Australian of the Year 2009
A Champion for Reconciliation and Success
Reconciliation Australia Co-Chair Mark Leibler says the selection of Mick Dodson as Australian of the Year for 2009 is an inspired choice and another signal of hope and possibility for reconciliation in Australia.
He said the Board and staff of Reconciliation Australia were thrilled by Professor Dodson’s win and the fact that so may other Indigenous Australians had been honoured in this year’s Awards.
“Mick is recognised across the country and around the world as an exceptional but humble Aboriginal leader who’s spent all his life working to explain to people why and how they can make things better for Indigenous Australians,” said Mr Leibler.
“It’s impossible to sum up Mick’s contribution. His official roles only tell a small part of what he does and how much responsibility he takes on in fulfilling difficult tasks, often in the public spotlight.”
Championing reconciliation isn’t easy for high profile Aboriginal leaders, said Mr Leibler, but Professor Dodson serves as Indigenous Co-Chair at Reconciliation Australia with energy and enthusiasm. “Mick believes in reconciliation and what it can do for his people,” said Mr Leibler.
In all of his leadership roles, Professor Dodson encourages and inspires Indigenous and
non-Indigenous colleagues to work together and respect each other. “He offers particular support to up and coming Indigenous leaders, both men and women, and he’s more than willing to pass on not only the responsibility but also the profile and status many leaders prefer to hang on to.
“Mick does a great deal to celebrate and promote the achievements of Indigenous people across Australia – to highlight the good news that’s so important in inspiring confidence and self esteem.
“But while he is a great champion of the successes of Indigenous communities, Mick also expects accountability for failures,” said Mr Leibler. “He’s had a significant impact in raising the alarm about violence in Indigenous communities and expects Indigenous leaders at all levels to lead, as he does, with the interests of their communities at heart.”
Reconciliation Australia recognises all of the Indigenous finalists in this year’s Awards. Mr Leibler said that their deep and diverse contribution to the nation was something in which all Australians should take pride.
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Media contact: Claire Tedeschi, Reconciliation Australia, 0418 633 277.
