Australian Skeptic of the Year 2014

It was with quite some delight and surprise that I found out I was the winner of the Australian Skeptic of the Year gong, awarded by the Australian Skeptics, today. It was, indeed, a pleasant interruption to my usual program of furrowed-brow-fueled curmudgeonality.

I share this award with all of you who have contributed in any way to the blog, wherever in the world you reside. Thank you for all of your help.

As I was unable to attend the Convention my very good friend, Ken McLeod, accepted the award on my behalf:

First of all, a huge thank you to the Committee of Australian Skeptics, my anonymous nominator, and everyone assembled here. I apologise for my non-attendance, but, it really couldn’t be helped.

I also want to acknowledge the crucial ongoing assistance from Stop the AVN, and the Friends of Science in Medicine. The message would not get out without them.

There is a huge range of people upon whom I lean to do what I do. This is a group effort, and I thank you all.

First, there’s about 50 or so individuals who are always available as confidantes. They know who they are.

Second, there is another important group who contribute video uploading, commentary, tip-offs, and corrections; and where would any self-deprecating blogger be without their testimonials page filled with amusing unmentionables and the odd death threat.

Third, I want to acknowledge the slowly increasingly group of moderate chiropractors who are now finding their voice and speaking out against the vitalists. The private messages of support I have received from formerly alien individuals have, at times, taken my breath away. The moderate chiropractors need all the help we can afford them.

Finally, I want to thank my kids who are very, very patient, and occasionally help out.

Photo courtesy of Shelley Stocken.

Funnily enough, a chiropractor is included on my testimonials page for asking his colleagues, of me, “is he Ken McLeod?”

Well…maybe he is, chiropractor.

Maybe he is.

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In other great news, the wonderful people at the Northern Rivers Vaccination Supporters won The Thornett Award for the Promotion of Reason [my bold]:

The Thornett Award for the Promotion of Reason commemorates Fred Thornett, a Tasmanian Skeptic who died in 2009. In true awards fashion, we call it “The Fred”. The Fred acknowledges a member of the public or a public figure who has made a significant contribution to educating or informing the public regarding issues of science and reason. In addition to a commemorative certificate, $1000 is awarded to the recipient or to a charity or cause of their choice.

Given the calibre of previous winners, they are now in fine company, indeed.