21 June 2018

A distinguished actor, a quantum physician and an NRL star may not at first glance have much in common but their shared career dedication and willingness to help others is on display at the 2018 Australian of the Year Travelling Exhibition, in Geelong.

The free exhibit is the only presentation of its kind in Victoria. It showcases each of the eight state and territory 2018 Australian of the Year recipients and is open to the public at the Geelong Library & Heritage Centre, until Sunday August 5.

The exhibit features personal stories behind each recipient’s inspiring achievement and respective items of significance, including:

• Signed head gear and letter (NRL footballer Johnathan Thurston, Queensland)
• House of Staunton chess set (quantum physics researcher Prof Michelle Simmons, New South Wales)
• Graduation sash and rosary (entrepreneur Mark Devow, ACT)
• Miniature unicycle ‘trophy’ (famed actor Samuel Johnson OAM, Victoria)
• Miniature manuals and ‘Chinese junk’ model (theater director Scott Rankin, Tasmania)
• 3D model nylon skull (craniofacial surgeon Prof David David AC, South Australia)
• Pilbara dirt and citizenship certificate (psychologist Dr Tracy Westerman, Western Australia)
• The Open Heart Story painting (paediatric cardiologist Dr Bo Reményi, Northern Territory).

Geelong Regional Library Corporation Chair, Councillor Ron Nelson says the exhibit, presented in partnership with the National Museum of Australia and National Australia Day Council, ‘serves to inspire visitors to realise their full potential and contribute to the Australian community.’

“The Australian of the Year Award is a symbol of the best our nation can aspire to be, in service to our community. We are delighted to host this prestigious exhibit and welcome visitors from across the region,” Cr Nelson says.

“The exhibit is the result of Geelong Regional Libraries’ active commitment to cultural collaboration and meaningful service to library members and visitors. It aims to provide visitors with special insight into the challenges and triumphs of recipients’ personal journeys, beyond their career achievements.”

“I warmly encourage people to visit the exhibition to learn about these remarkable people and to reflect on their own inspirations,” Cr Nelson says.

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