We Can Be Heroes: Finding The Australian of the Year

The first of a six part mockumentary series documenting the search for the next Australian of the Year. In this episode we are introduced to the nominees. Phil Olivetti is a policeman from Brisbane who enjoyed 15 minutes of fame when he acted heroically in a freak jumping castle accident. Ricky Wong is a brilliant Chinese science student from Melbourne who wants to pursue his true dream of acting. 16 year old Jamie King is a well to do north Sydney private school girl who has been nominated for her humanitarian efforts. She undertakes the 40 hour famine every week to raise money for starving children. West Australian housewife Pat Mullins is the only person to roll from Perth to Fremantle and is planning the biggest challenge of her life. Twin South Australian brothers, Nathan and Daniel Simm have been nominated for a world first medical breakthrough. Daniel is donating an ear drum to his twin brother who is deaf.

The nominees get a chance to demonstrate why they should be the Australian of the Year. Phil teaches rescue techniques to a scout group. Jamie 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 when a gumnut goes up her nose.

The Australian of the Year State finalists are officially notified. Jamie receives devastating news that all her sponsor children have died. Phil is rejected as a finalist but lies to his family about the result. Its 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. Pats farewell party celebrations come to an abrupt end after the doctor delivers some devastating news.