What a week and what a privilege it was to engage with four courageous, inspiring and determined changemakers.
On Wednesday 15 September Grace Tame joined Tanya Hosch, Isobel Marshall and Professor Richard Bruggemann for an unforgettable Australian of the Year Breakfast. These incredible changemakers addressed some of our societies deeply challenging issues; sexual violence against women, incarceration rates of young people especially Aboriginal children, people with disabilities who have suffered systemic abuse in our system and the real issue of period poverty in Australia and overseas. The diverse audience represented at the National Wine Centre for this experience were encouraged to continue to learn about, speak out and to act against all of these issues. It was a morning that uplifted and provided much hope for all. A heartfelt thank you to our presenting partner St Peter’s College, Adelaide, South Australia and supporting partners Lexus of Adelaide and Kytons Bakery Australia.
A very special shout out to Jess Adamson Media – Jess’s engaging and warm approach was embraced by our speakers and attendees.
We want to acknowledge our community – not only for your continued support to our organisation but also in keeping our state safe. We are very grateful that we are able to gather in one room like this.
We thank our strategic funding partners the SA Government, National Australia Day Council and City of Adelaide. Without these partnerships our events would not be possible.
Grace Tame – Australian of the Year 2021
Advocate for survivors of sexual assault
Grace Tame is an outspoken advocate for survivors of sexual assault, particularly those who were abused in institutional settings.
From age 15, Grace was groomed and raped by her 58-year-old maths teacher, who was found guilty and jailed for his crimes. However, under Tasmania’s sexual-assault victim gag laws, Grace couldn’t legally speak out about her experience – despite the perpetrator and media being free to do so.
Grace has demonstrated extraordinary courage – using her voice to push for legal reform and raise public awareness about the impacts of sexual violence.
She is a regular guest speaker for high-profile events and television programs and uses her media profile to advocate for other vulnerable groups in the community.
Tanya Hosch – SA State Recipient Australian of the Year 2021
Leader, changemaker and visionary
Tanya Hosch is the first Indigenous person and second woman appointed to the AFL executive. She has held leadership roles in sport, the arts, culture, social justice and public policy.
One of the pre-eminent Indigenous leaders pursuing constitutional recognition of Australia’s First Nations people, Tanya’s principled leadership is transforming the AFL – advancing women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, gender-diverse Australians and the entire community.
Tanya championed the first Indigenous player statue of Nicky Winmar and instigated a review of anti-vilification policy within the code. She helped secure an apology for Adam Goodes from the AFL and delivered a new industry framework to help prevent racist treatment of players.
Tanya also helped found advocacy organisation The Indigenous Players Alliance. She drove a new respect and responsibility policy enabling women to seek redress for unacceptable behaviour, and a world-first gender diversity policy for a contact sport. In 2020, she drove a hugely successful social media campaign aimed at informing and protecting Indigenous communities from COVID-19.
Isobel Marshall – Young Australian of the Year 2021
Social Entrepreneur
At just 18 years of age, Isobel Marshall co-founded TABOO with school friend Eloise Hall, to help women around the world by breaking down stigma around menstruation and providing greater access to hygiene products.
Isobel and business partner Eloise, crowdfunded $56,000 to launch their range of products in August 2019. TABOO sells high quality, ethically sourced, organic cotton pads and tampons to an Australian market, with 100 per cent of net profits going to One Girls – a charity providing education programs for girls and women in Sierra Leone and Uganda.
Locally, Isobel and TABOO have partnered with Vinnies Women’s Crisis centre, providing free access to pads and tampons for women who require emergency accommodation in South Australia. Recognising period poverty is not just a big city issue, they also support the Ngaanyatjarra Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara Women’s Council.
Isobel is also a full-time student at the University of Adelaide, where she is studying a Bachelor of Medicine (MBBS) and a Bachelor of Surgery.
Prof Richard Bruggemann – SA State Recipient Senior Australian of the Year 2021
Disability Advocate
At 76 years old, Professor Richard Bruggemann is continuing to make a difference to the lives of people living with an intellectual disability.
Throughout his career, he has provided expert advice to governments on disability services, legislation, inclusion and rights.
He is a dedicated volunteer, has sat on more than 20 non-government boards and committees, and is a prolific writer on topics of concern for the disability community.
In 2020 he was called on by the South Australian Government to join the special taskforce investigating the tragic death of cerebral palsy sufferer, Ann Marie Smith.
Richard was also appointed to a new government role to assess the temporary orders to protect people living with a cognitive or mental impairment from the spread of the COVID-19 virus. His ongoing leadership has helped create a community service system that helps people with intellectual disability and their families enjoy a better quality of life.
We take this opportunity to deeply thank you for your involvement at our events. We are a not for profit organisation and your support enables us to deliver a program of activities to our communities across South Australia.
