Professor Richard Bruggemann

Disability advocate & SA State Recipient Senior Australian of the Year 2021

At 80 years old, 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.

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. 
Dr Robert ‘Bob’ Irving

Dr Robert ‘Bob’ Irving

Veterinarian, SA Nominee Senior Australian of the Year 2019

For 28 years veterinarian surgeon Dr Bob Irving 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.
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. 
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