Legendary basketballer and Indigenous rights advocate Patty Mills has been named ACT Australian of the Year.
The NBA champion and Boomers captain, who led the side to a breakthrough bronze medal at this year's Tokyo Olympics, beat out a hot field to claim the honour at Friday's ceremony at the National Gallery of Australia.
Mills, 33, was recognised for using his platform as an Indigenous rights advocate and creating pathways for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youths, as well as his work with the Team Mills Foundation, which champions culture, diversity and underprivileged families.
Long-serving St John Ambulance volunteer Valmai Dempsey was named ACT Senior Australian of the Year for her efforts responding to the Black Summer bushfires and COVID-19 pandemic.
CanTeen youth leader Sean Dondas picked up ACT Young Australian of the Year, having spent 13 years providing support for families battling with a cancer diagnosis.
And the ACT Local Hero is Woden School youth worker Luke Ferguson, having through his work helped empower people with disabilities to engage with the community and achieve goals.
The four winners will now head to the national awards which will be announced on January 25.
ACT 2022 AUSTRALIAN OF THE YEAR RECIPIENTS
ACT Australian of the Year - Patrick Mills
ACT Senior Australian of the Year - Valmai Dempsey
ACT Young Australian of the Year - Sean Dondas
ACT Local Hero - Luke Ferguson
