Last night the ACT Australians of the Year were announced at the National Museum. The winningest Canberrans in 2009 were:
- The ACT Australian of the Year 2008 is Indigenous leader Professor Michael Dodson AM.
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. - The ACT Senior Australian of the Year 2008 is Anglican Priest Reverend Associate Professor Elizabeth MacKinlay AM.
Reverend Elizabeth MacKinlay works tirelessly and selflessly in her many community roles, promoting greater understanding of the issues facing older people, in particular their spiritual and emotional needs. - The ACT Young Australian of the Year 2008 is science fiction author Jack Heath.
Jack Heath wrote his first novel when he was just 13 years old and by 18 he had a publishing contract. - The ACT Local Hero of the Year 2008 is Sports Commentator Tim Gavel.
Tim Gavel is highly regarded in his role as a sports journalist for Canberra’s ABC Radio Grandstand program.
The citation for Tim Gavel neglected to mention the most moronic use of google search result numbers as a useful factoid (What is this Tim? High School in 1996?), the most shrill support of the party line being pushed by major sporting clubs, and the lamest anecdotes from yesteryear drifting off into the distance in search of a punchline.
All of which he really deserves to be recognised for by everyone who suffers him in the morning on ABC Radio.