Maules Creek's Shanna Whan crowned 'Local Hero' in Australian of the Year Awards for changing the conversation around alcohol in the bush

The founder of Sober in the Country (SITC), a non-for-profit organisation that sends the friendly and inclusive message that it's OK to say no to a beer, said the award was not about her own glory or status.

"I'm deeply honoured to fight for and represent this group of overlooked and remarkable warriors within our communities," she said. "They're who I get up and show up every day to advocate for."

As someone who almost died from her own alcohol addiction in 2015, Ms Whan said the award would allow the organisation to help more people just like her.

"What this now means for our charity is serious credibility and clout with a wider and more far-reaching audience, and that is priceless," she said.

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Ms Whan travels the country to courageously share her story to offer regional people support and education around alcohol.

"My wish and my burning heartfelt desire is that no other person is ever outcast or ostracised for their choice to be a non-drinker," she said.

Ms Whan will be officially recognised for the 'Local Hero' accolade at the Australian of the Year Awards ceremony in January 2022.

But describing the journey of getting to this point as "bloody hard work for years and years on end", Ms Whan said she was excited to head home to Maules Creek, catch up on some sleep, and hang out with her furry friends.

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