“WEARY” DUNLOP AWARD HONOURS STUDENTS’ PERSISTENCE

Fourteen awards honouring students who demonstrate qualities including persistence and resilience have been presented throughout the Benalla Electorate by Nationals’ Member for Benalla, Bill Sykes.

Dr Sykes presented the students with the You’ve Got What It Takes – “Weary Dunlop” Award at special functions during the past week.

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

“It was extremely gratifying for me to see the looks on the faces of the students when their names were announced,” Dr Sykes said.

“Their faces lit up and beamed with excitement and pride at having their deeds recognised in front of their classmates.”

Dr Sykes said the presentations were also emotional for teachers and families.

“It was certainly a moving experience for everyone and there were a few tears shed and a great sense of pride as the recipients were recognised for their achievements.”

Winners of the awards were Ellie Millsom (Mansfield Primary School), Helen Gibbs (Euroa Secondary College), Genevieve Douglas-Byrnes (Peranbin Primary College – Violet Town Campus), Luke Powell (Mt Beauty Secondary College), Penelope Pascoe (Bright P-12 College), Sally Nolan (Myrtleford Secondary College), Geoffrey Savage (Eildon Primary School), James Gipp (Benalla Primary School), Caitlin Kendall (Benalla East Primary School), Sarah Dudley (Benalla West Primary School), Lauren Rogash (Benalla College), Bernadette O’Brien (St Joseph’s Primary School Benalla), Aaron Edwards (FCJ College Benalla) and Alex Sinclair (Wandiligong Primary School).

Dr Sykes said the award also honoured 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 – qualities which we have embraced for the purpose of the award.”

Dr Sykes said he was looking forward to expanding on the success of the award and getting more schools in the Benalla Electorate to participate next year.

As part of the honour the recipients received a framed certificate acknowledging their achievement, as well an invitation from Dr Sykes join him for morning tea at Parliament House or at a Victorian Brisbane Lions football match.

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