There are four finalists in each award category – SA Australian of the Year, SA Senior Australian of the Year, SA Young Australian of the Year and SA Local Hero – and recipients will be announced at a presentation next Wednesday in Adelaide.

The South Australian recipients will then proceed to the national awards, which will be announced on 25 January 2010 in Canberra.

Tam Johnston, program director at the National Australia Day Council, said the diversity of the South Australian finalists this year reflected the many different role models in the Australian community.

“We all have different notions of heroes and inspirational role models and this year’s South Australian finalists really demonstrate that,” she said.

“Many of the finalists are people who quietly help others or have been giving to others their entire lives, while others are respected for their extraordinary achievements.”

SA FINALISTS:

SA AUSTRALIAN OF THE YEAR

Dr Lynn Arnold AO - Humanitarian worker (Adelaide)

Julian Burton OAM - Charity founder (Adelaide)

Geraldine Cox AM - Orphanage mother (Glenalta)

Cate Fowler - Theatre practitioner (Adelaide)

SA SENIOR AUSTRALIAN OF THE YEAR

Maggie Beer - Cook and restaurateur (Nurioopta)

Brian Butler AM - Stolen generations campaigner (Heathfield)

Tony Hutchison - Radio educationalist (Kingston)

Dr James Martin - Paediatric thoracic and sleep physician (Myrtle Bank)

SA YOUNG AUSTRALIAN OF THE YEAR

Felishia Abbott - Fundraiser (North Adelaide)

Scott Bradbrook - Youth volunteer (Munno Para)

Danielle Catanzariti - Actor (Murray Bridge)

Johnathon Dalla - Sheep shearer (Warooka)

SA LOCAL HERO

Edgar Agius OAM - Maltese community advocate (Findon)

Mike Coddington - Volunteer fire fighter (Murray Bridge)

Michael Cook - Community volunteer (Berri)

Rosemary McKenzie-Ferguson - Workplace injury support worker (Royal Park)