This article is from the source 'guardian' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jan/25/adam-goodes-wins-australian-year
The article has changed 4 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Version 1 | Version 2 |
---|---|
AFL legend Adam Goodes wins Australian of the Year | AFL legend Adam Goodes wins Australian of the Year |
(7 months later) | |
Indigenous campaigner and Sydney Swans AFL star Adam Goodes has been named the 2014 Australian of the Year. | Indigenous campaigner and Sydney Swans AFL star Adam Goodes has been named the 2014 Australian of the Year. |
Goodes was presented the award by prime minister Tony Abbott on Saturday night at Parliament House in Canberra in recognition of his leadership and dedication to the Indigenous community. | |
As well as being a decorated AFL player, winning two Brownlow Medals and two premierships, 34-year-old Goodes has been actively involved in Indigenous sporting and community programs, and has championed the fight against racism both on and off the sporting field. | |
“Growing up as an Indigenous Australian i have seen and experienced my fair share of racism,” Goodes said in his acceptance speech. | |
"It’s shaped my values and what I believe in today. Racism is a community issue that we all need to address.” | "It’s shaped my values and what I believe in today. Racism is a community issue that we all need to address.” |
He said it was important for Australians to not only take responsibility for their own actions but their broader community. | He said it was important for Australians to not only take responsibility for their own actions but their broader community. |
"It is not just about taking responsibility for your own actions but speaking to your mates when they take out their anger on loved ones or minority groups or make racist remarks." | |
Goodes has made a significant contribution to outreach programs for young people, and has spent time working with troubled Indigenous youths. | |
He and his cousin Michael O’Loughlin set up the Go Foundation which helps young Indigenous people to seek a brighter future in education, employment and health. | |
Fred Chaney AO was named Senior Australian of the Year for his dedication to advocating for Indigenous rights and reconciliation. | |
As deputy president of the National Native Title Tribunal he played a major role in the recognition of native title interests in Australia, and has a long commitment to social justice and advancing indigenous causes. | |
Chaney told the crowds gathered in Canberra that he wanted to share his award with all the people in the community who have worked towards advancing Indigenous rights. | |
"The politicians are behind this across party lines...we've got a situation where the largest number of Australians are joining in the reconciliation movement." | |
"We have to do that with them, and not to them. We have to work in partnership with aboriginal people to achieve reconciliation." | |
The Young Australian of 2014 is 21 year old Jacqueline Freney, a paralympic swimmer who won an impressive eight gold medals at the London 2012 Paralympic games, the most of any Paralympian in a single games. | |
Born with cerebral palsy, Freney has demonstrated exceptional courage and spirit, and has also become involved in the broader community, working as a motivation speaker for Swimming Australia. | |
"This is a significant day not only for me but for the paralympian community," Freney said. | "This is a significant day not only for me but for the paralympian community," Freney said. |
"Knowing that Australia was behind me gave me real confidence to succeed." | "Knowing that Australia was behind me gave me real confidence to succeed." |
"I truly hope that through my sporting achieve I can inspire other young aussies to achieve their dreams." | "I truly hope that through my sporting achieve I can inspire other young aussies to achieve their dreams." |
Tim Conolan has been named Australia’s Local hero of 2014 for his charity work with TLC for Kids. Conolan founded the charity in 1998, which helps provide support for seriously ill children and their families. | |
“To be nominated with the other finalists is one of the proudest moments of my life,“ said Conolan. | “To be nominated with the other finalists is one of the proudest moments of my life,“ said Conolan. |
The chair of the National Australia Day Council, Adam Gilchrist, offered his congratulations to all of the finalists. | The chair of the National Australia Day Council, Adam Gilchrist, offered his congratulations to all of the finalists. |
"The finalists are an extraordinary group of Australians who represent theirs tates and territory with distinction and who show us all what is possible in our country," said the former Test cricketer. | |
"In Adam, Fred, Jacqueline and Tim we have fellow Australians who live their values every day, who have achieved great success and also use their success to help others and make a difference.” | |
"They inspire us to be better Australians and their contributions make Australia a better place to live." | "They inspire us to be better Australians and their contributions make Australia a better place to live." |
Fred Chaney AO was named Senior Australian of the Year for his dedication to advocating for Indigenous rights and reconciliation. | |
The Young Australian of 2014 is 21 year old Jacqueline Freney, a paralympic swimmer who won an impressive eight gold medals at the London 2012 Paralympic games, the most of any Paralympian in a single games. | |
Tim Conolan has been named Australia’s Local hero of 2014 for his charity work with TLC for Kids. Conolan founded the charity in 1998, which helps provide support for seriously ill children and their families. | |
"In Adam, Fred, Jacqueline and Tim we have fellow Australians who live their values every day, who have achieved great success and also use their success to help others and make a difference.” | |
"They inspire us to be better Australians and their contributions make Australia a better place to live." | "They inspire us to be better Australians and their contributions make Australia a better place to live." |