2017 Tasmanian Australian of the Year, speech pathologist Rosalie Martin at Government House after receiving her award Picture: LUKE BOWDEN
TASMANIA’S Australian of the Year — speech pathologist Rosalie Martin — has been acknowledged for helping prisoners crack the code of reading and transforming their lives.
Ms Martin, who was presented with the award at Government House this afternoon, has developed a unique approach to literacy and for three years has visited Risdon Prison as a volunteer to deliver Just Sentences, a pilot project that is achieving astounding results.
Many of the people in her program have learned to read within months.
Ms Martin also runs her own private practice specialising in services for children with autism spectrum disorder and those with severe literacy disorders.
The 2017 Tasmanian Senior Australian of the Year Margaret Steadman.Source:News Limited
The 2017 Tasmanian Senior Australian of the Year is 72-year-old sustainable living advocate Margaret Steadman.
She is credited with finding practical solutions to many of our most challenging conundrums.
While executive officer of Sustainable Living Tasmania, Ms Steadman has helped people understand the small steps that can make a big difference to the environment — from embracing energy efficiency to considering low-carbon footprint end-of-life options.
She was also a founding member of Climate Action Hobart and the West Hobart Environment Network, and a council member of the Australian Conservation Foundation.
She also volunteers in the Migrant Resource Centre’s refugee program and the Source Community Wholefoods Co-op. Quietly determined but never confrontational, Margaret works hard for people and planet.
The 2017 Tasmanian Young Australian of the Year Mitch McPherson. Picture: ROGER LOVELLSource:News Corp Australia
Young Tasmanian Australian of the Year suicide prevention leader Mitch McPherson, 29, is the founder of Speak Up! Stay ChatTY.
When his younger brother Ty took his own life in 2013, Mr McPherson turned his devastating loss into a successful suicide prevention charity.
Starting with bumper stickers, he has since raised more than $250,000 through running events, golf days and gala balls. He has more than 19,800 followers on Facebook, and has spoken to more than 300 school groups, workplaces and sporting clubs to help people understand that no problem is so bad that it can’t be shared.
The 2017 Tasmanian Local Hero Anthony Edler. Picture: SAM ROSEWARNESource:News Corp Australia
The 2017 Tasmanian Local Hero is youth worker Anthony Edler, of Risdon Vale.
A community leader and positive role model, Mr Edler is driving a program that helps disadvantaged and at-risk young people in his community, while also expanding the possibilities for people in Namibia.
Program co-ordinator of the Risdon Vale Bike Collective, Mr Edler combines his knowledge and skills of mountain biking and youth work to help young people fix broken-down bikes while developing life and employment skills and making a positive contribution to society. More than 440 bikes have been repaired and donated since the program started.
At the award ceremony at Government House, Premier Will Hodgman commended the worthy winners.
“Congratulations to all finalists for the remarkable contributions they have made toward making our state an even greater place to live.”
Originally published as Speech pathologist wins top honour
