The Latest Breaking News from Shanna Whan

Fire with fire: growing fight to shift booze culture

More than a decade after a rural woman started a charity by sharing her story of alcohol addiction, a movement to reframe boozy bush culture is in high demand.

AAP · Jan 23

How horses, pumpkins and corn flakes made a bush legend

A craft competition on the back of a cereal box, a deep love of horses and a quirky pumpkin festival have shaped one woman's life of service to rural Australia.

AAP · Jan 25, 2025

They're the local heroes who inspire us

For 20 years the Australian of the Year Awards have celebrated inspiring local heroes

Newcastle Herald · Jan 19, 2023

Queen Elizabeth II tells the 2022 Australians of the Year they're doing 'marvelous work' in Zoom interview

While looking for a way to commemorate the 70 years of service from Queen Elizabeth II, a staff member of the Governor-General came up with an idea: if the Queen is unable to travel to Australia, why not take the best of Australia to her?

ABC News · Jun 3, 2022

Australian of the Year Dylan Alcott: ‘I sit here as a proud man with a disability’

All-round legend Dylan Alcott has once again made history as the first person with a disability to be named Australian of the Year. 

The New Daily · Jan 25, 2022

Paralympian and disability advocate Dylan Alcott named 2022 Australian of the Year

Dylan Alcott, a 31-year-old athlete, Paralympian, philanthropist, media commentator and advocate, receives the prestigious award for achievements in both his sport and his disability awareness work.

ABC News · Jan 25, 2022

Addict overcomes adversity, becomes 'hero'

Sober in the Country founder Shanna Whan, who used her struggle with alcoholism to help others, is Australia's 2022 Local Hero.

AAP · Jan 25, 2022

Australian of the Year Local Heroes for 2022 are people who keep Australia together

They volunteer, start social enterprises, work with those in need and create supportive connections across Australia. Meet the nominees for the Australian of the Year Local Hero category.

ABC News · Jan 21, 2022