Yahoo Lifestyle Deborra-Lee Furness Is The NSW Australian Of The Year
Deborra-Lee Furness. Photo: Getty Images
Deborra-Lee Furness has become the fourth female nominee for the 2015 Australian of the Year awards after taking the regional spot for New South Wales. Furness joins domestic violence awareness campaigner Rosie Batty (VIC), child protection activist Hetty Johnston (QLD) and humanitarian Rosalie Kunoth-Monks (NT) as the women nominated as regional Australians of the Year. So far, four out of the six nominees are women, although WA and SA have yet to announce their finalists.
Furness was recognised for her tireless campaigning for adoption rights in Australia. In 2008, Furness – who is the mother of two adopted children with her husband Hugh Jackman – established National Adoption Week to raise awareness about the thousands of Australian families who adopt children both locally and abroad.
She was also applauded for her humanitarian roles with organisations such as World Vision and her significance as an arts advocate through such endeavours as her Jackman Furness Foundation.
The national award winner will be announced on January 25 next year, just prior to Australia Day celebrations, in Canberra.
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