The 18 finalists for the 2016 Queensland Australian of the Year Awards include an award winning journalist, philanthropist, diversity champion, drought relief supporter, mental health innovator, social entrepreneurs and an Indigenous health volunteer.
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The 2016 Queensland Award finalists are:
2016 QUEENSLAND AUSTRALIAN OF THE YEAR
- Peter Greste - Award winning journalist (Sherwood)
- Debbie Kilroy OAM - Human rights activist (Tingalpa)
- Catherine McGregor AM - Diversity champion (Toowoomba)
- Lucy Strickland - Humanitarian (Taringa)
2016 QUEENSLAND SENIOR AUSTRALIAN OF THE YEAR
- Nerida Egan - Drought relief supporter (Charleville)
- Tim Fairfax AC - Philanthropist (Hamilton)
- Philippa Harris - Mental health innovator (Kelso)
- Col Reynolds OAM - Cancer crusader (Belgian Gardens)
2016 QUEENSLAND YOUNG AUSTRALIAN OF THE YEAR
- Tasman Bain - Human rights champion (Toowong)
- Michael Baker - Indigenous health volunteer (Southport)
- Justice King - Suicide prevention advocate (Mt Isa)
- Nic Marchesi and Lucas Patchett - Social entrepreneurs (Herston and Westlake)
2016 QUEENSLAND LOCAL HERO
- Justine Christerson - Rural patient supporter (Parks Ridge)
- Noeline Clamp - Volunteer refugee supporter (Logan Central)
- Michael Ross - Land rights activist (Cooktown)
- Geoff and Vicki Toomby - Horsemanship trainers (Alice River)
The Queensland Australian of the Year, Senior Australian of the Year, Young Australian of the Year and Local Hero Award recipients will be announced on Friday 30 October 2015 at the State Library of Queensland, Brisbane. The Queensland Award recipients will then join recipients from all other States and Territories as finalists for the national Awards, which will be held in Canberra on 25 January 2016.
National Australia Day Council CEO, Jeremy Lasek, said the Queensland finalists are among more than 120 great Australians being recognised as State and Territory finalists in the Australian of the Year Awards.
"The Queensland finalists are an amazing group of Australians who are following their passions to make the world a better place – we can be very proud of all of them," Mr Lasek said.
The Commonwealth Bank has been a proud sponsor of the Australian of the Year Awards for more than 36 years.
“The Australian of the Year Awards recognise people in our community for their remarkable contributions and achievements. We believe it is important to say thank you to people who make a positive difference, and inspire others to do the same,” said Mr Ian Narev, Chief Executive Officer of the Commonwealth Bank.
For more information on the Australian of the Year Awards visit australianoftheyear.org.au