Alumni finalists in Australian of the Year Awards

David Williamson AO (BE 1965, HonDLitt 1990)

Five Monash University alumni are in the running for 2012 Australian of the Year awards after winning their state finals. They will contest the awards, announced at 6pm (AEDT) on 25 January, in four categories: Australian of the Year, Senior Australian of the Year, Young Australian of the Year and Australia’s Local Hero.

Charity founder Father Chris Riley AM (BA 1984) was named NSW Australian of the Year in recognition of his dedication to helping disadvantaged Australians, in particular young people. Twenty years ago he founded Youth Off The Streets, which has grown from a single food van delivering food to the homeless in Kings Cross to a major agency assisting more than 50,000 young people.

Medical campaigner Dr John Boffa (MBBS(Hons) 1985) was named the Northern Territory’s Australian of the Year. Dr Boffa has dedicated his life to Indigenous health development. He has played a lead role in changing attitudes towards alcohol in Northern Territory communities through supply reduction, early learning and mental health programs.

David Williamson AO (BE 1965, HonDLitt 1990), one of Australia's best-known playwrights, was awarded Queensland Senior Australian of the Year. He was recognised for his lifetime of achievements including penning 43 plays over 40 years. He was also honoured for bringing Australian society, culture, history and issues to the fore.

Doctor and entrepreneur Dr Sam Prince (MBBS 2006) was announced ACT’s Young Australian of the Year 2012. Dr Prince was recognised for his support of projects that combine business achievements with philanthropy and medical care. He runs his restaurant chain Zambrero while working full time at a hospital in western Sydney. His charitable foundation, funded from his restaurant revenue, has built 15 schools in Sri Lanka, Vietnam and far north Queensland.

Dr Leon Earle (PhD Arts 1981) was named South Australia’s Local Hero 2012 for his research and lobbying for the popular Men’s Shed network across Australia. This movement brings men together and helps link older men with their past, present and future.

Three of the past five Australians of the Year are Monash alumni - Professor Patrick McGorry AO (PhD Med 1991), Professor Tim Flannery (MSc 1981) and Professor Mick Dodson AM (BJuris 1974, LLB 1978).

For more information on the awards visit the Australian of the Year website.