FEW South Australians have had such a profound effect on so many lives in so many parts of the world as pioneering craniofacial surgeon Professor David David.

For 45 years Professor David has dedicated his life to working with people, often from the poorest parts of the globe, to help rectify facial deformities and disfigurements, vastly improving their quality of life.

Now, the 76-year-old has been recognised as the 2018 South Australian of the Year and will be the state’s entrant in next year’s Australian of the Year Awards.

media_camera Kyran Dixon, Professor David David AC, Barbara Spriggs and Andrew ‘Cosi’ Costello, after awarded South Australian of the Year awards on Monday. Picture: AAP/Matt Loxton

Professor David received the award at a ceremony at the Adelaide Oval on Monday night.

Over his extensive career Prof David has built a network of medical centres and organisations, spanning the globe.

“Over 40 years we have trained and treated people,” Prof David said.

“Anyone with a serious craniofacial deformity is within a phone call of somewhere in the world being able to be treated properly. Forty years ago that couldn’t happen, and the centre of that now is here in Adelaide.

“This award gives a wonderful focus to this work, and we are able to say that not only is Australia a place where these things can be done extremely well, the very place where this happens is here in Adelaide.”

Premier Jay Weatherill said it was a “great privilege to recognise members of our South Australian community who have so generously contributed to enriching the lives of fellow South Australians, and the South Australian community’’.

media_camera South Australian of the Year, craniofacial surgeon Professor David David, AC. Picture: Longshot Images

Other award winners announced were Barbara Spriggs, who was named Senior South Australian of the Year for her tireless work in exposing the abuse scandal at the Oakden Aged Care home.

“I’m just absolutely overwhelmed, part of me feels I shouldn’t be here because there are some amazing people who have done a lot for South Australia here,” Ms Spriggs said.

“I do feel proud and privileged to be here and I hope that by just being here I can put a message out there that an everyday Australian can make a difference.

“Not just in South Australia but in all Australia.”

Kyran Dixon was the Young South Australian of the Year for his work in promoting cancer awareness and for being the founding member of the Aboriginal Youth Cancer Advisory Group.

“In 2014 I was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia so I have learnt from that and I wanted to spread my story and raise cancer awareness for both indigenous people and at risk youth,” Mr Dixon said

“I used my story to help others build resilience and show that no matter what your story, or your circumstances you need to make the most of life and embrace every chance.”

Mr Dixon said the award ceremony was a “surreal” experience but said he was honoured and the nomination meant a lot to those close to him.

media_camera Barbara Spriggs, right, with her daughter Kerry and son Clive. Barbara was a key whistleblower of the Oakden nursing home scandal, where her husband Bob was living but has since died. Picture: Kelly Barnes/The Australian

“For family and friends and people who have supported me I know this award means a lot,” Mr Dixon said.

Television personality Andrew “Cosi” Costello was awarded South Australian Local Hero.

“I’m not really an awards sort of person, but this is all very flattering,” he said.

“I’m a big believer in just ticking over and doing your own thing without too many pats on the back. I’m driven by a passion for my work.

“If I woke up and won the lottery I don’t think much would change.

“I’ve always said that if you look after Adelaide, the city and its people will look after you.”

In the official acknowledgment of the work of Professor David, the Australia Day Council noted he had helped more than 17,000 people since starting his world-renowned Australian Craniofacial Unit at the Royal Adelaide Hospital and “works miracles’’.

“Many of David’s patients first come into his care within hours of their birth, and their relationship can continue for life,” the Council said.

media_camera Barbara Spriggs at the awards on Monday night. Picture: AAP/Matt Loxton

“Working alongside a team of top medical professionals, one of just two multidisciplinary craniofacial teams in the world, David uses his skills to change faces and change lives.

“David helps people from all over Australia, South East Asia and beyond, treating around 20 international patients each year.’’

The Australia Day Council said the 65-year-old Barbara Spriggs was a “passionate campaigner to prevent abuse of aged care patients’’.

“After suspecting her husband was being physically and chemically restrained, Barb lifted the lid on a story of systematic abuse and neglect,’’ it said.

media_camera The 2018 South Australian Local Hero, Andrew Costello. Picture: AAP/Matt Loxton media_camera 2018 Young South Australian Of The Year. Picture: AAP/Matt Loxton

“Barb’s determination to seek answers and justice led to a formal inquiry, a damning report detailing a culture of cover up dating back 10 years, and an Independent Commission Against Corruption inquiry.’’

The Australian of the Year will be announced at a ceremony in Canberra on January 25.

Our outstanding South Australians

South Australian of the Year: Professor David David is an accomplished and respected craniofacial surgeon, who has dedicated the last 45 years of his life to working with patients with facial deformities and disfigurements.

Senior South Australian of the Year: Barbara Spriggs lifted the lid on a story of systematic abuse and neglect at the Oakden Aged Care home. Her determination to seek answers and justice led to a formal inquiry.

Young South Australian of the Year: Kyran Dixon is an ambassador who actively promotes cancer awareness and research. He is a proud member of the Kaurna and Narungga clans and is a founding member of the Aboriginal Youth Cancer Advisory Group.

South Australian Local Hero: Andrew Costello has hosted South Aussie with Cosi for the last seven years. The state’s only travel show, it is broadcast internationally. His goal is to expand SA’s tourism industry and inspire locals to appreciate what’s on their own doorstep.