QUEENSLANDER SHINES AT AUSTRALIAN OF THE YEAR AWARDS

STRICTLY EMBARGOED UNTIL 7.30 PM (QLD TIME)

Thursday, January 25, 2007

Young Australian of the Year Tania Major is an inspirational leader and an excellent ambassador for the Smart State, Premier Peter Beattie said.

This is the second year in a row a Queenslander has received top honours in the Australian of the Year Awards, with Tania’s dedication to Indigenous youth advocacy now recognised nationally.

“Tania has shown great passion, integrity and strength and she is an outstanding role model for Indigenous youth and for all young Australians,” Mr Beattie said.

“Tania is making an important contribution to the community and it’s terrific to see her leadership and service recognised in this way.

“She is a great example of an outstanding Queenslander who is showing the country how to make a difference in the community and she is exemplary of the Smart State in action.

“I extend my warmest congratulations to Tania and thank her for proudly representing Queensland at the awards.”

Tania, who became the youngest person ever elected to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission (ATSIC) three years ago, said she was proud to be recognised for her work.

“Individuals can make a difference – if non-Indigenous and Indigenous young people come together to learn about each others’ cultures, to learn the real history of this country and acknowledge it, this will hopefully improve the way we all interact,” Ms Major said.

“As Young Australian of the Year, I want to encourage all Australians to be part of making a difference and giving all people a fair go – Indigenous people, people from all sorts of different backgrounds, people of all types, shapes and colors,” she said.

“We need to come together and better develop ourselves as responsible individuals and enhance and strengthen a truly Australian national identity, celebrated by all Australians.”

The Australian of the Year Awards 2007 were announced at a ceremony at Parliament House in Canberra on Thursday, January 25, 2007.

The awards celebrate the achievements and contributions of eminent Australians. They are offered in four categories: Australian of the Year, Senior Australian of the Year (60 years and over), Young Australian of the Year (16 to 25 years) and Australia’s Local Hero.

Queensland dominated the awards in 2006, taking out three of the four awards. Professor Ian Frazer was named Australian of the Year 2006 for his work in developing the world’s first vaccine to prevent and treat cervical cancer; Sally Goold OAM was named Senior Australian of the Year 2006 for her lifetime achievements in the nursing profession; and Toni Hoffman was named Australia’s Local Hero 2006 for her efforts towards advocating patient safety at Bundaberg Hospital.

Visit www.australianoftheyear.gov.au for more information on the awards.

Queensland finalists in the Australian of the Year Awards 2007:

Queensland Australian of the Year 2007 - David Conry
David Conry, of Ashgrove, was awarded the Queensland Australian of the Year 2007 award in recognition of his work with the YoungCare Foundation and efforts towards building Queensland’s first care facility for young people with disabilities.

Queensland Senior Australian of the Year 2007 - Dr Clem Jones AO
Dr Clem Jones AO, of Camp Hill, was awarded the Queensland Senior Australian of the Year 2007 award for his contribution to the city of Brisbane. Since his term as Lord Mayor of Brisbane from 1961 to 1975, Clem has continued to contribute to the community through his involvement in a number of civic, sporting, and professional bodies.

Queensland Young Australian of the Year 2007 - Tania Major
Tania Major, of Cairns, was awarded the Queensland Young Australian of the Year 2007 award for her role as an Indigenous youth advocate. As the youngest person ever elected to the former Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission (ATSIC), Tania has played an active role in raising awareness about important Indigenous issues.

Queensland Local Hero 2007 (Metropolitan) - Ross Sharman
Ross Sharman, of Beachmere, was awarded the Queensland Local Hero 2007 – Metropolitan award for his lifelong dedication to animals through his work as a volunteer wildlife officer. For over 20 years, Ross has rescued, cared for, raised and relocated wildlife back into their natural environment.

Queensland Local Hero 2007 (Regional) - Carole Caswell
Carole Caswell, of Jimboomba, was awarded the Queensland Local Hero 2007 – Regional award for her work as a respite care founder. As the driving force behind Rural Lifestyle Options, Carole has helped to integrate people with disabilities into the Beaudesert community.


Media Contact: Premier’s Office 3224 4500