Last night the winner of Celebrity Apprentice Australia was announced, wrapping up this year's season of the hit reality TV show that raises money for charity organisations around the country.
Ian 'Dicko' Dickson took home the grand prize, coming in at first place and winning $100,000 for his chosen charity, the Australian Children's Music Foundation (ACMF).
The aim of the ACMF is to provide music education and support to disadvantaged kids so that they can learn in a fun, non-threatening and safe environment.
"The Australian Children's Music Foundation programs are designed to bring joy and inspiration to the lives of children and youth who are on the wrong side of advantage. Children who have been abused, neglected traumatised. Children who are lost," founder Don Spencer said.
He believes that music offers a way for these kids to increase their self-worth and confidence so that they can make positive choices and grow up with a better outlook on life.
"Music enhances creativity and imagination, self-esteem and self-expression. You need all of these attributes if you are to change your life for the better," he added.
Dicko has a strong musical background, having worked in the record industry for 20 years with companies including Sony and BMG. He is well-known for his role as a judge on Australian Idol and has been a contestant on Dancing with the Stars.
In addition to the money he raised for the ACMF, he is also a proud ambassador and is hosting one of its charity events this coming June - the ACMF National Songwriting Competition.
Dicko said: "I am thrilled and honoured to be involved in this year's competition and I encourage all budding songwriters to put pen to paper and enter!"
While the ACMF undoubtedly walks away as a happy winner, many other Australian charities were supported thanks to the hard work put in by all of the celebrity apprentices.
The show is said to have raised a cumulative total of one million dollars, according to an article by the West Australian yesterday (May 16).
Second-place winner, Nathan Joliffe, won $80,000 for Epilepsy Australia. This charity organisation is the national coalition of epilepsy associations and delivers support, information and services for those living with the condition.
Meanwhile, David Hasselhoff supported the Starlight Foundation, Charlotte Dawson the Smile Foundation and Ben Dark the Brisbane Royal Children's Hospital.
A full list of celebrity contestants and charities, as well as footage of the season finale, is available on the official Celebrity Apprentice website.
