09 August 2010

Nominations are now open for the 2010 South Australian of the Year Awards. Every year, the Awards recognise and reward those who have made outstanding contributions to our State.

2009 South Australian of the Year winner, eminent trauma specialist Dr Bill Griggs AM ASM, said that the Awards provide recognition to those who are making a positive impact on the State.

"I was born in South Australia and have lived here for most of my life. I am extremely proud of South Australian achievements. In my field as in other fields, we often seem to punch above our weight. I am very proud to be part of the South Australian family."

"Being named South Australian of the Year was a very special acknowledgement for me, and the great people I work with," Dr Griggs said.

"If you know someone who is making a positive difference in our State, nominate them for a South Australian of the Year Award today.

Make sure you nominate your 2010 South Australian of the Year and Young South Australian today!

The 2010 South Australian of the Year and Young South Australian of the Year winners will be announced at one of the State's renowned gala events, the Advantage SA Annual Dinner.

Advantage SA CEO Nikki Seymour-Smith encouraged the community to support the Awards and reward South Australia's high-achievers.

"I encourage South Australians to support the 2010 South Australian of the Year Awards and nominate an inspirational South Australian to ensure that our State's high-achievers receive the recognition they so rightly deserve."

"There are so many South Australians making an impact on our State, and we look forward to continuing to celebrate and profile their success through the 2010 Awards."

"The support of the Awards continues to grow every year, and we are looking forward to a fantastic year celebrating our State's greatest talents in 2010."

The Awards have been bolstered by a vibrant new look and feel incorporating rings with the State's colours, cementing their position among the State's foremost Awards.

Nominations are open for the South Australian and Young South Australian of the Year and for those who have shown a consistent record of excellence in the categories of the Arts, Business, Community, Education, Environment, Health, Sport and Tourism.

Nominees must be residents of South Australia and Australian citizens. Nominees for Young South Australian of the Year must be 29 years of age or under at the closing date of nominations. Self-nominations are accepted. Full eligibility and selection criteria is available at www.advantagesa.com.au.

Nominations can be obtained by collecting a nomination form from any Bendigo Bank branch, in The Advertiser and Sunday Mail or nominate online at www.advantagesa.com.au.

2009 South Australian of the Year winners

South Australian of the Year - Dr Bill Griggs AM ASM

Young South Australian of the Year - Julian O'Shea

Sports - Adelaide United FC

Community – Rosemary Wanganeen

Health – Professor Robert Norman

Environment – Friends of Sceale Bay

Arts – Timothy Sexton

Education – Christies Beach High School

Science – Professor Robert Norman

Business – Stefan Ahrens

Tourism- Professor Jane James

Nominations close on Monday 4 October.

For more information on the South Australian of the Year Awards please contact Advantage SA on 82118111 or visit www.advantagesa.com.au.

The 2010 South Australian of the Year Awards are proudly supported by the Government of South Australia, major partners Bendigo and Adelaide Bank, The Advertiser and Sunday Mail, and category sponsors BHP Billiton, Telstra, Grant Burge, Nippy's, Hames Sharley, South Australian Tourism Commission, Flinders University, WorkCover and Alzheimer's Australia SA. 

For information, images and interviews please contact Natalie Ciccocioppo, Communications Manager, Advantage SA on 8211 8111 or natalie.ciccocioppo@advantagesa.com.au.