THE week that was.
The world lost a musical genius, and a beloved and brilliant actor. We mourned David Bowie for his musical artistry and "genre bending" and, as my mother said, we will sob even more in Love Actually with the death of UK great, Alan Rickman. 
Adelaide enjoyed its creative splurge with Club Swizzle. Acrobatics, contortion and balletic moves from the Swizzle Boys, were combined with Murray Hill's repartee and Ali McGregor's operatic vocals.
Ali's husband, Adam Hills, is now a global talent. Yet, he minded the kids so we could see his wife perform. He has raised the profile of people with disabilities by simply presenting them as human beings.
I spent a day in a hospital emergency department with my mum, Shirley. The medical staff were kind and professional. But please speak clearly for deaf and hearing-impaired patients - of which there were many - the highest proportion of incidents was among older Australians.
Security and police were present as staff dealt with cases of drug use and violence. Their tenacity impressed me and everyone's good humour lightened a bad day.
Little wonder medical professionals like Dr John Greenwood - RAH burns surgeon- and WA nurse, Anne Carey, are in contention for Australian of the Year.
Next week, we will celebrate a new, iconic Australian.
This coveted position can change lives and policies.
We have seen that from the remarkable efforts of 2015 Australian of the Year Rosie Batty. Her tireless campaigning (her schedule needs to be seen to be believed) on the issue of domestic and family violence leaves a powerful legacy. She has changed hearts and minds, seen an injection of resources into a sector desperate for funds; and she has worked to ensure healthy relationships education is a core part of the curriculum for years to come. I salute her.
I look forward to the next Australian of influence.
We have a proud list from which to choose. It ranges from the groundbreaking former Sex Discrimination Commissioner Elizabeth Broderick, to the inspirational former Chief of Army David Morrison.
There is relentless anti-death penalty campaigner, barrister Julian McMahon, and Will McGregor who supports NT youth to develop self-esteem and respect.
Jane Hutchison is a Tasmanian conservationist who has helped preserve threatened species habitats and there is Catherine McGregor whose personal experience and her advocacy as a transgender woman should teach and inspire us all.
These are courageous and clever, compassionate Australians. They are motivated by different events and experiences, lifestyles and education, but they make up a worthy group that highlights the diversity and gravitas of our nation.People in other countries are intrigued by the notion of an Australian of the Year and marvel at our ability to choose one person. Obviously, there are many categories but, usually, we get someone who reflects a little bit of all of us, or how we would like to be.