Two extraordinary NSW candidates have taken out top honours in the Australian of The Year Awards, with Dr Daniel Nour, founder of Street Side Medics named the 2022 Young Australian of the Year and Shanna Whan, founder of Sober in the Country named 2022 Australia’s Local Hero at a ceremony in Canberra.
NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet congratulated both NSW candidates, saying they had made the State of NSW immensely proud.
“These two remarkable NSW citizens have won the Awards due to their positive impact on society and making tangible differences to people’s lives, often tackling difficult issues to help others in need,” Mr Perrottet said.
“At the age of 26, Dr Nour’s mobile healthcare service has helped hundreds of vulnerable people, while Shanna has single-handedly created a life-changing campaign for rural Australia. They have demonstrated an outstanding spirit of service to our nation.
“The Australian of the Year Awards allow us to recognise and celebrate the achievements of remarkable Australians – making immense contributions to our society.
“I can’t think of better people to be bestowed the honour of Young Australian of the Year and Australian Local Hero. They embody the Australian spirit and despite life’s challenges, have led the way in founding these life-saving initiatives and improving the lives of others.”
Dr Nour identified a gap in healthcare for vulnerable people in NSW and as a result of his leadership, this not-for-profit GP-led mobile medical service for people experiencing homelessness has changed the lives of more than 300 patients. Its clinics treat many communicable and non-communicable illnesses and detect conditions that would otherwise go unnoticed.
Ms Whan, founder and CEO of Sober in the Country, is the Australian Local Hero. After almost losing her own life to alcohol addiction, Shanna established a one-woman grassroots campaign creating radical social impact and change around how people discuss and use alcohol in rural Australia. Shanna has dedicated her life since 2015 to saving lives, first as a volunteer to help others locally, and now as the founder of the national charity Sober in the Country.
“The resilience and determination of both Daniel and Shanna inspires us all and I wish them both all the best in the year ahead. I also extend my congratulations to all NSW finalists in this year’s awards for their efforts and contributions to making Australia a better place. Each of them has done our State proud,” Mr Perrottet said.
