Celebrity free Australian of the Year

Australia has turned its back on the craze for celebrities, with this year's
Australian of the Year likely to be a new face for many.
The top award has often been nabbed by stars of the sporting field or stage, from
crooner John Farnham to cricketer Steve Waugh.
But when this year's recipient is announced at a gala concert in Canberra on Monday
night, ahead of Australia Day on Tuesday, some people might ask themselves "who's
that?"
One of the frontrunners is Victoria's Patrick McGorry, a youth psychologist and
advocate for better support for mentally ill young people.
Another candidate seen as having a strong chance is NSW environmentalist Jon Dee,
co-founder of Planet Ark and an avid tree-planter. In 2008, Mr Dee became the
founder and chairman of Do Something, a social and environmental action group.
If Mr Dee walks away with the prize it will be big news for politicians - he's
waging a campaign to get MPs to slash their greenhouse gas emissions by ten per cent
in 2010. If he becomes Australian of the Year he might have a better chance of
success.
The finalist with the most celebrity clout is perhaps Warwick Thornton, who directed
the critically-acclaimed film Sampson and Delilah.
Other finalists are Tasmanian devil researcher Bruce Englefield, Alzheimer's expert
Ralph Martins, and Julian Burton, who survived the Bali bombings and is an advocate
for burns victims.
Indigenous educator Chris Sarra rounds out the field along with the lone female
finalist, Patricia Easteal, a campaigner against domestic violence.
Betting agency Centrebet is tipping Prof McGorry to win at odds of $1.36, with Mr
Dee his nearest rival at $3, followed by Prof Martins at $9.
Prime Minister Kevin Rudd will announce the winner at a free concert on the lawns of
Parliament House on Monday evening. About 35,000 people are expected to rock out to
popular bands Rogue Traders and Evermore, and veteran rocker Ian Moss.
It's the 50th anniversary of the first Australian of the Year, held back in 1960.
The birthday is to be feted at a gala dinner in parliament house on Sunday night,
where Governor-General Quentin Bryce will host many previous winners.
Attendees will range from racing car driver and designer Jack Brabham, who was
1966's Australian of the Year, to last year's winner, Aboriginal leader Mick Dodson.