ELLIE HONOURED FOR HAVING WHAT IT TAKES

Mansfield Primary School student, Ellie Millsom, was honoured with the “You’ve Got What It Takes – ‘Weary’ Dunlop Award’ during a special presentation by The Nationals, Member for Benalla, Bill Sykes, on Monday.

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

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

The presentation was co-ordinated by Mansfield Primary School principal, Denise Findlay.

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.

Ellie was selected from all students at Mansfield 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