Rowan Ramsey (Grey, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I am pleased today to speak about some fine young winners who live in my electorate. The South Australian nominees for the Australian of the Year awards were annonced this week, and I am delighted to say that the winner of the 2017 SA Local Hero—Rural Community Champion award was Wharminda resident Sarah Powell. Sarah, who I know very well, was the winner of Rural Woman of the Year last year and deservedly is now being recognised in the SA honours list. Returning to Darke Peak on Eyre Peninsula after a decade away, Sarah was concerned to see the decline in her once thriving community. She established the Champions Academy to teach young people the skills and confidence to become the next generation of rural leaders.

I also must congratulate the SA Australian of the Year, Kate Swaffer, who is a former Eyre Peninsula resident. Kate has become the voice of dementia sufferers after being diagnosed with the condition before her 50th birthday. Since her diagnosis, Kate has completed three university degrees and is currently undertaking her PhD. I am proud of both of these awards winners and wish them very well at the national awards to be announced in January.