Headlines
AUSTRALIAN OF THE YEAR 2008
27-01-08
Lee has been named Australian of the Year 2008 in front of Parliament House in Canberra.
Prime Minister Rudd paid tribute to Lee for his dedication to helping others.
"Lee Kernaghan's music resonates with every Australian by connecting us all to the spirit of the bush, but more importantly he gives hope and pride to those on the land when they need inspiration most," said the Prime Minister.
"He has rolled up his sleeves to make a real difference for those in need in rural Australia.
"Lee is truly an Australian to make us all proud, you would have to travel a long way to find a better, more genuine bloke then Lee."
Lee was recognised for his support of country communities across Australia and described the award as the proudest moment of his life.
"In all my dreams, I could never have imagined that I'd receive an award like this - it's been a huge surprise and, without doubt, it's the greatest honour I have ever been given in my entire life," said Lee.
"I don't think it's really totally sunk in yet, but it's a humbling experience because I know there is at least a list a mile long of more worthy recipients for the award than myself.
"But now that I have been given the honour, I also feel I have a responsibility to do my very best by my fellow Australians and that's what I am going to be doing."
The Queenslander's tally of Australian Country Music Awards is 24, second only to the legendary Slim Dusty. While his music represents the very essence of the spirit and values of contemporary rural Australia, it is his personal commitment to supporting the people of the land which has made a real difference.
In the past ten years, Lee's 'Pass the Hat Around' tours have raised more than a million dollars for communities in need and his participation in the 'Spirit of the Bush' tours has brightened the lives of farming families doing it tough in the drought.
Lee said he aimed to use his time as Australian of the Year 2008 to bring focus to the plight of families on the land who are struggling against the drought and to also encourage people to support home-grown industries.
"Australia is just coming through the worst drought on record and there are families out there still experiencing extreme hardship," said Lee.
"What I'd like to do is look at ways that, individually and as a nation, we can assist those people - that we can support them and help them get back on their feet again.
"One way we can do that is to buy Australian made and Australian grown - we're securing Australian jobs and we're keeping Australia strong ."
Mr Ralph Norris, CEO of major sponsor Commonwealth Bank, added his congratulations to the Prime Minister's.
"Lee is a larger than life character of the Australian country music scene, but it's the behind the scenes work which he does for rural Australia which sets him apart," Mr Norris said.
"With the country suffering the worst drought in the past hundred years, Lee has been a significant contributor to raising not only the morale of country Australia, but also significant funds to help those in need."
On Australia Day, Lee Kernaghan will take part in Tamworth Country Music Festival celebrations and the CMAA Australian Country Music Awards.
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