Look Who it Was Random video

HELEN REDDY I Am Woman ITA BUTTROSE Australian of The Year

665 views · Published 26 January 2013 · 3:19 · Indexed 20 September 2026

Channel: daveinprogress3 · 2013 · Autos & Vehicles

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I wanted to pay tribute to that one in a million high profile individual: Ita Buttrose. 2013's Australian of the Year and an iconic figure whose presence (and mere three letter Christian name commands attention), in the Aussie media & social fabric is unmatched.

I grew up patently aware of this newspaper and magazine impresario, but became admiringly aware of her much deeper impact on the culture in this country, especially her very public and compassionate stance on issues such as AIDS and Alzheimer's among the many other significant causes she has rallied for. This is not just a human being, but a human doing.

I have no doubt she is a formidable person - but I also figure she did not make the amazing contributions she has, by being a wallflower or a quiet achiever. I admire the woman immensely, and I am thrilled she has been honoured today with this empowered and powerful title. Australian Of the Year.

I've gone back 40 years to find a pop song that feels right to illustrate the unique Ita - I have chosen Helen Reddy's I am Woman - a song written by Aussies Ray Burton and Reddy herself. The song was a game changer in so many ways, and although i could have used rockers Cold Chisel's 'Ita', i felt instinctively that this famous song about girl power was the right fit for the indefatigable Ms Buttrose. Having just turned 71 this month (January 2013), there is absolutely no doubt that Ita will continue to make her mark, now with an even bigger stage on which she can be the hardworking, eloquent and insightful person she is. Her work is not yet done!

"But I'm still an embryo with a long long way to go...."

Long may you shine, Ita.

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