Published Friday, 25 January, 2008 at 06:07 PM
Premier
The Honourable Anna Bligh
Our Lee Kernaghan a worthy Australian of the Year: Bligh
Premier Anna Bligh this evening joined a chorus across the nation congratulating Queensland’s Lee Kernaghan as 2008 Australian of the Year.
“Lee’s someone who cares. Behind the trademark black hat and warm smile is a bloke who exemplifies the spirit and values of the Bush.
“He might have made his name as the Boy from the Bush, but he’s now formally recognised as a great Aussie with heart,” said Ms Bligh from Winton.
“Lee’s inspiring efforts with the ‘Pass the Hat Around’ tours - which have raised more than a million dollars for drought-stricken rural communities in need - show just what a caring, kind person he is,” said Ms Bligh from Winton..
“He’s a most worthy winner,” she said.
He now follows in the footsteps of some truly great Queenslanders who have been honoured as Australian of the Year - among them; Prof Ian Frazer, Pat Rafter, Cathy Freeman, Prof Peter Doherty and Senator Neville Bonner.
He is also the fifth musician to win the accolade. He follows great musical artists; Dame Joan Sutherland (1961); conductor Sir Bernard Heinze (1974); The Seekers (1967) and John Farnham (1987).
Media contact: Premier’s Office 3224 4500
“Lee’s someone who cares. Behind the trademark black hat and warm smile is a bloke who exemplifies the spirit and values of the Bush.
“He might have made his name as the Boy from the Bush, but he’s now formally recognised as a great Aussie with heart,” said Ms Bligh from Winton.
“Lee’s inspiring efforts with the ‘Pass the Hat Around’ tours - which have raised more than a million dollars for drought-stricken rural communities in need - show just what a caring, kind person he is,” said Ms Bligh from Winton..
“He’s a most worthy winner,” she said.
He now follows in the footsteps of some truly great Queenslanders who have been honoured as Australian of the Year - among them; Prof Ian Frazer, Pat Rafter, Cathy Freeman, Prof Peter Doherty and Senator Neville Bonner.
He is also the fifth musician to win the accolade. He follows great musical artists; Dame Joan Sutherland (1961); conductor Sir Bernard Heinze (1974); The Seekers (1967) and John Farnham (1987).
Media contact: Premier’s Office 3224 4500