FORMER federal government chief medical officer Prof Brendan Murphy has been named the 2021 ACT Australian of the Year. 

The 65-year-old Kingston resident is currently the secretary of the Department for Health, and was given the award at the National Gallery tonight (November 2) for providing expert advice to the federal government to close the international borders before the spread of COVID-19 – a decision which is said to have saved tens of thousands of Australian lives.

In his role as chief medical officer and chair of the Australian Health Principal Protection Committee (AHPPC), Mr Murphy provided clear consensus guidance to all Australian Governments around shutting down Australian business and community activities. AHPPC, under his leadership, was responsible for introducing physical distancing measures and overseeing their implementation in Australia before WHO advice and in advance of other developed countries.

The ACT Senior Australian of the Year went to writer and health advocate for indigenous Australians, Patricia Anderson. The 76-year-old Hackett resident is an Alyawarre woman who has built a national and international reputation as a powerful advocate for the health of Australia’s first peoples.

With an extensive career spanning community development, policy formation, and research ethics, Ms Anderson has dedicated her life to creating and nurturing understanding and compassion between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Australians. She has also sat as chair on multiple organisations, including the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation, Aboriginal Medical Services Alliance Northern Territory, and the Prime Minister’s Referendum Council.

ACT Young Australian of the Year went advocate for the rights of young people Tara McClelland for her tireless work to support and advocate for the rights and wellbeing of ACT’s young people.

In her professional role as youth worker with the Salvation Army, Ms McClelland, 24, of Dickson, works with 16-25 year olds experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, homelessness, helping to expand their skills while in crisis accommodation. She is particularly passionate about advocating for young people’s mental health issues, which is the focus of her strength-based empowerment practice.

Ms McClelland also dedicates her free time to volunteer work with the Youth Reference Group at Headspace Canberra, where she helps apply for funding, organises events to support mental wellbeing, and holds school information sessions.

ACT Local Hero went to Lids4Kids founder Timothy Miller for his work establishing and running the national organisation which encourages households, schools, businesses, and organisations to collect plastic lids to be recycled into sustainable products for children.

Previously, Mr Miller, of Belconnen, spent much of his career working in road safety and environmentalism, leading the development of a five-star environmental rating for vehicles as well as an important online resource for consumers on the efficiency and environmental impact of their cars.

The 44-year-old has also used his passion for cars to take part in outback rallies to fundraise for various charities that help sick, disadvantaged, or disabled children. Lids4Kids now has over 25,000 participants across Australia.

The four ACT recipients will join those from the other states and territories for the national awards to be announced on January 25.