C&G Congratulates: Australians of the Year 2016

Local Community

“Each year, the list of finalists offers insight into… the problems we seek to confront, the issues we want to highlight and the ideas we choose to pursue.” Such was the address of the Hon Malcolm Turnbull MP at the National Australia Day Council’s Australian of the Year Awards on January 25. The recognition and exposure awarded across four categories acknowledges citizens that inspire and challenge us to help contribute to a better Australia. C&G bring you their stories.


Australian of the Year: David Morrison AO

Lieutenant General David Morrison AO served as Chief of Army from June 2011 until his retirement in May 2015. Throughout his career (and following it), Morrison has been an outspoken advocate for equality and diversity. In 2014, he boldly stated that militaries that exclude women ‘do nothing to distinguish the soldier from the brute.’ Following a number of public addresses and a viral video urging non-accepting troops to ‘get out’, the number of women joining has grown by two percent and military culture has become more inclusive of racial, ethnic and sexual diversity. Morrison has lead a culture shift commencing within the armed forces, and culminating in a national conversation about equality.

.Young Australian of the Year: Nic Marchesi & Lucas Patchett

Best mates Nic and Lucas were acknowledged as a duo for their outstanding work as social entrepreneurs. In September 2014, they launched a mobile laundry service out of their old van, providing free clothes-washing for the homeless. Orange Sky Laundry now has five vans in across the nation, including Melbourne. Each week, they service over 36 locations, managing 350 loads between 270 volunteer staff. But it’s not just the generosity of providing a much needed service to Australians in need. Orange Sky brings people together, and gets them talking. ‘We can restore respect, raise health standards and be a catalyst for conversation,’ Lucas told the Sydney Morning Herald. ‘We have found a way to treat others how they want to be treated.’

Also awarded was Professor Gordian Fulde, Senior Australian of the Year, for his long career improving Australia’s emergency departments, and his contribution to public education against binge drinking, and its toll on our health services.  

Youth educator Dr Catherine Keenan was presented the award for Australia’s Local Hero, as a co-founder and executive director of the Sydney Story FactoryShe raises funds to facilitate educational opportunities for marginalized young Australians, from Indigenous and non-English speaking backgrounds. 

“Each year, the list of finalists offers insight into… the problems we seek to confront, the issues we want to highlight and the ideas we choose to pursue.” Such was the address of the Hon Malcolm Turnbull MP at the National Australia Day Council’s Australian of the Year Awards on January 25. The recognition and exposure awarded across four categories acknowledges citizens that inspire and challenge us to help contribute to a better Australia. C&G bring you their stories.
Australian of the Year: David Morrison AO
Lieutenant General David Morrison AO served as Chief of Army from June 2011 until his retirement in May 2015. Throughout his career (and following it), Morrison has been an outspoken advocate for equality and diversity. In 2014, he boldly stated that militaries that exclude women ‘do nothing to distinguish the soldier from the brute.’ Following a number of public addresses and a viral video urging non-accepting troops to ‘get out’, the number of women joining has grown by two percent and military culture has become more inclusive of racial, ethnic and sexual diversity. Morrison has lead a culture shift commencing within the armed forces, and culminating in a national conversation about equality