Dylan Alcott OAM is not a Queenslander, but I was extremely proud to see a man of this calibre win Australian of the Year. He is one exceptional human being and his attitude to life is truly inspirational. Dylan’s acceptance speech was as amazing as he is, if you didn’t see it, I highly recommend watching it by clicking here. I am sure that we will see him work hard to honour the title he’s been awarded and continue to work hard in his purpose ‘to change perceptions so people with disability live the lives that they deserve to live’. Go Dylan!
A big congratulations also goes to the local Sunshine Coast recipients of this year’s Australia Day Awards:
- Kaylee McKeown OAM for service to sport as a gold medallist at the Tokyo Olympic Games 2020.
- Debra Knight OAM for service to community through charitable organisations.
- Robert Reid AM for significant service to international criminal investigations.
- Peter Ellis OAM for service to medicine as a forensic pathologist.
- Margaret Thorsborne OAM for service to education
- Susan Davis OAM for service to education
- James McClelland OAM for services to lifesaving
- Benjamin Hance OAM for service to sport as a gold medallist at the Tokyo Paralympic Games.
- Caroline Hutchinson OAM for service to the radio broadcast media.
On a side note, not Australian of the Year, but does deserve a mention is Ash Barty breaking the 44-year title drought to claim first Australian Open with a win over Danielle Collins on the weekend – I do love tennis and Ash is the best!
