Sydney orthopaedic surgeon and human rights advocate Munjed Al Muderis has been named NSW Australian of the Year for 2020 after he overcame "extraordinary" obstacles to perform work that helps people throughout the world.
Professor Al Muderis, who was detained on Christmas Island and in several Australian jails after he fled Saddam Hussein's regime by boat, is a compassionate ambassador for several organisations and advocate for asylum seekers and refugees, award organisers said in a statement on Monday.
The 47-year-old overcame extraordinary obstacles to become an orthopaedic surgeon specialising in hip, knee and reconstructive surgery.
He has taken a team to his former home country Iraq seven times, at his own expense, to help victims of the conflict he fled.
"His surgical innovations and breakthroughs are helping Australians and people throughout the world," Monday's statement said.
"Munjed exemplifies the valuable and positive contribution that refugees can make - leading by example what it means to be Australian."
Other award recipients include environmental educator and the Bellingen founder of social enterprise OzGreen, Sue Lennox, who has been named NSW Senior Australian of the Year, while indigenous mentor and fundraiser Corey Tutt has been awarded NSW Young Australian of the Year.
