Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has named 'the boy from the bush', country star Lee Kernaghan as this year's Australian Of The Year.
In making the announcement Kevin 07 said "Lee Kernaghan's music resonates with every Australian by connecting us all to the spirit of the bush, but more importantly he gives hope and pride to those on the land when they need inspiration most"."He has rolled up his sleeves to make a real difference for those in need in rural Australia," Mr. 07 added.
Kernaghan, who has won 24 Golden Guitar awards at Australia's Country Music Awards and raised more than $1 million for communities in need with his Pass The Hat Around tour.
Kernaghan had previously received the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) from Queen Elizabeth II.
Lee has released 9 albums, has had 21 hits and won 3 ARIA awards.
