From Refugee to State Leadership

Mr Hieu Van Le AC

Lieutenant Governor of South Australia & Chairman of the South Australian Multicultural and Ethnic Affairs Commission (SAMEAC)

Hieu Van Le is one of Australia’s great success stories. Coming by boat to Australia amongst the country’s first intake of Vietnamese refugees, Hieu’s hard work, strong values and commitment to the community have seen him rise to the esteemed role of Lieutenant Governor of South Australia.

Also the Chairman of the South Australian Multicultural and Ethnic Affairs Commission (SAMEAC), Hieu built his career on the back of an economics degree and MBA from the University of Adelaide, progressing to become a CPA and Fellow Member of FINSIA while working as a senior investigator and manager with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC).

However it has been Hieu’s community leadership and commitment to social inclusion that has earned him the greatest respect.  Hieu has worked not only to bridge the gap between refugees and the broader community, but he has also been active in working to improve indigenous disadvantage as well as the treatment of the underprivileged, the elderly and people with a disability.

A recipient of the 1996 Australia Day Medal for outstanding service to ASIC, Hieu has also been awarded the Centenary of Federation Medal for service to the advancement of multiculturalism.

Married to wife Lan, Hieu’s two sons couldn’t have more Aussie names – his son Don is named after the great Don Bradman, while his son Kim was named after former Australian cricket team captain Kim Hughes.

From Bali Bombing Survivor to Burns Charity Hero

Julian Burton OAM

CEO & Founder Julian Burton Burns Trust

An accomplished SANFL footballer, Julian Burton’s life was changed forever in 2002 when he suffered life threatening third degree burns to his body in the Bali Bombings terrorist attacks. During his long rehabilitation and recovery, Julian was inspired to give back to the people and communities who gave their time, skills, and generosity in supporting not only himself, but many others less fortunate than him. From his personal experience, Julian knew burn injuries were devastating both emotionally and physically.

With no national burn care community organisation in existence, in 2003 Julian was driven to found the Julian Burton Burns Trust. His research uncovered that burn injury is one of the top three causes of accidental death in children under five years of age and is one of the three most common injuries in Australia each year. Statistics show that two thirds of burn injuries are preventable.

Today, with Julian’s guidance, passion and vision, the Julian Burton Burns Trust has become Australia’s first national community organisation solely committed to prevention, care and research associated with burn injury.

Having helped so many, Julian’s dedication was recognised with an Order of Australia (OAM) in 2006, while he was named South Australian of the Year in 2010.

From Emmy Awards to Third World Polio Protection

Penny LeGate

Anchor, Kiro TV Seattle & Ambassador for the PolioPlus Program

Having spent 30 years in broadcasting, hosting, reporting, writing and producing television and radio, Seattle TV Anchor Penny Le Gate has earned a reputation for telling both daring and heartwarming stories. 

As an Emmy Award winning presenter with KIRO 7 Eyewitness News, Penny has swum with sharks, climbed the toughest mountains and travelled hundreds of kilometres across remote roads in Africa by bike.

But her deeds are not simply notable for her willingness to step out of her comfort zone – Penny has for many years worked with Rotary as a PolioPlus Ambassador, raising both awareness and money in the quest of eradicating Polio once and for all.  A devotee of charitable pursuits connected to children, animals and the environment, Penny has travelled to Ethiopia every year since 2002 to raise awareness of global health issues. Her charitable missions have also taken her to Ghana, Bolivia and Uganda during this time.

While Penny’s professional work has several times been awarded with prestigious Emmy awards, so too has Penny’s contribution to charitable work been formally recognised, Rotary presenting Penny with numerous Paul Harris Fellowship commendations. 

Originally from Nebraska, Penny holds both a Bachelor in Broadcast Journalism and a Masters in Telecommunications. Now living in Seattle with her husband, two daughters and a bunch of rescued animals, Penny is looking forward to again taking time out from her immensely busy schedule to travel to her next distant land...South Australia!

From South Australia to the World

Glenn Cooper AM

Executive Chairman & Marketing Director Coopers Brewery

As Executive Chairman of Coopers Brewery, Glenn Cooper extends a family dynasty dating back to 1862. One of Australia’s favourite beer brands, the secrets of Coopers special ales have been passed down through 5 generations, with Glenn and his cousin Tim today leading the South Australian business.

With qualifications in electronic engineering, computing and marketing, prior to joining Coopers Glenn had a successful background in IT and even once worked for a rival company to Coopers – SA Brewing. But today his heart and head are behind the marketing of Coopers Ales, Stouts and Home Brews, beers recognised both at home and abroad for their excellence.

As the Marketing Director of the family brewery he was one advised not to join because of expectations it might not survive long-term, Glenn has seen Coopers grow into one of Australia’s favourite choices, with a burgeoning export market. 

The secret - A focus not on profits, but instead on quality and tradition. Truly a perspective we can all say cheers to!

From Adelaide University to Space 

Ms. Elise Fahy

Aerospace Engineering & Science Student

Having dreamed of becoming an Astronaut since she was a little girl, Elise Fahy is a young woman on a mission: to fulfil her goal of becoming an Astronaut.

The Adelaide University student is in her third year of a five year double degree in Aerospace Engineering and Science and has been making steady progress towards making real her remarkable aspirations. Having won a national essay competition on the importance of maths and science to the future of Australia, Elise was awarded a silver medallion that Australia’s first ever astronaut (and fellow South Australian), Andy Thomas, took into space. Discussions with Thomas hardened Elise’s resolve and solidified her belief that an eventual career at NASA was a realisable dream.

More recently, Elise was sponsored by the Rotary Club of Holdfast Bay to attend a 3 week Conference in Paris  by the International Institute of Women in Engineering, Elise one of 50 in the world to be  selected as a representative at the forum. Developing numerous contacts and networks in the Engineering world at the Conference, Elise has been greatly appreciative of the opportunity Rotary has provided.

Currently President of the Adelaide chapter of Robogals Australia, a student-run organisation that aims to engage schoolgirls in engineering topics from a young age, Elise hopes to work in large aircraft or spacecraft companies following university before progressing to her eventual goal. ‘

To infinity and beyond!