Dr Sam Ginsberg OAM
Dr Sam Ginsberg has served HoHA for over 25 years in his capacity as a volunteer psychologist, Director, Chairperson and now, Patron. Sam`s humanitarian endeavours span over several countries and decades of community work including India, Timor-Leste, New Guinea, Afghanistan and Indigenous Australian Communities. He has also worked selflessly and tirelessly with people suffering from the consequences of war and natural disasters as well as people experiencing homelessness, mental illness, drug dependency and marginalisation. His commitment to personal and Community Development have been recognised by numerous community service and humanitarian awards. Sam is committed to assisting individuals and communities to fulfil their potential.
His Eminence Cardinal Edward Idris Cassidy AC DD
Edward Idris Cassidy AC (born 5 July 1924) is an Australian Roman Catholic cardinal priest. He is the President Emeritus of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity within the Vatican and headed the Commission of the Holy See for Religious Relations with the Jews. He was made a cardinal on 28 June 1991 and his career is marked by diplomatic service representing the foreign relations of the Holy See. His role in building the cause of ecumenism and interfaith relations across the world has been acknowledged and appreciated by people from the spectrum of cultural, political and religions backgrounds. At the blessing of the Toronto HANDS-ON-HEALTH AUSTRALIA clinic in 2007 he reflected that ‘affective ecumenism leads to effective ecumenism-that deeds of love and service are the foundations of trust and goodwill’.
Evonne Goolagong-Cawley AO MBE
Is an Australian former World No. 1 female tennis player. She was one of the world’s leading players in the 1970s and early 1980s, when she won 14 Grand Slam titles. Evonne Goolagong was awarded Australian of the Year in 1971. Evonne Goolagong was inducted into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame in 1985 and inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame. She currently Chairs the Goolagong Foundation and runs the National Development Goolagong Camps which introduces gifted Indigenous tennis players to the benefits of complementary and allied health approaches in promoting their health and well-being through simple and practical self-help techniques in sports therapy. The programs also aim to nurture personal, cultural and sporting giftedness among our children, helping them to be the best they can be both personally and professionally.
Ian Goolagong
Ian is Indigenous Ambassador for Tennis Australia, Co-Chair of the Whittlesea Reconciliation Committee, President of the Lalor Tennis Club, member of HoHA`s Aboriginal Health in Aboriginal Hands Committee and Patron of HoHA. Ian has dedicated his life to building bridges of trust and goodwill between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people. As President of the Lalor Tennis Club he and his team have pioneered the establishment of a community hub in which Aboriginal Elders and members of the Indigenous Community can gather to share their art, stories and culture with the broader Community. Ian is also passionate about bringing Indigenous and non Indigenous people of like-heart together to make a difference.
Uncle Paul Gordon, Senior Ngemba Elder
Uncle Paul is a Senior Ngemba Elder from Brewarrina in NSW. Uncle Paul is committed to reawakening the rich traditional heritage of his Elders and Community through cultural awareness and leadership training of Indigenous and non-Indigenous people with a respect for each other and all of creation. He has mentored and trained many dedicated people in the lore of their forefathers in preparation for them to lead the next generation into a world that recognises the gifts that we can all bring to each other. Uncle Paul regularly meets with Senior Indigenous Elders throughout Australia and the Torres Strait Islands to rekindle an appreciation and understanding of language, lore and healing methods. He advises HoHA volunteers on how to best engage with Aboriginal Communities.
Dr Patch Adams MD
Hunter Doherty “Patch” Adams is an American physician, social activist, clown, and author. He founded the Gesundheit! Institute in 1971. Each year he organizes a group of volunteers from around the world to travel to various countries where they dress as clowns in an effort to bring humor to orphans, patients, and other people. Adams is currently based in Urbana, Illinois. In collaboration with the institute, he promotes an alternative health care model, not funded by insurance policies. Adams urges medical students to develop compassionate connections with their patients. His prescription for this kind of care relies on humor and play, which he sees as essential to physical and emotional health. Ultimately, Adams wants the Gesundheit! Institute to open a 40-bed hospital in rural West Virginia that offers free, holistic care to anyone who wants it. He was awarded the Peace Abbey Courage of Conscience Award in 1997.
