Katoomba environmental campaigner Jon Dee is one of four nominees in the 2010 NSW Australian of the Year category, and anti-drug campaigner Tony Trimmingham from Leura is a finalist for the NSW Senior Australian of the Year award.

Perhaps best known as founder of environmental organisation Planet Ark, Jon Dee has inspired millions of Australians to make positive environmental and social change. He has been the driving force behind many initiatives including National Recycling Week, The National Recycling Hotline and National Tree Day. He spearheaded the campaign to phase out plastic bags, and initiated the lobbying campaign for Australia’s phase out of incandescent light globes.

Mr Dee, who has called the Blue Mountains home for the last seven years, said he was honoured and surprised by the nomination.

“I didn’t know I was nominated until I got the call telling me I was in the final four. It’s an honour. Like everyone who gets nominated, you do what you do because you believe in it,” Mr Dee said.

A self-proclaimed social entrepreneur, Mr Dee said he was dedicated to finding practical solutions for social and environmental projects and is currently working on efforts to alleviate poverty in Victoria, reduce food and paper waste, and is rallying for a national ban on non-biodegradable plastic bags and the reduction of bottled water use. In addition to his work in Australia, he is involved in campaigns in Armenia and East Timor.

Nominee for the 2010 NSW Senior Australian of the Year Award, Tony Trimmingham has been working as an anti-drug campaigner for the past 13 years.

Mr Trimingham started the Family Drug Support organisation after the death of his son from a heroin overdose. The organisation now runs a 24-hour help line, has produced a parent education kit for families, provides referral and support meetings for those coping with a family member’s drug addiction or death, and offers a course for families called Stepping Stones to Success.