There are Australians who have played a critical role in safeguarding the nation from some of the biggest threats faced by the world today, from bushfires to climate change to the COVID-19 pandemic.
This Australia Day, 1,040 people are receiving the country's highest honours, including appointments to the Order of Australia, meritorious awards and distinguished and conspicuous awards. After becoming the Senior Australian of the Year in 2010, Beer said it was a "natural progression" for her to help improve aged care residents' quality of life through food.
When it seemed the entire country was ablaze during the devastating 2019-2020 bushfires, Australians were reassured by the calm and steady leadership of then-NSW fire commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons. "And I pay tribute very much to all those who fought the fight and all those who suffered so much damage and destruction, loss and tragedy … and they will always be on my mind.
But the CEO and mother said it would have been impossible to achieve what she had without the support of her colleagues and the community."It is the holistic approach as I mentioned, and that involves all different stakeholders, that they are willing to work with us to achieve this outcome.""All my life, I believed I was just trying to put my head down and try to make sure the disadvantaged are assisted," she said.
She admitted she did not really know what the Australia Day honours involved at first, but said it was "exciting" to cap off a big year. As Australia's chief scientist from 2016 to 2020, Dr Finkel was handed a crucial task when the pandemic hit: ensuring the country had enough ICU ventilators. "But I am a geek, I enjoy...being able to look at the application of low-emissions technology for a greater good, which is to reduce emissions and therefore global warming and therefore reduce the ravages of climate change, which is very satisfying," he said.Vicki O'Donnell was recognised for her service to the Indigenous community of Western Australia.
"I think we have to [advocate] because if we are fragmented they pick us off, and I think if we are united — and the Kimberley and our member services are pretty united — when we speak, we speak with one voice," she said.
Australia Day honours for a culinary expert? Now that's a big contribution to the future of Australia The Honours list is a joke and an embarrassment to the people out there who are doing real stuff
Culinary icon, climate scientist and former fire commissioner on Australia Day honours list... But this headline DOESN'T mention the Indigenous bloke... I can't qwhite put my finger on the problem with it...!!?
Affirmative action always produces terrible results
Well done peeps!!!