Morcombes, Queensland's Australian of the Year

• Australian of the Year: Bruce and Denise Morcombe for their work in raising child safety awareness through the Daniel Morcombe Foundation.

• **Senior Australian of the Year: **David Williamson AO for his work in enhancing the arts and entertaining all Australians as a successful playwright.

• Young Australian of the Year: Chris Raine for his contribution to helping change the drinking culture among young Australians through his organisation Hello Sunday Morning.

• Local Hero: Doug Hislop for his act of bravery in saving lives during the Queensland floods.

Ms Bligh said: “These awards are a great honour, and I congratulate all of our finalists and recipients for their commitment and contribution to the State of Queensland.
“Their strong sense of community and willingness to act is a trait to be celebrated and recognised,” said Premier Bligh.
The Queensland award recipients will join recipients from other states and territories as finalists for the national awards.
The national awards will be announced by The Honourable Julia Gillard, Prime Minister of Australia in Canberra on 25 January 2012.