Past Award Finalists and Recipients
Australian of the Year
National Finalist Australian of the Year 2013
Adventure teacher Andrew Hughes has combined his two great passions: inspiring students from diverse backgrounds, and building awareness of the importance of our natural world. Seven years ago, Andrew developed the innovative teaching program Expedition Class, where primary students follow him into the wilderness by satellite link and interact live as he tackles challenging landscapes and situations Andrew has also developed the high school expedition program Skullbone in which students are re-engaged, linking curriculum to their own real adventures on expeditions. Andrew began in 2006 by kayaking 5,000 km through rough seas and crocodile-infested waters from Hobart to Cape York. Since then he has undertaken more extraordinary adventures, including surviving on a desert island, and exploring coastal and internal Papua New Guinea. Having started the programs at significant personal and financial expense, he has built support through the Bookend Trust and several patrons, including author Bryce Courtenay. Andrew is the 2012 Power of One Awardee, and is a key part of the award-winning Bookend team recognised by the Tasmanian Government, the United Nations Association of Australia, the Banksia Environmental Foundation, and named Australian Geographic's Conservationist of the Year.