NSW Premier Barry O’Farrell has congratulated champion Sydney Swans player and indigenous community leader Adam Goodes for being named NSW Australian of the Year 2014.
Mr Goodes and the other NSW Australian of the Year award winners have been honoured at a ceremony in Sydney.
“Adam Goodes is one of the most decorated players in the history of the AFL, with two premierships, two Brownlow Medals as the competition’s best and fairest player and the games record holder for the Swans,” Mr O’Farrell said.
“Away from the football field, Adam works tirelessly in indigenous communities to inspire young people in particular towards furthering their education and having active and healthy lifestyles.
“He has spent time working with troubled youth, including those in youth detention centres, and with his cousin and former teammate Michael O’Loughlin, established the Go Foundation which empowers the next generation of Indigenous role models in all walks of life.
“Adam is a leading advocate in the fight against racism - his actions earlier this year transcended football and reached all parts of Australian society.
“Adam is a great role model for all Australians and he is a very worthy winner of the NSW Australian of the Year.”
The other NSW Australia Day award winners are:
- Peter Ford, inventor - NSW Senior Australian of the Year 2014
- Jacqueline Freney, Paralympian – NSW Young Australian of the Year 2014
- Reverend Graham Long - NSW Local Hero 2014
“I congratulate all winners and finalists in the awards and thank them for the great contribution they are making to the community in a wide range of fields,” Mr O’Farrell said.