2007 State and Territory Senior Australians of the Year

SOUTH AUSTRALIA

Phillip Hereen
Disability Mentor

Phillip (Phil) Hereen was one of Australia 's most popular speedway drivers until a horrific crash in 1993, in his last race before retiring from the track, left him confined to a wheel chair.

The former national speedcar champion is still inspiring people with his deeds.

After benefiting from the enduring support of his wife, family, and the speedway fraternity, Phillip understands what it's like for people who don't have a team to support them, so he fills that gap.

Originally from the building industry, he now helps people rebuild their lives, brick by brick. He's a volunteer peer support advocate, working side by side with injured people, giving them encouragement, inspiration, and hints on life in a wheelchair.

He's a mentor to many sports people who have become disabled through accidents.

Phillip is also a volunteer facilitator helping youth in trouble for driving and other offences.

On behalf of the Speedway Fraternity - Congratulations Phil, You deserve it!

Ray Skipper

RAY SKIPPER rates as one of the most controversial and sought after race drivers in Australia and a true professional. A veteran of speedway at 32, Skip has had 13 years of hectic action in the stock cars, modified sportsmen and the high flying super modifieds.

During his career Ray has probably been suspended or fined more times than any other Australian modified pilot. His latest suspension came during the recent summer season at Rowley Park when he and Peter "Ace" Denton tangled and "Ace" climbed the wall. Skip spent four weeks on the wrong side of the fence and threatened retirement. But once the suspension was over he returned to racing with even greater gusto.

Ray drives the Eddy Wreckers Corvette, owned by Bill O'Brien, and in past seasons has made the facilities of his BP Warradale Service Station available to such visiting drivers as Americans Marshall Sargent and Larry Burton and Sydney's Dick Briton.

A few years ago Skip executed nine rolls and landed back on his wheels, unhurt but a little bewildered by the experience. He has raced in New South Wales, Western Australia and Victoria, and may be seen in action n Darwin this season. Skip has won the Victorian Championship and placed second and third in the title in later years. However, he has only had one success in the South Australian Championship and has missed out on South Australia No. 1 on several occasions by only a few points.

L-R: Standing Rear - Ray Skipper, Murray Parker

Seated Front: Phil Hereen

Photo taken at a Murray Bridge National Classic meeting

TQ Drivers

Brian Latz & Peter Glassenbury (Back) visiting Ken Groth (92Yrs old) at Murray Bridge in Feb 2006

Photographer

Frank Midgley, doing what he does best.

Glen Dix

"Australia's FAMOUS flag waiving person"

Glen Dix was born at Victor Harbor in 1934 and went to Riverton High School and went on to work at the Dept. Marine and Harbours at Port Adelaide for 40 years before retiring.

Glen loves both Motor Sport and waiving the checkered flag bringing joy to both young and old.

Glen, as Clerk of the Course at Rowley Park Speedway, Adelaide International Raceway and other various venues had the job of waiving the flags during an event, went on to become the great legend of the CHEQUERED FLAG.

He became famous after the 1985 Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix which was held in Adelaide, where the "whole world" saw him doing something that was "NATURAL" to Glen, but unusual to others who had never seen him waive flags.

Glen at the Rowley Park 25 Year Reunion

Bill Wigzell

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