they can help his people. He has pursued justice and reconciliation and has served in a variety of challenging and highly sensitive roles at community level, with governments, the United Nations and in academia. In addition he has always actively mentored, nurtured and promoted young Aboriginal leaders, and encouraged respect between people of all cultures. He has described himself as a 'persistent bugger' and is uncompromising in arguing for justice and good sense. As Co-Chair of Reconciliation Australia, Mick's dream is to achieve reconciliation in this country, and a better future for his people. An outstanding Australian, Mick represents integrity, wisdom and compassion.

Pat LaManna OAM - Senior Australian of the Year 2009

Entrepreneur and philanthropist

Having come from a poor background himself, Pat LaManna readily relates to the misfortunes of others. He battled racism and economic adversity during the years after his arrival in Australia from Italy in 1948, but he persevered and became a successful entrepreneur. Pat has used these skills to give back to countless charities in Australia and the Third World. He founded the Lions Club of the Melbourne Markets in 1972 which has become the highest fund raising Lions Club in Australia, started the Hand-to-Hand Appeal for the Bionic Hands Department at Melbourne's Royal Children's Hospital, raising $198,000, and established the Pat LaManna Cancer and Research Stroke Foundation which has raised $1.5 million to date. These are but a few of the generous contributions Pat has made to the community, serving it with energy and devotion.