Monday, 30 July 2007

SYKES: STUDENT AWARD WINNERS ENJOY LIONS/AFL GENEROSITY

Nationals Member for Benalla, Bill Sykes, has thanked the Brisbane Lions and AFL on behalf of 15 ‘Weary’ Dunlop – “You’ve Got What It Takes Award” winners and their families for shouting them out to the Brisbane Lions vs Collingwood game at the MCG on Saturday night.
The group of 70 was treated to a brilliant performance by the Brisbane Lions which thrilled Bill, a former Fitzroy Lions player.
“For many of the children and their families it was their first AFL game and only the die hard Collingwood supporters went home disappointed.
The ‘Weary’ Dunlop Award recognises children who have shown persistence and resilience to overcome a challenge in their life.
Bill Sykes initiated the award three years ago. In addition to receiving a certificate, the award winners have the choice of attending a Brisbane Lions football game or visiting Parliament with their families.
This year the footy was most popular and the Brisbane Lions and AFL continued their generous sponsorship by providing free entry for each award winner and their families.
Winners of the ‘Weary’ Dunlop Award for 2006 were:

Will Betheras        Mt Beauty Primary School       Max Brooks       Mt Beauty Secondary College
Tess Teychenne    Tawonga Primary School         Tomarsh Loki    Tawonga Primary School
Jayden Brown       Porepunkah Primary School     Larnie Hodgkinson Bright P-12
Brooke Pellizoni   Marian College                        Lynda Evans     Myrtleford Secondary College
Braden Poole        Euroa Primary School             Ben Delahey     Euroa Secondary College
Emma McCormack FCJ College Benalla                Rikki Mannik    Benalla College
Rebecca Barber    Benalla West Primary School  Jessica Higgins Benalla East Primary School
Lucy Wilson          Benalla 31 Primary School       Jayden Guppy  St Joseph’s School, Benalla
Alison Guppy        Broken Creek Primary School
Erin Ritchie           Glenrowan Primary School
Tamica Roy          Mansfield Primary School         Clair O’Brien    Mansfield Secondary College
Frances Walpole  St Mary’s School, Mansfield
Kayla Muller         Eildon Primary School             April Baird        Thornton Primary School

Bill will continue to sponsor the award with the support of the Brisbane Lions and AFL.
Bill said, “Initiating and sponsoring the ‘Weary’ Dunlop award is one of my most rewarding achievements during my time as Member for Benalla.
“The look of joy and pride on the faces of the award winners when their name is announced and the passionate endorsement by teachers, parents and friends, many of whom shed a tear, tells me that the ‘Weary’ Dunlop Award hits the mark every time.
A call for nominations for the 2007 ‘Weary’ Dunlop Award will be forwarded to schools in the Benalla Electorate in the next few weeks.

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