The National Australia Day Council is saddened by the passing of Dr Marika. Dr Marika was a significant leader, not just for her community, but for the nation. This was reflected in her award as the Northern Territory's Australian of the Year 2006. . Her footprint was large, as is her legacy. Dr Marika had an impressive ability to juggle her traditional life with mainstream Australian life. English was her 14th language and she had an enormous power for cross cultural communication. Her leadership in education and academia and hard work and commitment for reconciliation will always be remembered. Her spirit will always be with us. Our thoughts are with her family.

2008 Australian of the Year Award recipients Lee Kernaghan, David Bussau and Jonathon Welch have been named as torch bearers in the 2008 Beijing Olympic torch relay when it passes through Canberra on April 24. ... more