Dr Robert ‘Bob’ Irving

Dr Robert ‘Bob’ Irving

Veterinarian & SA Nominee Senior Australian of the Year 2019

Since 1996, veterinarian surgeon Dr Bob Irving has spent half of each year travelling to Aboriginal remote communities in the Anangu-Yankunyjatjara-Pitjantjatjara (AYP) lands in South Australia, Western Australia and the Northern Territory to treat sick animals, mostly dogs. 

Funded by government Dog Health Program, Bob travels by road to many remote areas in dangerous terrain. In early days, he often had to camp out with his swag and cook over an open fire. Originally beginning in South Australia, he soon realised that dogs were travelling from interstate for sporting events, funerals and ceremonial activities, so he extended the program to communities in Western Australia and the Northern Territory. 

His valuable service helps reduces the risk of transmission of the skin infections, diarrheal diseases and chronic gut parasitic infections from dogs to humans. It also controls the population size of dogs, ensures dogs don’t suffer the painful consequences of mange, and humanely removes sick or troublesome dogs from the population. 

Meet our Ambassadors

Anthony Hart

Anthony Hart

Mental Health Advocate & Nominee South Australian Local Hero 2022

In November 2003, Anthony Hart made a significant attempt on his life. Through a remarkable stroke of luck, he clung onto life and survived. Since then, Anthony has been on a mission to empower men to identify and address challenges before they escalate into serious mental health issues.
Ingrid Kennerley

Ingrid Kennerley

Mental Health Advocate & 2019 South Australia Citizen of the Year

After her husband’s suicide, Ingrid displayed incredible strength and resilience, guiding her children through the tragedy, and maintaining her volunteering and support roles that are so vital to small communities.
Bill Denny AM BM

Bill Denny AM BM

Veteran, Community Advocate & SA Nominee Senior Australian of the Year 2022

Bill’s deep and long-standing commitment to the ex-service community has been demonstrated through his role as Chair of the RSL ANZAC Day Committee, Chair of the ANZAC Day Commemoration Council and as founder of the ANZAC Eve Youth Vigil.
Dr Gill Hicks AM MBE

Dr Gill Hicks AM MBE

Motivational Speaker for peace South Australian of the Year 2015 & Australian of the Year Finalist 2015

Gill Hicks is considered to be one of the most thought provoking, powerful and life affirming speakers in Australia and the UK. She is globally known as a survivor of the London terrorist Bombings on July 7th, 2005. 
Professor Helen Marshall AM

Professor Helen Marshall AM

Vaccination researcher & SA State Recipient Australian of the Year 2022

Professor Helen Marshall AM is one of Australia’s most celebrated and recognised vaccination researchers. Specialising in vaccinology, public health and infectious diseases at the University of Adelaide’s Robinson Research Institute, Helen has been involved in game-changing studies that have had a global impact. 
Cate Fowler AM

Cate Fowler AM

Theatre Producer, Director & SA Nominee Australian of the Year 2010

Cate is a theatre producer and director specialising in professional performance work for children and family audiences. She founded Windmill Performing Arts which provides high-quality performance experiences to inspire and enrich the learning and imagination of children. Under her direction Windmill quickly became the number one company in Australia for children’s and family theatre. 
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