The announcement by Prime Minister Scott Morrison is a testament to their remarkable courage following the tragic death of their daughter Amy ‘Dolly’ Everett in January 2018.

The popular teen’s death rocked Katherine and the rest of Australia after the Everett’s founded Dolly’s Dream with Amy’s final cry “Speak even if you voice shakes”.

The Everetts founded Dolly’s Dream to create positive change and a legacy to their 14-year-old daughter.

Dolly’s Dream aims to raise awareness about bullying and its potentially devastating effects on children and families.

It delivers community education on bullying issues and strategies for preventing and mitigating bullying, through cultural change and victim support.

More than 250 communities, including Katherine, have held fundraisers and events to support Dolly's Dream, with a particular focus on regional and rural Australia.

Kate and Tick’s non-stop advocacy, meeting with the Prime Minister and Education and Health Ministers across the country, has resulted in governments taking action to prevent childhood bullying.

Kate and Tick advocate tenaciously on a voluntary basis while continuing to muster cattle, train horses and care for their daughter, Megan, from their home in Katherine.

The award was made by Mr Morrison this evening at a ceremony at The National Arboretum in Canberra.

The joint 2019 Australians of the Year are  Dr Craig Challen SC OAM (WA) and Dr Richard Harris SC OAM (SA)

2019 Senior Australian of the Year – Dr Sue Packer AM (ACT)

2019 Young Australian of the Year – Danzal Baker (NT)

Dr Craig Challen SC OAM of Wangara DC, Western Australia and Dr Richard Harris SC OAM of Adelaide, South Australia were named 2019 Australians of the Year for their heroic efforts as part of an international rescue mission to save 12 boys from flooded caves in Thailand.

Since starting her career as a paediatrician in 1972, Dr Sue Packer AM has worked tirelessly to advocate for the rights of children in our healthcare system and in the wider community.

She has been involved in child abuse prevention through the National Association for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect since its very early days and has treated child abuse victims. Sue has also championed the importance of early childhood environments for the developing brain, leading to recognition by education and government agencies.

The 2019 Young Australian of the Year is 22 year old Indigenous rapper, musician and dancer Danzal Baker, of Darwin.

Working across rap, dance, acting and visual art, Danzal Baker is an inspiration to indigenous youth. A multi-talented, multi-lingual, Indigenous artist, Danzal, otherwise known as Baker Boy, is the first Indigenous artist to achieve mainstream success rapping in the Yolngu Matha language.

Raised in Milingimbi and Maningrida, Danzal rapped his way to national prominence when his single Marryuna was voted into 17th place in Triple J’s Hottest 100 for 2017; a notable follow-up from his debut single Cloud 9, which won Triple J’s Unearthed competition. Danzal is also an award winner at the National Indigenous Music Awards.

He has signed a record deal with Select Music and was handpicked by English rapper Dizzee Rascal to be his Australian support act. In 2018, Danzal won the prestigious Charles Darwin University Art Award at the Northern Territory Young Achievers Awards. Touring Australia extensively, Danzal is using his talent to inspire young people in remote Indigenous communities and encourage them to embrace their culture and embrace opportunities to lead their communities.

Chair of the National Australia Day Council, Danielle Roche OAM, congratulated the 2019 Australian of the Year Award recipients and highlighted their unique contributions.

“The 2019 Australians of the Year are among our nation’s finest citizens,” Ms Roche said.

“They embody the very best of the Australian spirit – a commitment to improving the lives of others, a determination to succeed and the ability to inspire us to think about how we can contribute to our nation.

They are the people that make us proud to be

“Richard Harris and Craig Challen led a heroic rescue under the spotlight of the world’s media. They placed the safety of others above their own and inspired hope when hope seemed lost. Their selflessness, courage and willingness to help others in a time of need typifies the Australian spirit.

“Kate and Tick Everett endured heartbreak and put their own grief aside to drive cultural change, prevent bullying and ensure that other children and parents never have to suffer as their family has. By founding Dolly’s Dream to confront bullying, they have displayed incredible courage and commitment.

“Suzanne Packer is a lifetime advocate for the health, safety and rights of all children. Her dedication to protecting young lives has brought about practical change in treating children and has directly improved the lives of untold children.

“Danzal Baker is an inspirational young Australian, an outstanding musical talent and dedicated advocate for Indigenous Australian culture. Through his music, he inspires young Indigenous Australians to embrace their heritage while sharing his own cultural stories with a wider audience here in Australia, and around the world”.

Dr Craig Challen, Dr Richard Harris, Dr Suzanne Packer, Kate and Tick Everett will attend the National Flag Raising and Citizenship Ceremony in Canberra on Australia Day morning tomorrow.

Craig, Richard, Sue, Kate and Tick will then attend an Australia Day ceremony in Parramatta, Sydney in the early afternoon before appearing at the Sydney Australia Day celebrations at Circular Quay.

Nominations for the 2020 Australian of the Year are now open. If there's someone you think should be considered, you can nominate them now at australianoftheyear.org.au.

While you're with us, you can now receive updates straight to your inbox each Friday at 6am from the Katherine Times. To make sure you're up to date with all the news, sign up here.