Jonathon Welch – performer, conductor, teacher, speaker

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Australia Day Awards – Australian of the Year Local Hero 2008

Receiving my Australia Day Award from the Prime Minister I am deeply honoured to have been awarded the Australian of the Year Local Hero for 2008 by the Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd and you – the people of Australia. To all those that nominated me for this wonderful award and to all those who have supported and given me such inspiration for the work that I do, thank you for the honour of being able to make my contribution to the country that I love and has given me so much in return.

Below is the speech I made accepting the beautiful glass artwork with my name proudly engraved under the two verses of the Australian national anthem:

"I am deeply honoured to receive this award for my work in the music industry supporting the homeless, disadvantaged, gay and broader communities, but even prouder to be standing here tonight as an Australian.

"We can no longer accept homelessness or inequality, legally or morally – in any form, in this magnificent country in the 21st Century. Mental illness, depression, substance and sexual abuse, along with isolation is at epidemic proportions and lies at the cause of many of the issues that we face today – intervention through education is essential for us to assist and understand – along with increased funding – but it is everyone’s responsibility to take ownership as a nation of people that can help ourselves, to help those who can't.

"We have it within our power to fix these problems – each and every one of us – if we work together!

"Charity must begin not just at home, but in the home and on the streets – in our hearts – as well as our pockets.

"Let’s return to a society that connects through caring about our neighbours – and all human beings for that matter – regardless of race, creed, colour, or sexual orientation – and show the world that the values of love and compassion are the hallmark of what it is to be Australian.

"To everyone that has supported me in my journey – my teachers, friends in life and music, family – in particular my wonderful partner Matt, my beautiful Choir of Hard Knocks members and RecLink Australia – along with all the other nominees and every person that works with the indigent and marginalised communities – you are my heroes– and I’m proud to accept this award on your behalf."