There are many "everyday heroes" who give more than they receive, and for Port Lincoln's Linda Davies it is to help the disadvantaged, whether they were people or native animals.
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More than 5500 people nominated for an Australian of the Year Award for 2021, a record number.
While about 130 people were selected as state and territory finalists, there are many "everyday heroes" who were nominated by someone in their community and award organiser the National Australia Day Council is celebrating there local contributions worthy of respect and celebration on Australia Day.
Ms Davies is one of these everyday heroes, being active in the community as manager of Community House Port Lincoln which has included providing food, accommodation and job skills to those in need.
Community House manages a transitional house to provide accommodation for homeless people in the community, as well as the takeaway food shop 'The Pantry' on Tasman Terrace which has provided employment and workplace skills to disadvantaged people.
Ms Davies said she was passionate about people being the best they could be, and could not do what she did without the team she had at Community House Port Lincoln.
"When you actually come across somebody who is trying their very, very best to do the very, very best and they need that helping hand to get a boost in some way or form, and you can help to give them that boost, that is most rewarding for me," she said.
"I feel I have a pretty special team, I wouldn't be able to do what I do without the team I've got."
Ms Davies said The Pantry initiative had exceeded everyone's expectations as far as helping others and giving them jobs.
Ms Davies also has a passion for rescuing wildlife as together with Bronte Larking manages Two Songs Sanctuary in Port Lincoln which provides a permanent home for rescued orphaned animals including wombats and kangaroos.
She said she chose to share her money around and to share it with orphaned animals and vulnerable people.
For seven years she had also served the City of Port Lincoln as an elected councillor and said she wanted to help others have a voice at the table where they did not think they had a voice.
On Australia Day she will join other Port Lincoln councillors for the Australia Day breakfast at the Nautilus Theatre.
Ms Davies said Australia Day was when everyone came together to celebrate and though it had different meanings to different people the intent was to bring all Australians together to celebrate.
"If we are to put that intent forward and come together to celebrate as Australians, then we can all walk together as one and make a world of difference," she said.
Australian Community Media, publisher of the Port Lincoln Times, is media partner of the 2021 Australian of the Year Awards, which are announced on ABC TV from 7.30pm on Monday, January 25.