AIR Chief Marshal Angus Houston, retired Chief of the Defence Force, is the ACT Australian of the Year.

“Air Chief Marshal Houston has been an exemplary role model and servant to the nation during his six years service as defence force chief before retiring in July,” said Chief Minister Katy Gallagher, who presented the award.

“He has also been an inspirational role model as a father with his son Robert recently saying that he had always been a good example of how to be a man and how to be a father.”

Other finalists for the ACT Australian of the Year were: Prof Michael Gore, science educator; Janne Graham, health care advocate; and Prof Andrew Blakers, solar energy scientist.

Painter Betty Churcher, was named the ACT Senior Australian of the Year. Best known for her role as director of the National Gallery of Australia, Ms Churcher has dedicated much of her working life to making art accessible and relevant to the public.

Finalists for ACT Senior Australian of the Year were: Ante Dabro, sculptor and teacher; George Howe, carillonist; and Prof Peter Drysdale, Asia academic.

Entrepreneur, medical doctor and philanthropist Dr Sam Price was named the ACT Young Australian of the Year.

At the age of 21, Dr Prince established the franchise, Zambrero Fresh Mex Grill and the E-magine Foundation.

Through this not-for-profit group he uses his business ventures to fund projects that deliver health and education resources to indigenous Australians and developing countries.

Finalists for ACT Young Australian of the Year were: Patrick Mills, Olympic basketballer; Jillian Thomsen, community activist; and Dr Rebekah White, research psychologist.

Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health Service CEO Julie Tongs was named ACT Local Hero, who for the past 20 years has advocated for the health and well being for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the ACT and region.

Finalists for ACT Local Hero were: Elizabeth Dawson, community champion; Michael Pilbrow, community activist; and Marianne Dickie, human rights advocate.

The winners will represent the ACT in the selection of the national Australian of Year awards announced on Australia Day eve, January 25.