australian of the year 2008

[brod]

Im not quite sure how I look at Cathy Freeman in that group. Ill admit that ive never been a huge fan of hers, but I dont know that her contribution to the community that is Australia is enough to warrant such an award. Am I off the mark and have missed something??

[Dirko]

I can see where you are coming from. Similar to Pat Rafter.
Sure great tennis player, and has done alot of charity, but IMO he is the only MALE tennis player recognised as Australian of the Year.
Would've though Rod Laver or John Newcombe etc would've won before Rafter...
I think alot of the times when it comes down to a sportsperson, it's due to sentiments around the time. Cathy was when her career was at the peak and heading into Sydney. Rafter the year he retired. Border/Taylor/Waugh much the same.
The great Evonne Goolagong won it in 1971. Ironically that was the year she turned Pro !
She should get another gong ! She won the Aus 3 times, Wimbledon once AFTER being named Australian of the year !!

[brod]

I can see where you are coming from. Similar to Pat Rafter.
Sure great tennis player, and has done alot of charity, but IMO he is the only MALE tennis player recognised as Australian of the Year.
Would've though Rod Laver or John Newcombe etc would've won before Rafter...
I think alot of the times when it comes down to a sportsperson, it's due to sentiments around the time. Cathy was when her career was at the peak and heading into Sydney. Rafter the year he retired. Border/Taylor/Waugh much the same.
The great Evonne Goolagong won it in 1971. Ironically that was the year she turned Pro !
She should get another gong ! She won the Aus 3 times, Wimbledon once AFTER being named Australian of the year !!

Just my memory, but Rafer has established a huge charity network mostly based in Queensland and has extended into USA, while also having large scale tennis academies ect.

[Dirko]

Just my memory, but Rafer has established a huge charity network mostly based in Queensland and has extended into USA, while also having large scale tennis academies ect.

Yeah but was that before he retired or did he set up the majority after? I know he donated prize money etc, but the majority of his charity network would've been set up his retirement.
I can recall that there was a bit of a stink re him living in Barbados to avoid paying tax as well..

[brod]

Just my memory, but Rafer has established a huge charity network mostly based in Queensland and has extended into USA, while also having large scale tennis academies ect.

Yeah but was that before he retired or did he set up the majority after? I know he donated prize money etc, but the majority of his charity network would've been set up his retirement.
I can recall that there was a bit of a stink re him living in Barbados to avoid paying tax as well..

My memory is nowhere near that good

[Dutchy]

Lee Kernaghan didn't get Australian of the Year just for his music contribution, he also got it for the work he does in country communities both financial and in other ways.

farily timely as much of his work has been with communities struggling witht he drought over the past few years....we might not see the work he has done in the big city (and some probably dont care) but its real tough out in the country at the moment and we shouldnt underestimate this....

[am Bays]

Lee Kernaghan didn't get Australian of the Year just for his music contribution, he also got it for the work he does in country communities both financial and in other ways.

farily timely as much of his work has been with communities struggling witht he drought over the past few years....we might not see the work he has done in the big city (and some probably dont care) but its real tough out in the country at the moment and we shouldnt underestimate this....

Exactly I saw first hand his contibution to drought relief @ Longerong College (outsied of Horsham) at a drought relief concert. Lot of money went back into local communities...

Lee Kernaghan puts back into his community

[bulldogproud]

As a few have said on here, Lee won it more for his work for the rural communities than his singing. All in the country music scene (and many in the country areas in general) value the work that Lee does very highly. As for his singing, he does not sing like an American like some have suggested. He is an out and out singer of Australian country music. There is a huge difference between Australian country music and American country music!
Yes, there are two kinds of music in the world: Country AND Western!!