16 Tasmanians, ranging from a First Nations leader to an autism and disability advocate, have been nominated for the 2024 Australian of the Year Awards for Tasmania.
National Australia Day Council CEO Mark Fraser AO CVO congratulated the Tasmania nominees, who are among 133 people being recognised across all states and territories.
“The nominees for the Tasmania awards are extraordinary people whose achievements and contributions are to be applauded,” said Fraser.
“From research with global impact, through lifelong commitment to bringing about change, to new ways of connecting people in need, they are an inspirational group of Tasmanians.”
The winners of the Tasmanian awards will be announced on Friday, November 10 during a ceremony at Hobart’s Princess Wharf.
They will then join the other state and territory recipients as national finalists for the national awards in January next year.
All of the 2024 Tasmanian award nominees
2024 Australian of the Year for Tasmania
Professor Roger Byard AO PSM – Forensic pathology expert
Dr Alice Edwards – Global advocate for human rights
Kathryn Fordyce – Autism and disability advocate (North Motton)
Stephanie Trethewey – Rural women’s advocate and founder, Motherland (Dunorlan)
2024 Senior Australian of the Year for Tasmania
Reverend James Colville AM – Founder, Colony 47 (Bagdad)
Rodney Dillon – First Nations advocate and co-founder, weetapoona Aboriginal Corporation (Hobart)
Rosalind Escott AM – Breastfeeding educator, family historian (South Hobart)
Sajini Sumar – Migrant advocate and co-founder, Multicultural Women’s Council of Tasmania (Kingston)
2024 Young Australian of the Year for Tasmania
Naarah – Actor, musician, Indigenous activist (Glenorchy)
Dr Brooke Mason – Surfer, medical registrar and mental health advocate (Hobart)
Joanna Smart – Marine scientist and underwater photographer (Howrah)
Ella Watkins – Writer, filmmaker, actress and mental health advocate (Hobart)
2024 Local Hero for Tasmania
Robyn Flittner – Refugee advocate and co-founder, Women’s Friendship Group (Launceston) (Meander)
Clair Harris – Founder, Tassie Mums (Blackmans Bay)
Natalie Potter and Emily Versluys – Co-founders, Albert St Gang surfers (Turners Beach)
Michelle Williamson – Founder, Farm It Forward Tasmania (Wynyard)
