Chief Minister wishes ACT nominees for Australian of the Year good luck

Chief Minister Katy Gallagher would like to wish the ACT nominees for the Australian of the Year Awards 2012 all the best for this evening's Awards ceremony.

The Chief Minister will be attending the Awards on the Forecourt of Parliament House which kick off the Australia Day eve celebrations and precede the Australia Celebrates Live concert.

"I would like to congratulate and thank our ACT Australian of the Year nominees, and all the finalists, for their outstanding achievements and contribution to our community," Ms Gallagher said.

"Win or lose, we can be proud of the ACT Finalists we are putting forward for the 2012 Australian of the Year, Senior Australian of the Year, Young Australian of the Year and Australian Local Hero, each of whom, in different ways, have made an enormous contribution to our city and country.

"I wish Air Chief Marshal Houston, Ms Betty Churcher, Dr Sam Prince and Ms Julie Tongs the best of luck tonight and congratulate them on their achievements in their respective fields," Ms Gallagher said.

Air Chief Marshal Houston has been an exemplary role model and servant to the nation during his six years service as defence force chief before retiring in July this year. Artist Betty Churcher is best known for her role as Director of the National Gallery of Australia and has served as a role model to many women. Dr Sam Prince is an entrepreneur, doctor and philanthropist who uses his business ventures to fund health and education resources for Indigenous Australians and developing countries. Julie Tongs is a health care leader who has made an enormous contribution to Indigenous health in the ACT.

The ACT Government is proud to be involved in the Australia Day program, in cooperation with the National Australia Day Council and the award sponsors.

For those unable to attend tonight's events, the celebrations continue tomorrow starting with the Great Aussie Day Breakfast and a children's concert at Rond Terrace in Commonwealth Park, the Flag Raising Ceremony, a fly over and 21 Gun Salute, an Australian Citizenship Ceremony and ending with the Fireworks Spectacular.

The 2012 Australian of the Year Awards start at 5:30pm at the Parliament House Forecourt, Federation Mall.