Grant Burge Wines has proudly announced the recipients of its inaugural ’30 Leaving Their Mark’ awards which champion and recognise the extraordinary achievements of 30 everyday Australians who are making a difference.
From Claire Lane, a former nurse - who founded ‘Save Our Supplies’ to collect surplus usable medical supplies to distribute to disadvantaged communities across the Asia Pacific region - to Matt Bowtell, a former Toyota engineer who designs and 3D prints prosthetic hands that are supplied free to people in need across the world, the ‘30 Leaving Their Mark’ initiative celebrates the work and achievements of inspiring Aussies.
The awards mark the 30th birthday of Grant Burge Wines’ award-winning Sparkling Pinot Noir Chardonnay and recognise individuals who are, in their own unique way, Leaving Their Mark and propelling society forward through their important work in the areas of community, culture and innovation.
The awards underscore Grant Burge Wines’ spirit of generosity with an open call for Australians to nominate the everyday heroes in their lives and communities who were leaving their mark on society and having a positive impact on those around them.
The submissions were then judged by a panel including Paralympian and 2022 Australian of the Year Dylan Alcott, Grant Burge Wines Chief Winemaker Craig Stansborough and Guardian Labs Content and Strategy Director Justine O’Donnell.
Paralympian and Grant Burge Wines Ambassador Dylan Alcott AO says: "These 30 Australians are outstanding examples of how we can all, in our own way, make a difference and leave our mark. We have uncovered some truly sensational stories from these nominations and the dedication of each of these individuals to improve the lives of those around them is deeply inspiring.
"Without any expectation of acknowledgement, these are 30 Aussies who deserve to be celebrated and I have had such an amazing time being part of this meaningful initiative.
"As we recognise these 30 individuals who have left their mark, I hope that shining a light on their stories encourages others to do the same.”
Grant Burge Wines Chief Winemaker Craig Stansborough says: "I am truly honoured to have been part of the ‘30 Leaving Their Mark’ initiative. As a winemaker, I am usually surrounded by grapes, barrels and other winemakers! So, this is not something that I typically get to do and uncovering the extraordinary stories that ring true to our ethos as well as hearing firsthand about how these innovators and game-changers are driven to make a change in the world has been a privilege.
"As we mark the 30th birthday of Grant Burge Wines Sparkling Pinot Noir Chardonnay, let us all toast the outstanding achievements of the ’30 Leaving their Mark’, and look toward what these 30 may achieve next.”
Award Winners by Category:
Community
Those who have made an impact in their community, standing out and promoting cohesion and diversity while moving Australia’s social fabric forward.
•Anja Christoffersen, Champion Health Agency
•Brad Grove, Push Your Limits Project
•Claire Lane, Save our Supplies
•George Karounis, Our Big Kitchen
•Guy Dunstan, Manly’s Temperature Man
•Kyle Goodwin, Silicosis Campaigner
•Melissa Stehr, Access Advisor
•Mirek Craney, Can Too Ocean Swims
•Rodney Callanan, Droplets in a Stream
•Sally Irwin, The Freedom Hub
Culture
Those who have inspired many with their creativity and ambition; Australians who are moving the dial from a cultural perspective.
•Adrian Widjonarko, Places in Sydney
•Carol Smail, Gig Buddies
•Dean Bryant, Director and Writer
•Gail Hewton, RIPE Dance
•Helene Thomas, Pride Finder
•Kent Morris, The Torch
•Michael Campbell, WestWords
•Melle Smith-Haimona, Artist
•Nathan Hawkes, Artist
•Niramsin Yakou, Artist
Innovation
The innovation category celebrated those who boldly challenge the status quo through experimentation and curiosity.
•Andy Murray, Sailability Cairns
•Aniyo Rahebi and Catherine Hutchins, Good-Edi
•Damien Neylon, PARCS Melbourne
•Guy Ballard, Department of Primary Industries and University of New England
•Mat Bowtell, Free 3D Hands
•Lizzie Hedding and Tegan Lerm, Project Planet
•Luke Phillips, Into Carry
