We Can Be Heroes: Finding The Australian of the Year

Friday, 29 August
10.05pm

In the final episode of We Can Be Heroes, our nominees head to Canberra for the Australian of the Year State finals.

Ja'mie, ever so generous, brings her Sudanese sponsor child Sonali to the awards. Daniel and Nathan are more interested in fireworks than the awards. Pat puts her illness aside and rubs shoulders with celebrities.

Ricky gets the chance to meet Cathy Freeman, while Phil faces humiliation and family rejection as he tries to bribe his way into the awards.

Friday, 22 August 2008
10.05pm

On tonight's episode of We Can Be Heroes, the state finalists are notified and the nominees wait for the important call.

Ja'mie receives devastating news that all her sponsor children have died. Phil is rejected as a finalist but lies to his family about the result. It's opening night of Indigeridoo and Ricky has a teary farewell as he takes to the stage for the last time.

Daniel is accepted as a finalist but refuses to go to Canberra, while Nathan joyfully tests his new hearing. Pat's farewell party celebrations come to an abrupt end after the doctor delivers some devastating news.

Friday, 15 August
10.05pm

The nominees face obstacles on their journey towards the Australian of the Year finals.

Phil bribes a judge on the selection committee at a backyard barbeque. Ja'mie promotes her cause in a shock assembly presentation. Ricky's musical faces criticism and he confronts his father with the news that he intends to become an actor. The twins return from their miracle eardrum surgery and Nathan refuses to thank Daniel for giving up his eardrum. Terry constructs a cage to protect Pam from dingoes on the roll to Uluru.

Friday, 08 August
10.05pm

On tonight's episode of We Can Be Heroes, the nominees get a chance to demonstrate why they should be the Australian of the Year.

Phil teaches rescue techniques to a scout group. Ja'mie steps out of her comfort zone to visit one of her sponsor children, Sonali, in a detention centre. Ricky and his Chinese Theatre Group begin rehearsals for Indigeridoo. Daniel shows a magazine journalist the farm while being interviewed for a story. Pat starts training for her roll to Uluru and has a nasty incident with a gumnut.

Friday, 01 August
9.50pm

On tonight's episode of We Can Be Heroes, the nominees get a chance to demonstrate why they should be the Australian of the Year.

Phil teaches rescue techniques to a scout group. Ja'mie steps out of her comfort zone to visit one of her sponsor children, Sonali, in a detention centre. Ricky and his Chinese Theatre Group begin rehearsals for Indigeridoo. Daniel shows a magazine journalist the farm while being interviewed for a story. Pat starts training for her roll to Uluru and has a nasty incident with a gumnut.

Friday, 25 July
9.50pm

Before Summer Heights High, there was We Can Be Heroes…
Ja'mie King, Pat Mullens, Ricky Wong, Phil Olivetti and twin brothers Daniel and Nathan Sims return to ABC TV in the repeat screening of the six-part mockumentary series We Can Be Heroes. Created by Logie award-winning comedian Chris Lilley (Summer Heights High), We Can Be Heroes initially screened on ABC TV in 2005. If you missed it then, don't miss it now! Starting Friday July 25 at 9.50pm.
We Can Be Heroes follows the trials and tribulations of five unique Australians who have made the shortlist to represent their state for the prestigious title of Australian of the Year. The only thing our nominees have in common is that they are all played by comedian Chris Lilley.

NINE NETWORK PARTNERS WITH AUSTRALIA DAY

The Nine Network Australia is pleased to announce a new partnership as the official television network for Australia Day and the Australian of the Year Awards for the next three years.

The agreement will see the Nine Network partnering with the National Australia Day Council and the National Capital Authority to broadcast the Australian of the Year Awards announcement and the Australia Day Live Concert each year on 25 January in front of Parliament House, Canberra.

Andrew Backwell, Director of Production & Development, Nine Network Australia said: “Given our proud heritage as the first ever Australian television network, we are delighted to be involved with the National Australia Day Council.

“We look forward to broadcasting programmes that engender thoughtfulness in our national pride. The awards – Young Australian of the Year, Australia’s Local Hero, Senior Australian of the Year and Australian of the Year – significantly inspire the Australian public and demonstrate just what makes our nation so great.