2008 South Australian of the Year Winners
2008 South Australian of the Year - Mike Turtur
The man who conceptualized and developed the Tour Down Under was 2008 South Australian of the Year, Mike Turtur.
In January 2008, the Tour Down Under celebrated its 10th anniversary and its first year as an official Pro Tour event. The six day event, saw almost 550,000 people attend the most successful Tour ever and the biggest spectator event in the State.
In 2008, Mike, the Tour’s Race Director, secured the greatest name ever in world cycling, Lance Armstrong who came out of retirement to take part in the 2009 tour.
“I’ve never been a bragger, but one thing I’ve always been proud to brag about was the fact that I am South Australian. That goes as far back to when I was 15 and I made my first State team and how proud I was to have the States logo on my chest and the letters on my sleeve.” Mike Turtur
2008 Young South Australian of the Year - Matt Cowdrey
2008 was a busy year for South Australian paralympic swimming champion Matt Cowdrey. As well as being named the Young South Australian of the Year Matt has also been named the Paralympian of the Year and Male Athlete of the Year in honour of his multiple successes in Beijing.
After breaking five world records, winning five gold and three silver medals, Matt Cowdrey was named the greatest athlete to compete at the Beijing Paralympics.
2008 South Australian of the Year Category Award Winners
1. Sports Central District Football Club
The Central District Bulldogs, SANFL League Premiers for 2008, are recognized for winning their seventh Grand Final since 2000 and for their support of the local football community.
2. Community Maxine Weber
For 31 years, Maxine Weber has worked hard to raise awareness for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and has been instrumental in establishing Australia’s first charity day – Red Nose Day.
3. Health Professor Richard Ruffin
Richard Ruffin is the Professor of Medicine at the University of Adelaide and Queen Elizabeth Hospital and has secured countless grants for research in respiratory conditions.
4. Environment Professor Mike Young
Professor Mike Young has suggested a framework for restructuring water licenses, and has proposed a template for the restoration of the Murray Darling Basin.
5. Arts Fiona Hall
Fiona Hall, regarded as one of Australia’s leading visual Artists, is recognized both nationally and internationally for her achievements.
6. Education Australian Science and Mathematics School
Under the leadership of Principal Jim Davies, the ASMS is recognized for its innovative curriculum in science and maths, by offering new areas of study such as nanotechnology and laser science.
7. Science Professor John Hopwood
Professor John Hopwood is recognized for his dedication in finding a cure for genetic diseases that severely impact on quality of life and longevity.
8. Business Robert Hill Smith
At 34, Robert Hill Smith became one of the youngest Managing Directors in the Australian Wine Industry, leading the Yalumba Wine Company to international success.
9. Tourism Jacob’s Creek Visitor Centre
The Jacob’s Creek Visitor Centre, a world-class facility at the southern gateway to the Barossa is built on environmentally sustainable development principles.
Previous South Australian of the Year Award Winners:
- 2007 Professor Laureate John Ralston
- 2006 Rolf de Heer
- 2005 Professor Denise Bradley AO
- 2004 Sister Janet Mead
- 2003 Malcolm Kinnaird AO
- 2002 Robert Champion de Crespigny AC
- 2001 Lleyton Hewitt
- 2000 Robert Gerard AO
Previous Young South Australian of the Year Winners:
- 2007 Niki Vasilakis
- 2006 Nick Palousis
- 2005 Heidi Bartram
- 2004 Dr Erin Symonds
To find out more about the 2007 South Australian of the Year (Laureate Professor John Ralston) and the 2007 Young South Australian of the Year (Niki Vasilakis), click here.