Russell Goldflam - Lawyer and alcohol reform advocate (Alice Springs)
One of the Territory's best known criminal defence lawyers, Russell Goldflam leads the Alice Springs office of the NorthernTerritory Legal Aid Commission. As its principal legal officer, Russell represents what his colleagues call the “most difficult” cases. An admired role model and teacher to the many young lawyers who pass through his office, Russell also contributes generously to community groups in Alice Springs. A passionate advocate of alcohol reform, Russell is a member of the People’s Alcohol Action Coalition and is working with medical practitioners and other community leaders to find solutions to alcohol-fuelled violence, offences and family breakdown. Known as something of a ‘Renaissance Man’, Russell collects teaspoons, writes limericks for an online dictionary and his band, Rusty and the Infidels, recently released an album. A White Ribbon Ambassador, Russell continues to act for men accused of domestic violence, while walking proudly with his brothers and sisters in the struggle to end violence against women.
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Will MacGregor - Youth worker (Alice Springs)
Having experienced severe drug and alcohol problems in his youth, Will MacGregor understands the challenges facing many young people in the Northern Territory. After getting help for his addictions – and remaining sober for more than three decades – Will wanted to help others. Following consultation with Aboriginal elders and community leaders from across the Territory, Will started taking young people into the bush for days at a time to help them dry out and detox. After several years of operating from the back of a 4WD, Will gained funding in 2009 and BushMob was born. Now a 20-bed facility with 28 staff, BushMob takes marginalised young people ‘out bush’ to build their self-esteem and respect for each other. The participants tackle problems like alcohol and drug abuse, violence and suicide and can remain in the program for up to two months. Will is focused on natural healing, cultural respect and empowerment to help young people make positive choices and rebuild their lives.
Helen Summers - Optometrist and humanitarian (Fannie Bay)
While working as a graduate optometrist in Kenya, Helen Summers witnessed the impact of poor vision care and preventable blindness on education and employment. This experience inspired Helen to start her own practice in Darwin and to pursue outreach work in remote communities. Launching Helen Summers Optometrist in 1998 with second-hand equipment, Helen soon established eight outreach clinics spanning 1,500 kilometres across the Top End – from Katherine to Kakadu, and from Nhulunbuy to Arnhem Land. Helen undertakes comprehensive eye examinations, manages diabetic vision care and glaucoma, and provides visual perceptual and neuro-optometry services for children and adults with reading difficulties and autism. A chair and director of many vision-related national and international organisations, Helen has also created a resource for ready-made glasses, disused frames and low-cost eyewear for people living in remote Indigenous communities or suffering from financial hardship. Helen’s determination to improve optometry care is making a real difference to the lives of many and closing the gap on Indigenous disadvantage.
Vicki O’Halloran AM - Business and Welfare Leader (Larrakeyah)
With an abiding determination to build an inclusive society in which all citizens have the opportunity to contribute, Vicki O’Halloran has devoted her entire career – and many volunteer hours – to welfare services throughout the Northern Territory. As the Chief Executive Officer of Somerville Community Services, Vicki leads a team of 220 people working to improve the lives of those struggling to find their place in a complex and changing world. Sitting on many boards and committees, Vicki is President of National Disability Services, Australia’s peak body for non-government disability service organisations. While her reputation as a strategic leader and trouble-shooter is legendary, she is equally visible in grass roots roles, taking on community bike rides, chatting to people at fundraisers or wrapping Christmas presents at shopping centres. An early childhood educator, editor of Children Australia magazine and a Justice of the Peace, Vicki’s ‘can do’ attitude is infectious and inspires many to make the world a better place.