Mond

Thursday, 19 October 2006

RECOGNISING RESILIENCE

Students who have shown persistence and resilience to overcome challenges in their lives will be recognised again this year through the ‘Weary’ Dunlop “You’ve Got What It Takes Award”.

The award was initiated by Bill Sykes, Nationals Member for Benalla and each year Dr Sykes offers the award to every school in the Benalla Electorate.

Dr Sykes said, “Some students have to overcome amazing challenges; it may be illness, learning disabilities or other set backs to achieve academically, on the sporting field, in the arts or just becoming good contributing members of our community.

“I initiated and fund the award, the winner of which receives a certificate and, along with their families, morning tea at Parliament House or attendance at an AFL Game (co sponsored by Brisbane Lions).”

Dr Sykes continued, “The smiles on the faces of award winners and the public expression of emotion by family, friends and teachers confirms the merit making the award available.

“’Weary’ Dunlop was an extraordinary man of many attributes of which his persistence and resilience to overcome the challenges that he and his fellow prisoners of war experienced during World War II stand out.

“I am pleased that ‘Weary’ Dunlop’s family support this award and that it may contribute to our continued recognition of his wonderful qualities as well as inspiring young people to use the same qualities of persistence and resilience to overcome challenges.”

Dr Sykes continued, “For more information on the ‘Weary’ Dunlop “You’ve Got What It Takes Award” contact my office ph: 5762 2100.

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