january-2010

PEOPLE
AUSTRALIANS OF THE YEAR
Each
year, our nation celebrates the
achievement and contribution
of outstanding Aussies through the Australian
of the Year Awards and 2010 marks the 50th
anniversary of this proud tradition. We talk
to award recipients and 2010 hopefuls about
their perfect Australia Day.
Danielle
Catanzariti
Actor
South Australia
Young Australian
of the Year 2010
Danielle was bitten
by the acting bug
at the age of 10 and
scored the lead role alongside Toni Collette in
Hey, Hey It’s Esther Blueburger. She was also
hand-picked by Cate Blanchett to star in the
play, Blackbird. In 2008, Catanzariti received
the AFI Young Actor Award.
How will you celebrate Australia Day
this year?
I’ll be lucky enough to celebrate Australia Day
in Canberra with the other fi nalists.
Favourite Australia Day activity?
I’ve been to a few Australia Day breakfasts
near the river in my local town of Murray
Bridge, which I love.
36 JANUARY 2010
We talk to local heroes
about their idea of a
true blue Aussie day
WORDS VANESSA MULQUINEY
What does Australia Day mean to you?
It’s a good way of saying thank you for all the
beautiful things Australia has given us as a
multicultural society.
Jonty Bush
Young Australian
of the Year 2008
At the age of 21,
Jonty Bush had
to deal with the
murder of her
younger sister
and the death of
her father in a violent attack. Bush became
a volunteer with the Queensland Homicide
Victim’s Support Group and was later
appointed CEO. She has since led the push for
a review into the laws surrounding murder and
manslaughter. She also developed the “One
Punch Can Kill” campaign, which has been
adopted by the Queensland Government.
Photo: Getty Images
How will you celebrate Australia Day?
I’m looking forward to the awards in Canberra
without the trepidation and excitement of
being a nominee. Being part of such a largescale
event with so much positive energy is
always a great way to kick the year off.
Favourite Australia Day memories?
Last year’s events and celebrating in my
hometown of Brisbane: friends in the
backyard, enjoying steaks, prawns and a
cold beer while listening to Triple J’s Hottest
100 countdown.
What does Australia Day mean to you?
Australia Day is the time to celebrate what’s
great about our place and our people.