Australian Of The Year
As I mentioned in my previous blog post, it’s two years exactly since I last attended an “Australian of the Year” function in Canberra. What was most memorable about that event was the storm which interrupted what was then an outdoor event. Though for many, the memory will be of Malcolm Turnbull holding an umbrella over the impossibly-tall, Ben Roberts-Smith, for me it will be the humidity associated with wearing a poncho in Canberra’s uncharacteristically stinking hot weather.
I’m joking, of course.
Two years later, the event is no longer held outdoors. Instead it’s held in the Great Hall of Parliament House.
Through my work, I have been involved in the Australian Of The Year in a variety of capacities for (maybe) ten years now. And it’s honestly, one of the most wonderful things I am involved in. Through this connection, I get to hear about and meet some wonderful people, and I get to interact with some wonderful people.
In the past I’ve often compared myself (unfavourably) with the recipients of the Australian Of The Year. This year, for the first time, I’ve compared myself with the Senior Australians Of The Year. Though still a far way from the age of the “Seniors”, I’m starting to look like them, and starting to compare myself with their, still, amazing achievements.
Humbling.
Here’s some photographs from tonight’s event.
I remember that Canberra weather a couple of years ago where all valiantly struggled on. As it was last year, the Australia Day award coverage was very well done.
That’s a really excellent photograph of you in the rain poncho.