Australian of the Year

Neil Davis is helping reshape youth culture to prevent violence. 

When Neil’s 17-year-old son, Sam, was fatally hit with a single punch thrown by a gate crasher at a party, Neil was determined to create something positive out of the senseless loss. 

In 2008, he established The Sammy D Foundation to change attitudes towards violence. By sharing his lived experience, he helps young people to see the lifelong impact of one moment, one punch, one decision and challenges young people who see violence as normal or even acceptable to think differently. Neil provides the tools and confidence to pause, walk away, seek help and choose a safer path. 

Neil has delivered his powerful message in more than 2,000 presentations to young people in schools, sporting clubs and juvenile justice programs. In doing so, he is helping change the way young Australians think about violence, choices and responsibility.