Sixteen extraordinary South Australians have been recognised as nominees for the 2027 Australian of the Year Awards, celebrating individuals whose dedication, achievements and contributions are making a meaningful difference in our communities and beyond.
From pioneering advancements in healthcare and space technology to championing education, protecting our environment and strengthening communities, this year’s nominees represent the remarkable diversity of talent, compassion and leadership across South Australia.
The nominees have been recognised across four award categories: Australian of the Year, Senior Australian of the Year, Young Australian of the Year and Australia’s Local Hero.
Each has a unique story to tell, united by a shared commitment to creating positive change and inspiring others.
The 2027 South Australian award recipients will be announced at a ceremony in Adelaide on Thursday 5 November 2026, before progressing as finalists for the national Australian of the Year Awards, announced in Canberra on 25 January 2027.
2027 SA Australian of the Year Nominees
Dr Fariba Behnia-Willison
Endo-gynaecologist and reconstructive surgeon
Dr Fariba Behnia-Willison is transforming women’s healthcare through pioneering surgical techniques, medical innovation and a commitment to restoring dignity and improving quality of life.
An Iranian-Australian migrant whose journey has taken her across Iran, Germany and Australia, Dr Behnia-Willison has dedicated her career to advancing pelvic floor medicine and reconstructive surgery.
Through SmartFem’s TGA-approved Victoria Graft System, she is developing regenerative solutions that use a woman’s own blood to create a graft for pelvic floor reconstruction, offering an alternative to synthetic mesh.
Her compassion extends beyond the operating theatre. Through Desert Flower South Australia, she provides restorative surgery at no cost to survivors of female genital mutilation, helping women reclaim their health and wellbeing.
At 60, Dr Behnia-Willison continues to challenge barriers in women’s healthcare, combining innovation with advocacy to ensure women have access to the care, dignity and support they deserve.
Dr Muhammad Akbar Hussain
Space technology innovator and entrepreneur
Dr Muhammad Akbar Hussain is helping shape Australia’s future in space science through innovation, entrepreneurship and education.
A general medical practitioner and astronomer, Dr Hussain’s career spans medicine, engineering, scientific research and public education.
After moving to Adelaide in 2016, he developed Australia’s first mobile astronomical observatory for remote astronomy outreach. Recognising its potential for space situational awareness, he went on to establish the Southern Cross Outback Observatories Project, an independent, self-funded international collaboration working towards a national space debris tracking network and AI-ready data systems.
Holding multiple US patents for technologies including Mars habitat design, hybrid power generation and space debris mitigation, Dr Hussain is contributing to Australia’s growing capabilities in space science.
At 47, he is equally passionate about inspiring the next generation, using his observatory initiatives to encourage students to explore careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
Dr Matthew Hutchinson
Orthopaedic surgeon and education fundraiser
Dr Matthew Hutchinson is an orthopaedic surgeon, child protection advocate and passionate supporter of educational opportunities for disadvantaged children.
Raised and homeschooled in regional Australia, Dr Hutchinson experienced firsthand the transformative power of education after receiving a scholarship that changed the course of his life.
Drawing on his own childhood challenges, he has spent decades advocating for child safety, working with politicians, community leaders and the media to drive legislative reform in South Australia in 2018.
His commitment to creating opportunities for young people has also seen him speak at more than 100 country schools and establish Indigenous youth partnership programs.
In 2025, Dr Hutchinson undertook an extraordinary six-month journey, hiking 4,265 kilometres from Mexico to Canada and raising more than $250,000 to fund scholarships for disadvantaged children.
Now 47, he has set his sights on raising $1 million, determined to give more children the educational opportunities that helped shape his own future.
Dr Susan Neuhaus AM CSC
Surgeon and author
Dr Susan Neuhaus AM CSC has dedicated more than three decades to serving others through medicine, military service, leadership and storytelling.
A specialist surgeon and former Australian Army officer, Dr Neuhaus has provided medical care in challenging environments across Cambodia, Bougainville and Afghanistan.
During her deployment to Tarin Kowt in Afghanistan in 2009, she was responsible for treating casualties following a suicide bombing at a local police barracks, an experience that reinforced her commitment to those who serve.
Beyond her medical career, Dr Neuhaus has held significant governance roles across the health, defence, veterans and not-for-profit sectors.
An accomplished author, she is passionate about bringing the often-overlooked stories of Australian women in war to wider audiences through fiction and non-fiction.
As a member of the Council of the Australian War Memorial and Chair of its Development Committee, the 60-year-old has also played an important role in preserving and sharing Australia’s military history.
2027 SA Senior Australian of the Year Nominees
Dr Susan Belperio
Citizen scientist
Dr Susan Belperio is demonstrating the power of community-led environmental action through her dedication to documenting the impacts of South Australia’s toxic algal bloom.
When the unprecedented bloom affected South Australia’s coastline in 2025, the retired anaesthetist began recording the devastating effects on marine life.
Now 70, Dr Belperio patrols Glenelg beaches daily, photographing and identifying dead and dying fish, seabirds and invertebrates, and uploading her findings to the iNaturalist Marine Mortalities project.
With more than 22,000 observations covering 404 species, her work has created an extraordinary record of environmental change and helped alert scientists to emerging events, including a mass crab mortality event in 2026.
She has also become a prominent community advocate for awareness of H5N1 bird flu.
Through citizen science, photography and community engagement, Dr Belperio is raising awareness of the challenges facing South Australia’s coastal ecosystems and the importance of protecting marine wildlife.
Keith Clark
Lifeline and fire service volunteer
Keith Clark has devoted more than three decades to supporting the safety, wellbeing and resilience of his community.
Inspired by the volunteers who responded to the devastating Ash Wednesday bushfires, Keith joined the Aldgate Country Fire Service in the late 1980s, going on to serve as Captain and Brigade President.
Following the death of a fellow fire service volunteer by suicide, Keith was motivated to become a Lifeline crisis supporter.
For more than a decade, he has provided compassionate support to thousands of Australians experiencing crisis, while also mentoring new Lifeline volunteers.
His contribution to the community extends across numerous causes, including volunteering as a Foodbank driver, teaching English to refugees and supporting community sport.
At 75, Keith continues to coach an Under 8s soccer team and coordinate Walking Football groups for people aged over 55 and those living with disability.
His longstanding commitment to volunteering reflects a genuine passion for helping others and building stronger, more connected communities.
Dr Roger Hunt
Palliative medicine specialist
Dr Roger Hunt has dedicated more than 40 years to improving end-of-life care and advocating for the dignity, comfort and autonomy of patients.
Beginning his career at South Australia’s first publicly funded hospice, Dr Hunt recognised the importance of compassionate care for patients and families navigating the final stages of life.
A founding member of Daw House Hospice, he has made significant contributions to palliative medicine through clinical leadership, research and education.
He later served as Medical Head of the Western Adelaide Palliative Care Service and Central Adelaide Palliative Services, while his leadership within South Australia’s Palliative Care Association contributed to the establishment of Palliative Care Australia.
Dr Hunt also played an advisory role in developing South Australia’s Consent to Medical Treatment and Palliative Care Act.
A longstanding advocate for voluntary assisted dying, he has served on ministerial panels and currently sits on the South Australian Voluntary Assisted Dying Review Board.
At 69, his career reflects a commitment to ensuring patients are treated with compassion, respect and dignity.
Dr Anne Jensen
Wetland ecologist
Dr Anne Jensen has spent her career protecting Australia’s rivers, wetlands and freshwater ecosystems, combining scientific research with education, advocacy and practical conservation.
Through her work as an ecologist, author and communicator, Dr Jensen has helped communities better understand the environmental and cultural importance of healthy waterways.
In 1996, she coordinated the Wetlands Atlas of the South Australian Murray Valley, documenting 250 wetlands and establishing an important foundation for their ongoing management and protection.
As chief policy officer for wetlands and the Murray-Darling Basin, she strengthened South Australia’s capacity to protect freshwater resources in the face of challenges including drought and climate change.
Her book Murray-Darling Mysteries is another example of her commitment to making environmental science accessible and engaging.
At 74, Dr Jensen continues to inspire greater appreciation of Australia’s waterways and the vital role wetlands play in supporting biodiversity and community wellbeing.
2027 SA Young Australian of the Year Nominees
Ishaan Chaudhuri
Health leader
At 18, Ishaan Chaudhuri is already making a meaningful contribution to healthcare advocacy, education and community leadership.
Having graduated high school shortly after turning 16, Ishaan is now pursuing a career in medicine while actively working to address challenges facing South Australian communities.
Concerned about equitable access to healthcare, he independently designed and conducted a large-scale survey involving more than 250 First Nations participants and key stakeholders, highlighting barriers to healthcare access in remote communities.
He has also established a tutoring initiative that has provided more than $5,000 worth of free mathematics, science and English lessons to students experiencing financial hardship.
Alongside his studies, Ishaan holds leadership roles with the Australian Medical Students’ Association, ClimateShield, the Central Youth Advocacy Network and Doctors for the Environment Australia.
He is also actively involved in the Indian Bengali Cultural Association of Adelaide.
Through his commitment to service and advocacy, Ishaan is demonstrating that young people can lead meaningful change within their communities.
Abbey Hardie
Sexual violence prevention advocate
Abbey Hardie is a passionate advocate for preventing domestic, family and sexual violence and improving support for survivors.
A survivor of sexual violence herself, Abbey has transformed her lived experience into a commitment to challenging victim-blaming attitudes, strengthening accountability and creating safer communities.
At 23, she established the South Australian team of What Were You Wearing, a charity supporting survivors and advocating for violence prevention.
Balancing study and work, Abbey dedicates approximately 20 hours each week to volunteering, advocacy and community education.
Her work has included engaging with policymakers, coordinating petitions and community action, and advocating for survivor-centred support services.
She has also secured sexual assault education and bystander intervention training for local bar staff and continues to campaign for domestic, family and sexual violence education in schools.
Through free monthly survivor healing groups, Abbey is helping create spaces for connection, recovery and empowerment.
Her advocacy is contributing to important conversations and practical change across South Australia.
Jemima Leydon
Cancer ambassador
Jemima Leydon is using her personal experience with childhood cancer to raise awareness, support families and advance medical research.
Diagnosed with ovarian cancer at just five years old, Jemima underwent emergency surgery, chemotherapy and months of hospital treatment.
As a teenager, learning about the low survival rate associated with ovarian cancer inspired her to become an advocate for improved awareness, research and patient outcomes.
Since 2016, Jemima has raised more than $170,000 for medical research and contributed to the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation’s Lived Experience Advisory Panel, helping ensure patient perspectives are considered in research funding decisions.
Recognised as an Advocacy Trailblazer by the Foundation in 2025, she also serves as a community ambassador and as a junior ambassador for the Childhood Cancer Association.
Now 25, Jemima continues to turn her lived experience into a powerful force for change, supporting families affected by cancer and advocating for a future with better outcomes for patients.
Edward Robinson
Space educator and entrepreneur
Edward Robinson is making space science and engineering more accessible to students around the world through hands-on learning and innovative educational technology.
Inspired by a passion for space that began in high school, Edward recognised the value of connecting classroom theory with real-world engineering experiences.
In 2022, while studying electrical and mechatronic engineering, he founded Robinson Aerospace.
The company develops RASCube, an educational satellite kit that enables students to build a functional satellite replica, collect live data and conduct experiments.
Since its establishment, Robinson Aerospace has delivered more than 1,700 space education kits to over 200 schools across 18 countries, providing tens of thousands of students with opportunities to explore genuine space systems.
At 23, Edward is helping students develop technical knowledge, teamwork and problem-solving skills while making advanced STEM education more accessible, regardless of a school’s location or resources.
2027 SA Australia’s Local Hero Nominees
Jordan Box
Community engagement champion
Jordan Box has dedicated much of his life to volunteering, community development, emergency services and supporting those in need.
Beginning his service with St John Ambulance as a teenager, Jordan has spent more than 20 years training cadets and volunteers, while also taking on leadership roles in emergency response.
During the Black Saturday bushfires, he served as a post commander, coordinating a diverse national team in challenging circumstances.
His commitment to service extends to Scouting, Australian Defence Force Cadets and Disaster Relief Australia.
Drawing on his experiences in the Australian Defence Force, Jordan has also helped establish para-biathlon pathways for wounded veterans and continues to support veterans and their families through Legacy and the RSL.
At 37, Jordan’s contribution reflects a commitment to community service, leadership and creating opportunities for others.
Neil Davis
Violence prevention advocate
Neil Davis has transformed personal tragedy into a powerful movement to prevent violence and educate young Australians about the consequences of their choices.
Following the death of his 17-year-old son Sam, who was fatally struck by a single punch at a party, Neil established The Sammy D Foundation in 2008.
Through the Foundation, Neil shares his family’s experience to challenge attitudes towards violence and encourage young people to make safer, more responsible decisions.
His message focuses on the lasting consequences of a single moment and the importance of recognising risks, walking away from conflict and seeking help.
At 63, Neil has delivered more than 2,000 presentations to young people across schools, sporting clubs and juvenile justice programs.
His work is helping reshape attitudes towards violence and empowering young Australians with the knowledge and confidence to make positive choices.
Fahim Hashimy
Media changemaker
Fahim Hashimy is using journalism, filmmaking and storytelling to celebrate cultural diversity, strengthen community connections and share important stories.
Originally from Afghanistan, Fahim arrived in Adelaide in 2008 and became fascinated by the history of the Afghan cameleers who played an important role in Australia’s development.
Drawing on his journalism background, he produced the documentary Afghan Cameleers in 2014, highlighting the longstanding connections between Afghanistan and Australia.
In 2009, Fahim established FardaTV, an online news outlet providing information and programming for South Australia’s multicultural communities in up to eight languages.
Through FardaTV, he helps newly arrived Australians better understand their rights and responsibilities while creating opportunities for diverse communities to share their experiences.
In 2016, he also founded the Ghan International Film Festival Australia, which has grown into an annual six-day festival featuring screenings in Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney.
At 48, Fahim continues to use media and storytelling to amplify underrepresented voices and celebrate the cultural diversity that shapes Australian society.
Andrew Plastow
Education leader
Proud Kamilaroi man Andrew Plastow is transforming education through a commitment to culturally informed, inclusive and community-centred learning.
As Principal of Alberton Primary School from 2004 to 2019, Andrew led the school’s transformation into a centre of educational excellence.
Driven by a vision for a different approach to learning, he went on to establish Ngutu College, an independent kindergarten to Year 12 school on Kaurna Country in Woodville North.
Since opening in 2021, Ngutu College has grown to more than 300 students, with approximately half identifying as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander.
The school’s approach places Aboriginal knowledge, culture and community at the heart of education, encouraging students to explore their learning through creative projects, performances and exhibitions.
At 57, Andrew continues to champion equitable educational opportunities and demonstrate how culturally informed, child-centred learning can strengthen outcomes for students, families and communities.
Celebrating South Australia’s Remarkable Contributions
The 16 South Australian nominees are among 130 individuals recognised across the country as part of the 2027 Australian of the Year Awards.
Their stories reflect the many ways individuals can contribute to Australian life, whether through professional excellence, volunteering, advocacy, innovation or a commitment to helping others.
Together, they highlight the extraordinary impact that dedication, compassion and a willingness to act can have on our communities.
The 2027 South Australian award recipients will be announced on Thursday 5 November 2026 in Adelaide. The ceremony will also be available to watch via livestream at australianoftheyear.org.au.
The four South Australian award recipients will then join recipients from across the other states and territories as finalists for the national Australian of the Year Awards, announced in Canberra on 25 January 2027.
Learn more about the Australian of the Year Awards and this year’s nominees at australianoftheyear.org.au.