TARYN BRUMFITT – Australian of the Year
Brumfitt leads Adelaide-based organisation the Body Image Movement. She has directed documentaries and authored several books promoting body acceptance.
In her acceptance speech, Brumfitt called body shaming “a universal problem… We have been bullied and shamed into thinking our bodies are the problem… It is not our bodies that need to change, it is our perspective.”
PROFESSOR TOM CALMA – Senior Australian of the Year
Professor Calma is a Kungarakan Elder and a respected champion of the rights of First Nations people. He was a key figure in establishing the Close the Gap Campaign and has most recently co-authored a detailed model for a Voice to Parliament.
In his speech, he called the Voice an opportunity for “healing”, adding “policies are too often made for First Nations people, rather than with us”.
AWER MABIL – Young Australian of the Year
Mabil is a Socceroo and the co-founder of refugee support organisation Barefoot to Boots, which began donating football boots to refugee camps but now donates hospital equipment such as incubators. Mabil grew up in a refugee camp and arrived in Australia at age 10.
In his speech, he said he wanted to “give back… It fulfils my heart when I help people.”
AMAR SINGH – Local Hero
Singh founded the charity Turbans 4 Australia, which donates food and groceries to those in need and also promotes multiculturalism and religious tolerance. The charity has delivered supplies to victims of drought, floods, cyclones and lockdowns.
Singh said he had “fought to find his place in Australia… It’s my dream to see Australians from all faiths, religions and backgrounds treated equally.”