ALEX HONOURED FOR HAVING WHAT IT TAKES

Wandiligong Primary School student, Alex Sinclair, became the first recipient of the “You’ve Got What It Takes – ‘Weary’ Dunlop Award’ during a special presentation by The Nationals, Member for Benalla, Bill Sykes, on Friday.

Dr Sykes presented Alex with a framed certificate in front of fellow students, teachers and parents, acknowledging his efforts to demonstrate the qualities of getting along, persistence, resilience and confidence during the 2004 school year.

“I would like to congratulate Alex for sticking to his guns and working hard to not lose sight of what he wanted to achieve,” Dr Sykes said.

“Alex has done well to make new friends after moving to Wandiligong from Queensland.

“He has also had to overcome other challenges such as a severe bike accident earlier this year,” Dr Sykes said.

The presentation was co-ordinated by Wandiligong Primary School principal, Julie Smith.

The award, which was initiated by Dr Sykes earlier this year, aims to build on the success of the You Can Do It program which operates successfully in schools throughout the region.

It also honours the life of Sir Edward “Weary” Dunlop, who during the darkest hours of World War II provided inspiration and leadership to thousands of Australian prisoners of war.

During his life “Weary” demonstrated the key qualities of persistence and resilience, along with compassion, humility, friendship, forgiveness, courage, leadership and integrity.

Dr Sykes said 14 awards will be presented to students at participating primary and secondary schools in the Benalla Electorate before the end of the 2004 school year.

Alex was selected from all students at Wandiligong Primary School following a nomination and selection process earlier this month and will now be offered the opportunity to enjoy morning tea at Parliament House or attend a Brisbane Lions Victorian football match.

Media contact: Bill Sykes (03) 5762 2100 or 0427 624 989