Mr Australian of the Year 2012

Mr G. Rush was awarded Australian of the Year for his National and International achievement in the world of acting, and for his work towards the art and film industry in Australia.  Geoffrey is a pure professional who is a true perfectionist in everything he does. He's an extraordinary and highly inspiring human being. We wish him good luck wearing the Akubra for a year. (all photos are copywrited Mari Ekkje)

Senior Australian of the Year 2012

Laurie Baymarrwangga was awarded Senior Australian of the Year 2012 for her work towards preserving her homeland. She has been living her whole life on Murrunga, a tiny island in the Arafura Sea of northern Australia that can only be reached by charter plane or by boat. I cannot tell you how fascinating it was to get to meet her and see the Island of where she and her community lives. I can only hope that I will get the opportunity to go back and  visit them all again. Fingers crossed. (all photos are copywrited to Mari Ekkje)

Local Hero 2012

The Local Hero 2012 is Lynne Sawyers. She has for the last 15 years been fostering over 200 children, and at the age of 63 she is continuing to do so and she sees no reason to stop. She has changed the life of so many children with giving them a home and an unlimited amount of love. We wish her all the best in the future and hoping to see her again soon. (photo is copywrited to Mari Ekkje)

Young Australian of the Year 2012

Marita Cheng was awarded the Young Australian of the Year 2012,  for her efforts in encouraging young women to take up a career in engineering. In 2008, Marita established Robogals as part of this force of change, as a way to encourage and educate schoolgirls about engineering and how it can contribute to daily life. Robogals has operated workshops for 3,000 girls across 80 schools Australia wide. Marita is an incredible smart young lady and I'm very much looking forward to see what see will do in the future.

Australians of the Year 2012

 Donna Cross - Children's advocate 

Kieran Brown - St Johns Amulance

Victor Zappner - Jazz Musician

Robbert Pennicott - Concervatorist

Gregory Irons - Wildlife rescue campaigner

Betty Churcher - Arts Icon

 Angus Houston - Military leader

 Barbara Holborow - Children's champion

 Bruce and Denise Morcombe - Child protection advocates

 Rob Cook - Disability champion

 David Williamson - Play writer 

 Robyn Layton - Social justice advocate

Ahmed Dini - Social worker

In the last three months of 2011 we zigzagged Australia filming a nominee packed for all the 32 nominees for the yearly Australian of the Year Award. It was the most incredible experience where we got to meet a bunch of amazing jaw dropping inspiring people. (all the photos above are copywrited to Mari Ekkje)

Berry Mountain Farm

We rented this original 1840's slab cottage situated on a hilltop just a few km outside Berry. The cottage is on a farmers property, where the farmer Kevin let's you pick fresh vegetables and herbs from his garden.  It was the most relaxing stay.

Just a few more.....