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Prominent surgeon named South Australian of the year

Craniofacial surgeon David David has been named 2018 South Australian of the year.

Oct 31, 2017, updated Oct 31, 2017
Professor David David. Supplied image

Professor David David. Supplied image

In awards announced last night, Barb Spriggs, who blew the whistle on the abuse of residents at Adelaide’s Oakden nursing home, was named senior South Australian of the year while TV personality Andrew “Cosi” Costello was named local hero.

David has worked to help patients with facial deformities and disfigurements for 45 years.

The 76-year-old founded the world-renowned Australian Craniofacial Unit based at the Royal Adelaide and Women’s and Children’s hospitals in 1975 and has since helped more than 17,000 people.

Spriggs was recognised for lifting the lid on systematic abuse and neglect of residents including her late husband at Oakden which led to the centre’s closure and an investigation into its operation.

Costello has been hailed for helping the local tourism industry expand through his travel show, South Aussie with Cosi.

In the final award on Monday, 24-year-old Kyran Dixon was named young South Australian of the year for being a role model for indigenous youth.

Dixon was diagnosed with bone cancer at age 11 and then leukaemia three years ago and has used his experiences to spread a message of hope, strength and resilience.

The South Australian winners now become the state’s nominees at the Australian of the Year Awards in January.

Professor David discussed his work in this podcast produced earlier this year.

– AAP

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