Former footballer turned human rights activist Craig Foster named NSW Australian of the Year

Former footballer-turned-human rights activist Craig Foster has been named New South Wales’ nominee for Australian of the Year.

Foster was touted as the next Australian of the Year in 2019 after helping secure the release of refugee footballer Hakeem Al-Araibi.

Prominent SBS broadcaster used its network of past and present athletes, sports journalists and politicians to advocate for Al-Alaibi’s release after he was arrested in Thailand and threatened with extradition to Bahrain. I lobbied for it.

While celebrating Al-Araibi’s freedom, Foster continued to fight for other refugees in custody. He also helped the Afghan women’s national football team and other women and girls flee Afghanistan when the Taliban took control last August.

Accepting the award, Foster urged all Australians to do what they can to contribute to “positive multiculturalism”.

“When one of our beautiful multicultural communities is in trouble, it is all of our responsibility to reach out and cross that line. If one of our faith groups is attacked, All of us must immediately assist them.

“It doesn’t matter what tools or platforms we have. Just do something, say something and help make Australia a better place by doing it.”

He said multicultural communities still face a lot of racism and discrimination in Australia.

“Every signature, every statement of solidarity and support, every positive message is incredibly important to the rest of the community that needs us. Never underestimate how powerful you are.”

Born in Lismore in northern New South Wales, Foster made his debut for Sydney United in 1988. He played his 29th in football looses.

Despite his stance on human rights issues, Foster will be part of the SBS broadcast team covering the FIFA World Cup in Qatar from the end of this month.

After considering boycotting the event, Foster decided to attend from Sydney and use the opportunity to discuss human rights issues such as the treatment of homosexuals and women.

The 53-year-old was recently elected as the new president of the Australian Republic Movement.

Other local heroes honored

New South Wales Premier Dominic Perrotet announced Foster was named New South Wales Australian of the Year at a ceremony held at Luna Park on Wednesday evening.

Turbans 4 Australia founder Amar Singh has been named a NSW Local Hero for packing and distributing food and grocery baskets to those in need in Western Sydney.

He urged the New South Wales government to listen to charities responding to this year’s floods and other disasters and speed up the fundraising process so they can help more people at risk. I urged you to do so.

Palliative care pioneer and advocate Teresa Plain has been named NSW Senior Australian of the Year.

In 1978 Mr Plain opened a hospice and palliative care unit at Mount Carmel Hospital in Western Sydney, admitting patients on the basis of need rather than ability to pay.

The 89-year-old later founded Macquarie Hospice, a home care and day care center.

“In 1970, palliative care was not a word in the dictionary of medical professionals. Today, thanks to so many dedicated doctors and nurses, we are all advancing palliative care. “We are doing it,” Mr Plain said.

“What is palliative care? It’s love in action. It’s a journey of hope and faith.”

NSW Young Australia of the Year is Vanish founder and Sustainability Champion Lottie Dalziel.

In 2018, she made a New Year’s resolution to be kinder to the planet. While many of us struggle to keep to these commitments, the 29-year-old didn’t give up, even though she found it difficult to find accurate information on recycling and waste.

Instead, she launched the Banish website to provide authoritative information on how to reduce waste.

“It’s so easy, there’s no reason not to live sustainably and recycle properly. Get your hands dirty and start composting. I encourage you to think about

The Australian of the Year will be announced in Canberra on 25th January.