World Vision agronomist Tony Rinaudo – who has spent more than 35 years working with communities to regenerate degraded lands across Asia and Africa – is among those honoured in this year’s Australia Day awards.
Rinaudo, who has been appointed a Member of the Order of Australia, said he hoped the award “spurs a conversation about how protecting and restoring the environment should be a major part of humanitarian work”.
“Regenerating forests and farmlands doesn’t just help protect people against the effects of climate change, it also helps reduce hunger and generates opportunities to earn an income,” he said. “This is my life’s work, so it’s such an honour to receive this recognition.”
Daniel Kelly, a former vice president of humanitarian and emergency affairs for World Vision International, was also appointed a Member of the Order of Australia for service to humanitarian emergency responses.
Meanwhile, two Australians involved in the rescue of 12 boys from a cave in Thailand – Adelaide anaesthetist Richard “Harry” Harris and retired Perth vet Craig Challen – were named joint Australians of the Year.
Canberra-based paediatrician and child rights advocate Suzanne Parker was named Senior Australian of the Year and Indigenous artist Danzal Baker, Young Australian of the Year. Kate and Tick Everett, who founded anti-bullying organisation Dolly’s Dream after the tragic death of their daughter Amy “Dolly” in January 2018, were named Local Heroes.
Others to receive Australia Day honours include Olivia Newton-John, Kylie Minogue, Magda Szubanski, and Ian Thorpe, and all four members of the band Human Nature including Andrew Tierney.
