The National Museum of Australia’s commemoration of the eight 2021 Australians of the Year
While it might not be on in Yass itself, it’s well worth the short drive to Canberra to see the National Museum of Australia’s commemoration of the eight 2021 Australians of the Year state and territory recipients. The exhibition contains significant objects chosen by the eight recipients that reveal meaningful stories about their lives, aspirations and experiences.
National Museum Director, Dr Mathew Trinca, said in a year of immense challenges the state and territory recipients have selected objects that bring a sense of hope for the future. “After such a challenging year we are honoured to feature these deeply personal and inspiring objects selected by eight exceptional individuals. Many of the recipients have overcome adversity to drive change in society and contribute to the world. It is these stories we need to hear in times of difficulty, stories that give us hope and inspire us to make change,” Dr Trinca said.
By way of example:
- The 2021 NSW Australian of the Year is Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons AFSM. You will recall that Shane guided New South Wales and a crew of 74,000 firefighters through Australia’s worst fire season in 2019-2020. Shane selected an award he received in 2008 when he was appointed Commissioner of the NSW Rural Fire Service. The award was presented to him by his former brigade, the Duffy Fire Brigade.
- The 2021 ACT Australian of the Year is Professor Brendan Murphy. As the former Chief Medical Officer, Professor Brendan Murphy provided expert advice to government and recommended the early closure of international borders to control the spread of COVID-19 during the first few months of the pandemic. His object of choice is a well-thumbed copy of the Federal Government’s COVID-19 Pandemic plan. The plan represents the consensus-driven, democratic decision making which is the foundation for his collaborative work in public health.
- The 2021 WA Australian of the Year is Professor Helen Milroy. Professor Helen Milroy is a descendent of the Palyku people of the Pilbara region of Western Australia and the first Indigenous doctor. Her object is a painting she made representing a multi-dimensional model of health and wellbeing from an Aboriginal perspective. Helen’s grandmother Daisy, a carer and a healer, inspired Helen to pursue a career in medicine. Daisy is represented by a crow within the painting.
The exhibition will be on display at the National Museum of Australian, Canberra, until Sunday 14 February 2021.
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