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| Phillip Adams |
Australia’s Finest Media Figures and Intellectuals
Phillip Adams is truly a National Living Treasure. Scores of honours and awards lay testament to his immense contribution to Australian media, arts and social innovation, and he remains amongst this country’s most influential intellectuals. Phillip is a widely respected broadcaster, filmmaker, author, archaeologist, controversialist, social commentator and satirist who has been described as ‘the most remarkable broadcaster in the history of this country’ (Robert Manne, The Monthly). Thousands of the world’s most prominent people have met with Phillip’s microphone, and his radio shows beam to millions around the world. |
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| Li Cunxin |
Mao's Last Dancer
Li Cunxin (pron “Lee Schwin Sing”) is a remarkable man borne of a remarkable story. He has published an incredible book about his extraordinary life. Later it was made into a box office hit film. In ‘Mao' s Last Dancer’, Li recounts his determination, perseverance, vision, courage and hard work, and in particular, the sacred family values and integrity that he learned in poverty-stricken China that have driven him to become one of the best dancers in the world. Li was born into utter poverty in Mao’s communist China, at the age of 11 he was selected to train in Madame Mao's Beijing Dance Academy. When he was 18, Li was awarded one of the first cultural scholarships to go to America, and subsequently been offered a soloist contract with the Houston Ballet. Two years later, Li defected to the West in a dramatic media storm, which involved the then Vice President, Mr George Bush Snr.
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| Adam Elliot |
Oscar Winning Director
Celebrated film director, Adam Elliot, used talent and tenacity to push himself to the pinnacle of the Film industry. He has entertained audiences with his quirky and innovative animations like his 2003 Oscar for Best Animated Short Film with Harvie Krumpet. His other films, Uncle, Cousin, and Brother emphasise the abundant talent this wunderkind holds. Named Young Victorian of the Year in 1999, Adam has received numerous acknowledgements and distinctions, and continues to inspire and nourish the industry as an ambassador, patron and juror. His story is hugely inspiring. |
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| Nick Giannopoulos |
Comedian, Creator - The Wog Boy
One of Australia’s best loved and most successful comedians, Nick is the brainchild behind the 2000 box office hit, Wog Boys. His mastery of comic entertainment also produced a string of Wog-themed stage shows, five seasons of hugely popular sitcom Acropolis Now and, in an act of reinvention, released his latest film, The Wannabes. His ambition and optimism are infectious, and capacity to entertain utterly dependable. |
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| Ella James |
Media Personailty and Comedienne
The radio and TV personality, voice over artist, celebrity interviewer, comedian, writer, actor, and corporate performer is tagged the master of reinvention by her agent. All those who know Ella unanimously agree she is the personification of resilience. In the treacherous waters of the media where 15 minutes of fame can be quite literal, Ella’s ability to rise again and reinvent herself to meet the market has earned her a fierce respect from the industry. She's warm, witty and intelligent and audiences fall in love with her. |
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| Thomas Keneally |
Schindler’s List author
Thomas Keneally is one of Australia's most popular and prolific writers, having published more than 30 novels, dramas, screenplays and books of non-fiction. He is also one of its most distinguished, winning numerous prizes including the Booker for Schindler's Ark, later made into Academy Award winning film Schindler’s List. A fellow of the prestigious American Academy of Arts and Sciences, Tom is also widely known as the founding chairman of the Australian Republican Movement. This garrulous character describes himself as a free-thinking hedonist. |
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| Lee Kernaghan |
2008 Austn. of the Year
Lee is one of Australia's most popular country singers with 24 Golden Guitar Awards to his name. His empathy with drought stricken farmers and his efforts to assist their plight inspired his 'Pass The Hat Around' Tour to bring help and caring to this special group. He represents the essence of the spirit of contemporary rural Australia. |
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| Professor Ian Lowe AO |
Science, Technology and the Environment
Professor Ian Lowe AO, plays a leading role in the innovation and promotion of science and technology, and for the protection and sustainability of the environment. He holds senior positions at several of Australia’s universities, and is the President of the Australian Conservation Foundation. Prof Lowe today consults to all levels of government and private organisations, and is an integral member of several local and international groups targeting science, climate change and sustainability. Prof Lowe has, and continues to make, an immense contribution to science, environment and the Australian way of life. |
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| Judith Lucy |
Comedian
Enormously funny, stand-up comedian Judith Lucy reduces audiences to tears, her material often drawn from personal experiences of appalling men, bad sex and hopeless relationships. She appears on radio, television and stage; her ever-growing demand regularly sending her overseas. Judith’s candid style, sharp wit and robust improvisation skills have placed her at the forefront of Australia’s comedy scene. |
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| Julie McCrossin |
Media personality and MC
Julie’s ability to understand her audience, and facilitate engaging and meaningful discussion have made her one of Australia’s most respected and popular facilitator’s. Her sharp wit and ease of blending humour with insight have afforded her success in television and radio including media quiz show Good News Week and several ABC Radio National shows including social issues program Life Matters, The Coming Out Show, Background Briefing and Arts National. |
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| Todd McKenney |
Exceptional dancer
Todd has demonstrated his exceptional talent in a highly awarded and recognised dancing career that encompasses sell out shows and major works. He represented Australia in ballroom and Latin American dance, and took pride of place in a number of critically acclaimed shows including The Boy from Oz, Singin’ in the Rain and Baz Luhrmann’s Strictly Ballroom. Todd’s appeal has made him a popular choice for television and radio, most notably on the judging panel with Seven’s Dancing With the Stars. |
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| Carmel Travers |
Journalist, Filmmaker and Businesswoman
Carmel has many faces: founder and presenter of popular science and technology series Beyond 2000, foreign correspondent, and a voice in the boardroom for advertising, environment and the future. She is a filmmaker and raconteur and the leader of two, successful film production houses. A fine journalist of more than 30 years experience Carmel’s breadth and depth of knowledge have secured her place as a corporate speaker and interviewer. |
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| John Williamson |
Australian Country Music Legend
John has carved out a niche in the Australian musical scene, writing and performing songs that resonate with audiences from the city to the outback. His hit, True Blue, has become somewhat of a national anthem, and many more hits followed, rewarding him with numerous albums and 18 Golden Guitars by the Australian Country Music Awards. The man himself is as connected to people and country as his songs describe; John often engages in conversation with his audience, and it’s from these that new hits are born. |
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