Earlier this year, I did something I have never done before. I nominated someone to receive an Australian of the Year award. This extraordinary young woman is the person I nominated for Australian of the Year & Young Australian of the Year. I had never nominated anyone before because no-one had moved and inspired me enough for me to do so. When I first came across Carly's loving work here, I was moved to tears by the courage, commitment and love she lives in every little step she takes and every name of a precious lost child she writes on Christian's beach.
In my wildest of dreams I hoped that maybe Carly would be a finalist and we would finally get to meet each other. Well, yesterday they announced the finalists for each state and while Carly isn't a finalist in her home state of Western Australia, I just want to say publicly, Carly, you are a hero, an inspiration and a blessing to all who cross your path. The world is an infinitely better place because you are in it. You are without question, my Australian of the Year!
