Who are the 2020 finalists for Australian of the Year?

This year marks the 60th anniversary of the Australian of the Year awards. The national finalists for the four awards represent a diverse cross-section of Australian society, from doctors, scientists, and educators to volunteers, storytellers, and advocates. .......... looks at the 2020 finalists.

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian and 2020 NSW Australian of the Year Professor Munjed Al Muderis Source: AAP

When Professor Munjed Al Muderis [[MOON-jed AL muh-DAIR-iss]] fled Saddam Hussein's Iraq in 1999, he was focused purely on survival.

 

After travelling from Malaysia  to Australia in a leaky, wooden boat, he was held in detention for 10 months before being granted refugee status.

 

Today, he's one of the country's top orthopaedic surgeons, and a finalist for Australian of the Year for his contribution to medicine and his humanitarian work.