MEDIA RELEASE
EMBARGOED UNTIL 12:01AM AEST FRIDAY 16 OCTOBER 2015
FINALISTS ANNOUNCED FOR 2016 TASMANIAN
AUSTRALIAN OF THE YEAR AWARDS
The finalists for the 2016 Tasmanian Australian of the Year Awards include an Antarctic scientist, arts champion,
peace advocate, disability support worker, neuroscientists, youth ambassador and community volunteers.
The 2016 Tasmanian Award finalists are:
2016 TASMANIAN AUSTRALIAN OF THE YEAR
Annette Downs - Arts champion (Howrah)
Dr Nick Gales - Antarctic scientist (North Bruny)
Jane Hutchinson - Conservationist (Hobart)
John Xintavelonis - Actor and charity supporter (Bellerive)
2016 TASMANIAN SENIOR AUSTRALIAN OF THE YEAR
Professor Ian Allison AO AAM - Glaciologist (Dynnyrne)
Bill (Gabriel) Casimaty - Agriculturalist and community leader (Richmond)
Jean Hearn - Peace advocate (Launceston)
Beryl Smith - Community volunteer (Alonnah)
2016 TASMANIAN YOUNG AUSTRALIAN OF THE YEAR
Meg Cooper - Disability support worker (Sandy Bay)
Dr Lila Landowski - Neuroscientist and educator (North Hobart)
Zac Lockhart - Mental health advocate (Launceston)
Bianca Welsh - Youth ambassador (Launceston)
2016 TASMANIAN LOCAL HERO
Raymond Arnold - Artist and entrepreneur (Queenstown)
Ann Harrison - Community coordinator (Risdon Vale)
Ross Jones - Community champion (Longford)
Sonya Williams - Volunteer (Gagebrook)
The Tasmanian Australian of the Year, Senior Australian of the Year, Young Australian of the Year and Local Hero
Award recipients will be announced on Friday 6 November at the Henry Jones Art Hotel, Hobart. The Tasmanian
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, Mr Jeremy Lasek, said the Tasmanian finalists are among more than 120 great
Australians being recognised as State and Territory finalists in the Australian of the Year Awards.
"The Tasmanian finalists work in a wide variety of disciplines from the arts to science to community service but they
are all inspirational Australians following their passions to make Australia a better place," said Mr Lasek.
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
ENDS
Finalist bios attached with this media release or can be viewed from australianoftheyear.org.au
Media contacts: Zannie Abbott 0418 274 291 or Nicole Browne 0414 673 762
1/5
BIOGRAPHIES
TASMANIAN - FINALISTS - AUSTRALIAN OF THE YEAR
Annette Downs - Arts champion (Howrah)
Originally trained as a ballet dancer, Annette Downs has worked as a university lecturer, performer, artistic director,
general manager and producer. As the driving force behind Tasmania Performs, Annette has helped create the
‘go to’ organisation for the state’s performing arts; showcasing rising stars and established talent,
commissioning new works, supporting independent producers and touring productions around Tasmania and
beyond. As the Artistic Director of Terrapin Puppet Theatre for nearly a decade, Annette built a thriving organisation
with an enviable international touring schedule. A freelance director, Annette’s most recent work includes Grounded
for Blue Cow Theatre. Annette has also served on many boards – from Tasdance to the Australian Script Centre and
Australia Council's Theatre Board. She was the first female Chair of the Salamanca Arts Centre and one of the first
women appointed to the Tasmanian State Development Board. With a passion for performers, Annette continues to
devote her life to bringing Tasmania’s unique talent into the spotlight.
Dr Nick Gales - Antarctic scientist (North Bruny)
From tagging whales at the bow of a dinghy to giving evidence in Australia's winning International Court of Justice
case against Japan over whaling, Dr Nick Gales has enjoyed an extraordinary career. As Chief Scientist and
Director of the Australian Antarctic Division, Nick leads Australia's Antarctic scientific and operational programs, and
is the nation’s main polar representative. A veterinarian and marine mammal biologist, Nick joined the Antarctic
Division in 2001, assessing the controversial hot-iron branding of elephant seals on Macquarie Island. His report
contributed to the program's cancellation. He was instrumental in establishing the Australian Marine Mammal Centre,
has published over 125 peer reviewed journal articles and book chapters, co-authored two books and mentors many
young scientists. His positive, inclusive and entrepreneurial style has inspired highly collaborative scientific output
and influenced marine conservation policy. Nick is now focused on communicating to Australians the vital
importance of Antarctica, especially as a driver of the global climate system.
Jane Hutchinson - Conservationist (Hobart)
A committed conservationist, Jane Hutchinson was one of a handful of volunteers who started the Tasmanian Land
Conservancy (TLC) in 2001. Since then, TLC has grown from a $50 bank account to a $30 million organisation
which protects 65,000 hectares of habitat for threatened flora and fauna. Jane has steered TLC from a humble notfor-profit to a highly-regarded organisation acknowledged for its important and innovative conservation work.
Jane has devoted countless hours to her cause. While practicing law, Jane helped establish TLC’s constitutional and
financial frameworks in her spare time. She sat on the TLC Board for five years, including three years as President,
before stepping into the role of Chief Executive Officer in 2011. Jane’s persistence has paid off and she now leads
science-driven conservation projects which safeguard the habitat of threatened species, including the Tasmanian
devil, wedge-tailed eagle and Clarence Galaxias native fish. Under Jane’s watchful eye, TLC now protects more
than two per cent of Tasmania’s private land.
John Xintavelonis - Actor and charity supporter (Bellerive)
A much-loved household name in Tasmania, John Xintavelonis has enjoyed a dynamic career in TV, radio, film,
theatre and musicals. For more than two decades John X, as he is fondly known, has delivered unforgettable
performances in stage roles as diverse as Mr Braithwaite in Billy Elliot to Stewpot in Opera Australia’s South Pacific.
He travelled for two years with The Boy from Oz, and was nominated for a prestigious Mo Award for his role as
Pumbaa the warthog in The Lion King. John’s television credits include Winners and Losers and City Homicide.
When he’s not treading the boards, John devotes countless hours to charity causes, from lighting up Hobart's
Parliament House in recognition of World Autism Awareness Day to washing windows to raise money for cancer
research. A co-founder of Hobart’s independent Blue Cow Theatre, John is also an Australia Day Ambassador and
is a passionate performer who inspires and encourages children and young people to express themselves.
.
2/5
TASMANIAN - FINALISTS - SENIOR AUSTRALIAN OF THE YEAR
Professor Ian Allison AO AAM, 70 - Glaciologist (Dynnyrne)
A pioneer of Australia's glaciological research program since the 1960s, Professor Ian Allison is acclaimed
internationally as a glaciologist, making a significant contribution to climate science. An outstanding contributor to the
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Assessment Reports on Climate Change, Ian has worked
tirelessly to synthesise global research results. He spent many years with the Australian Antarctic Division, ultimately
leading the Ice, Oceans, Atmosphere and Climate program. As co-chair of the International Polar Year in 2007-08,
Ian drove a coordinated, intense period of observational research activity in the Polar Regions. Ian’s enduring
contribution to Antarctic affairs and the Antarctic community has been recognised with awards and accolades, such
as the naming of Allison Glacier on Heard Island. Ian’s legacy also includes the work of the many PhD students he
has supervised who have, themselves, made significant contributions to science. Ian’s community-mindedness and
willingness to push ahead with fresh ideas has helped Australia build an internationally-respected scientific
community.
Bill (Gabriel) Casimaty, 80 - Agriculturalist and community leader (Richmond)
His name is associated with the Davis Cup, Melbourne Cricket Ground and Hong Kong racetracks, but Bill Casimaty
is no sports fanatic. Instead, he’s a Tasmanian farmer who has developed natural sports turf technology
internationally. Bill graduated from Dookie Agricultural College and, after receiving a Nuffield scholarship to study
farming overseas, set up turf farming at the family property in Tasmania’s Richmond. Since then, Bill’s family has
built a thriving business based on science and research. A member of the University of Tasmania’s Council for
almost a decade, Bill furthered the application of scientific principles within agriculture. Bill has been a Rotary Club
President, chairman of several agricultural committees and advisory groups, and was the founder of Tasmania’s first
local fire brigade to have a tanker truck. He has represented the Tasmania poppy industry at an international level,
spearheaded irrigation which has spread throughout the state and founded a vineyard which has won international
acclaim.
Jean Hearn, 94 - Peace advocate (Launceston)
Following the tragic death of her husband in World War II, Jean Hearn has spent her life creating awareness of the
damage wrought by conflict. A former trade unionist, librarian, marriage celebrant and mother of four children, the
power of goodwill propelled Jean into politics and she served in the Australian Senate from 1980 until her retirement
in 1985. Now in her nineties, and despite having limited mobility, Jean has been the driving force behind the Tamar
Community Peace Trust. Jean has overseen the creation of the Tamar Community Festival For Peace and
encouraged the Launceston City Council to support the establishment of a garden for peace at Royal Park. The
inaugural Festival For Peace, held in 2015, brought together more than 65 organisations and 7,000 citizens to
promote peaceful approaches to conflict resolution. Jean challenges us all to strive for peace and look for ways to
resolve conflict without violence.
Beryl Smith, 83 - Community volunteer (Alonnah)
The people of Bruny Island owe Beryl Smith a lifetime of thanks. Beryl has spent the past three decades working as
president, secretary or treasurer for a range of community associations, from the Country Women’s Association to
the Returned Services League Women’s Auxiliary. Beryl’s tireless work for charities began while she raised her
seven children. Over the years, she’s helped everyone from young children through the Scout movement to
unemployed youth and people in aged care. She’s run Blue Light Discos for the Police Boys Club, raffles for the
Risdon Vale Football Club and continues to voluntarily audit the books for more than 15 local clubs and charities
each year. Everyone from local cricketers to pony riders and pistol shooters rely on Beryl to ensure the ongoing
financial stability of their community clubs. Loved by everyone she meets, Beryl is a shining example of an unsung
hero who rolls up her sleeves and gives back to her community.
3/5
TASMANIAN - FINALISTS - YOUNG AUSTRALIAN OF THE YEAR
Meg Cooper, 24 - Disability support worker (Sandy Bay)
An ‘extra chromosome of awesomeness’ set Meg Cooper on her path as a disability support worker and volunteer.
Meg’s brother Ross was born with Down syndrome and Meg has spent her young life assisting her family with his
care. As a volunteer instructor for BrightStars, a dance group for people with Down syndrome, Meg spends endless
hours planning routines and running classes. The 30 regular dancers in Meg’s troupe vary in age from six to 35 and
Meg’s dedication gives them the space to have fun and gain exercise, build confidence and friendships, while
families establish valuable networks. In her career with Cosmos/Star, a not-for-profit organisation providing learning
and leisure opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities, Meg is involved in running part of the performing arts
program. Meg is a shining example of a model disability support worker – someone who treats everyone equally, but
who also recognises the uniqueness in each person. For Meg, her work with people with disability is a true vocation.
Dr Lila Landowski, 28 - Neuroscientist and educator (North Hobart)
A neuroscientist, university lecturer and science advocate, Dr Lila Landowski spends her spare time seeking a cure
for peripheral neuropathy, which affects nerves carrying information between the body and brain. Lila discovered
that a particular natural molecule can promote and direct nerve regeneration, a finding that may revolutionise
neuropathy treatment. Her research has been the subject of numerous highly-competitive research grants.
Presenting findings nationally and internationally, and training at the prestigious Mayo Clinic in the United States has
cemented her status as an emerging leader in her field. She inspires students at the University of Tasmania and
through the Wicking Dementia Centre's Understanding Dementia online course, which has over 70,000 healthcare
providers enrolled globally. An enthusiastic volunteer, Lila shares her love of science with schools and in a regular
spot on ABC Radio. Articulate and engaging, Lila is determined to shatter the stereotype of scientists as lab coatwearing introverts, while making a contribution that helps people lead better lives.
Zac Lockhart, 20 - Mental health advocate (Launceston)
At just 16, Zac Lockhart became one of the 26,000 young Australians who are homeless, after circumstances at
home forced him into a youth shelter. Determined to promote a positive message and reduce the stigma attached to
homelessness, Zac has become an ambassador for homeless youth in Tasmania. With homelessness and mental
health often deeply connected, Zac has since stepped up efforts to help people experiencing mental illness.
Zac’s film, The Flourish A-B-C of Mental Health, shares successful strategies that support good mental health, and
encourages people to ‘act, belong and commit’. Studying full-time, working a casual job, establishing his own video
production business while living in supported accommodation, Zac inspires everyone he meets with his passion,
bravery and generosity in sharing his own lived experience of mental illness. Zac is shining a light on the mental
health challenges faced by one in four Australians, while working hard to achieve his own personal goal of having a
home and family of his own.
Bianca Welsh, 28 - Youth ambassador (Launceston)
Manager and co-owner of three businesses in Launceston, Bianca Welsh is passionate about motivating young
people to stay in school. As an ambassador for Education Tasmania, Bianca visits high schools across the state to
encourage young people to dream big, study hard and help Tasmania flourish. Bianca’s three Launceston
businesses – Stillwater Restaurant, Black Cow Bistro and Mill Providore and Gallery – employ 65 staff from all works
of life, and Bianca is recognised as an ‘employer of choice’. While she’s won many hospitality awards, Bianca is
driven by the relationships she creates with customers, suppliers and her employees, and through her ability to
support Tasmania’s small businesses and producers. A board member of the Cornerstone Youth Services, Bianca is
passionate about mental health issues and is currently pursuing a degree in psychology. Originally from South
Korea, Bianca grew up in Launceston and is determined to show young people why Tasmania can be a great place
for fulfilling careers and lives.
4/5
TASMANIAN - FINALISTS - AUSTRALIA'S LOCAL HERO
Raymond Arnold - Artist and entrepreneur (Queenstown)
An outstanding printmaker whose work can be found in the Imperial War Museum and the Victoria and Albert
Museum in London, the Bibliothèque Nationale in Paris and the National Gallery of Australia in Canberra, Raymond
Arnold has almost single-handedly transformed the remote mining town of Queenstown into an arts hub.
Raymond established Landscape Art Research Queenstown (LARQ) in 2006 with a dream to develop a wilderness
art space as a ‘nest’ for incubation and a supporter of artists’ in residence. LARQ has put Queenstown – a place
previously defined by a moonscape created from over a century of mining – on the cultural map, attracting visiting
artists from Paris, London, New York and Newfoundland. LARQ was also the catalyst for the biennial Queenstown
Heritage & Arts Festival, which contributes more than half a million dollars towards the local economy.
Raymond’s dedication to the region and his craft has taken the community on a journey, sparked change and
reshaped the image and future of Queenstown.
Ann Harrison - Community coordinator (Risdon Vale)
“Run by the community, for the community” is Ann Harrison’s familiar catchphrase. For more than 20 years, Ann has
been the coordinator of the Risdon Vale Neighbourhood Centre, modelling grass-roots community development that
has become the benchmark across the state. The president of the peak body for community centres, Neighbourhood
Houses Tasmania, for seven years, Ann has always understood that solutions for communities must come from the
communities themselves. Ann oversees a range of programs and services, from breakfast clubs and seniors’
lunches to lending libraries of home maintenance tools and drivers’ license instruction classes. Mentoring and
supporting countless staff across the state, Ann has an enduring reputation for her tireless advocacy in the media
and with governments. Whether she’s helping young people get back into school, working with day release
prisoners, supporting victims of domestic violence, highlighting a community issue in the media or lobbying
politicians Ann is relentlessly determined to make a difference to her community.
Ross Jones - Community champion (Longford)
For more than four decades, Ross Jones has been the quintessential ‘behind the scenes’ volunteer in his local
community. Born and bred in Longford, Ross is a foundation stone of many community events. Without his effort and
quiet efficiency so many local organisations – from the Longford Show Society to the Tasmanian Trout Expo, and
from the Longford Returned Services League to Neighbourhood Watch – would struggle to succeed. He was an
integral member of the Longford Scouts and Clubs association for 22 years, leading activities that engaged young
people and taught them useful skills. Each year he spends countless hours preparing the Longford Showgrounds for
the big day and then spends countless more cleaning up long after most people have gone home. Persistence,
reliability and willingness to work hard are hallmarks of his character and he never seeks the limelight or praise from
the public. Instead, if a table needs fixing, a drain cleared or a fence erected, Ross is Longford’s ‘go to man’.
Sonya Williams - Volunteer (Gagebrook)
From Christmas pageants to soup kitchens, gardening days to needle exchange programs, if it’s a community-driven
project in Brighton, Sonya Williams will have her fingerprints all over it. With a volunteering history stretching back
decades, Sonya has organised community fun days, provided sandwiches and companionship for people in need,
cooked meals for pensioners and has worked to end family violence through the Breaking the Silence advocacy
group. She’s knitted woollies for the Royal Hobart Hospital, made meals for Vietnam veterans and leant an ear to
those needing a chat. After the local Veterans’ Memorial Centre was destroyed by fire, Sonya was there to help
bring it back to life. The founder of Under One Rainbow – Community Coming Together, Sonya led the project to
paint rainbows on windows around Bridgewater and Gagebrook as symbols of love, diversity and inclusion.
The mother of three children and the grandmother of three, Sonya has also fostered many children and helps street
kids get back on their feet.
5/5