Adam Goodes Australian of the Year

[Spinking]

Mixed feelings also. He is a nice bloke who has done some really good work, using his profile to draw attention to an important issue. Is the value of his work really comparable to people who save lives or deliver great scientific breakthroughs?

I suppose Ida Buttrose won it last year, and I rate Goodsey above her...

[Noz]

Look, I agree with you guys to a point, but let's be completely fair here.

A lot of people who are up for these awards, like for instance, scientists like the one a few years back who won it for inventing like spray on skin for burns patients, do dedicate their lives to the thing that wins them the award. However, to be fair, they're also employed and paid to do so (using this case specifically). While Goodes is paid to play football- anything else comes completely out of his own time/ pocket.

anyway, ziplock out. :P I dont know enough about the other nominees to argue this either way :P

List of Australian of the year award winners and their profession

Non-science academic = 2
Religion = 2
Community Service = 2
Politics/Public office = 3
Military service = 3
Business = 3
Science (Non-medical) = 5
Indigenous affairs = 5
Medical Science = 8
Sports = 14

[Ziplock]

That's a monstrous overrepresentation of sportspeople.

that being said, for some issues, like indigenous issues, you do need high profile and respected community members like elite athletes to get significant attention.

but, w.e

[SydneyRox]

http://www.afl.com.au/news/2014-01-26/goodes-top-honour

Firstly, well done to Adam, he does deserve recognition for all the work he has done for a long time outside of footy. He also is deserving for how he handled himself last year, thrust into the spotlight and used as a racial football by the media in the middle of what would have been a very hard time for him personally.

in regards to the over representation by sports people, i think that is just more a statement about us as a country. We are rabid sports fans across many disciplines. It is natural that these athletes become elevated in reputation above other professions. However in the wake of all the poor stories about sports stars behaviour, Adam and the way he behaves is someone all sports stars should try and replicate.

[Capper]

Well done Goodesy.

On another note the big canuck has become an Aussie citizen as well.