The heroes of 2020 have been ordinary people doing extraordinary things,in a year when random acts of kindness proliferated. How's that for a silver lining in an often stormy year?
Bushfires and coronavirus,protests and lockdowns:as 2020 unfolded,the seemingly unremarkable among us have been the most remarkable,pulling us through it all with hard graft,decency and good humour.
Knowing a list like this could never give due credit to everyone,we've featured those at the pointy end of Australia’s blue-chip handling of this ongoing pandemic.
The extraordinary exercise of power by state premiers accompanied an equally extraordinary surge in federal spending,with Scott Morrison and Josh Frydenberg centre of the action.
The huge logistical and political juggling act of keeping alive the most popular game in the country fell on AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan. Plus,Peter V’landys and Meg Lanning.
Melissa Leong,a new co-host of MasterChef Australia,bonded with contestants and audiences thanks to humility and honesty. Plus Bluey and producer Bruna Papandrea.
Tina Arena,Sam Neill,Jimmy and Jane Barnes:the artists shared humour,nostalgia and emotional resonance in tough times. Plus,Celeste Barber and Nat.
Samantha Crompvoets:the sociologist’s secret report sparked one of the biggest war crime probes in Australia's history. Plus,Susan Kiefel and Pat Turner.
Matt Comyn:the CBA chief executive and chairman of the Australian Banking Association"provided the government with critical real-time data to inform decision-making"at the pandemic's peak. Plus Woolworths'Brad Banducci and Australia's change-making shareholders.
Law student Katta O’Donnell is taking on some of the most powerful institutions in the country,but her generation understands what is at stake. Plus,Steve Meacher and Greg Mullins.
Ben Shewry:creativity and determination were on the menu for the Attica chef,who has managed to keep his staff employed with the"grace of a pirouetting ballerina”. Plus Josh Niland and Hetty McKinnon.