2012 prideofaustralia™ medal. Nomination Form
The winners of the 2011 prideofaustralia™ national medal were announced at a gala black tie event in Sydney tonight.
Cystic fibrosis sufferer Coen Ashton, 14, who travelled 2000km on the Murray River on a jet ski to raise awareness about organ donation, won the national Child of Courage medal and the inaugural Duracell People’s Choice medal.
Coen received his award from Packed to the Rafters star Rebecca Gibney, one of several high profile Australians to attend the ceremony which honours everyday people who do extraordinary things.
More than 200 people attended the event, including outgoing News Limited chairman and chief executive John Hartigan and incoming chief executive, Kim Williams.
The finalists were gathered from News Limited’s network of metropolitan, regional and community newspapers throughout the year. They were nominated by friends, family and colleagues who believed they deserved national recognition for their outstanding achievements.
The winners were each awarded a unique gold prideofaustralia™ medal while Coen also won $10,000 from partners Duracell.
Highlights of the evening included a live performance from Australian singing legend Kate Ceberano and X Factor knockout Emmanuel Kelly and a stunning dance routine from 2010 Australia’s Got Talent winners Justice Crew.
Mr Hartigan congratulated the winners whom he described as “incredibly inspiring”.
“Since it began seven years ago, the Pride of Australia has recognised and celebrated our country’s unsung heroes,” he said.
“It is humbling - and inspiring – to hear such examples of courage, leadership, compassion and generosity.“
The national medal judging panel included businesswoman Katie Page, television personality Mikey Robins, Rachael Read from Duracell and News Limited’s marketing director Ed Smith.
The winners of the 2011 Pride of Australia national medal are:
- Care and CompassionMedal
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Winner: Maggie Burns - TAS
When she co-founded the Appin Hall respite centre in Tasmania’s north-west Maggie Burns had left behind a successful career as a dancer, choreographer and events organiser to dedicate herself to helping seriously ill and disadvantaged children and their families. Appin Hall, driven by Maggie’s unwavering enthusiasm, has grown into a nationally recognised organisation.
- Child of Courage & People’s Choice
(A child 16 years or under who has helped save, or attempted to save, the life of another or overcome personal adversity through determination and strength of character.) -
Winner: Coen Ashton – QLD
Cystic fibrosis and the need for a double-lung transplant have not stopped Maryborough teen Coen Ashton from some amazing life achievements. Earlier this year the 14-year old completed a tough seven-week, 2000km jet-ski ride down the Murray River to raise awareness about organ donation. Thanks to Coen and his parents Dawn and Mark Ashton, more than 1000 people signed up to be organ donors in honour of Coen’s ride. The ride took its toll with Coen having to spend months in an Adelaide hospital to recover from the trip. He still spends time between his home and hospital for treatment but he has unselfishly saved other lives thanks to the commitment to his campaign.
- Community SpiritMedal
(To recognise an individual or a group whose selfless, tireless and largely unacknowledged actions have enriched the lives of those around them in their community). -
Winner: Derek & Chris Pingel – QLD
Derek and wife Chris voluntarily took on one of the toughest jobs imaginable after the horror floods that swept through the Lockyer Valley. As co-ordinators of the Lockyer Valley Flood Relief effort they managed the massive task of collecting and distributing much needed donations to flood affected residents. They successfully ran five large storage facilities, two distribution centres and a workforce of more than 100 volunteers. It was a very emotional time for the couple as they are also local residents who were scarred by the tragic events in January. More than six months on and they are still involved in the provision of donated goods for struggling families in a monumental display of community spirit.
- CourageMedal
(For an Australian, who through his or her act/s of courage have overcome personal adversity through determination and strength of character.) -
Winner: Robert Cook - NT
In September 2008, Alice Springs cattleman Rob Cook was involved in a helicopter crash on his family’s property. As a result he is now a C4 quadriplegic and has no feeling or movement from his shoulders down. But, you can’t keep a good Territory man down and Rob has continued fighting to protect his way of life. Rob returned to work on his busy station and has since been awarded the prestigious Nuffield Scholarship allowing him to travel across the globe to study the beef industry and seek opportunities for other injured farmers. He has also recently completed an epic fundraising journey, where he travelled from his station to Alice Springs (a 730km trip) in his wheelchair.
- Young LeaderMedal
(A person under 25 years who has advanced a community, or will advance a community, through academic or personal endeavours.) -
Winner: Jackson Irwin – VIC
When Jackson Irwin found out his local RSL was about to close because of a lack of members, the 22-year-old refused to let Drouin’s Anzac spirit die. An Anzac Day dawn service regular in his home town since he was seven, Jackson set about almost singlehandedly recruiting new members, raising funds and increasing awareness. A community cricket day organised by Jackson last year ultimately saved the local RSL branch by adding about 70 new members. “We’ve now got a whole new generation of people involved, rather than the ageing group who were getting too old to do the tasks,” he said.
- Fair GoMedal
(For an Australian permanent resident or citizen, born overseas, who has enriched Australia through their community involvement, hard work and willingness to embrace their new home.) -
Winner: Mohammed Alam - VIC
After arriving in Australia in 2004, Mohammed Alam has tackled floods in Victoria, Western Australia and Queensland and fought against locusts and bushfires in Victoria while volunteering for the SES. Mohammed also volunteered for the Red Cross while studying and is now working as an Operations Officer in their Emergency Services Department. On top of this, he finds time to serve Australia in the Army Reserve as a soldier. Literally staving off death by performing CPR on a heart attack victim during the Around the Bay community event may just crown his achievements. The humble Mohammed says he simply feels privileged to serve his community and country and hopes to change people’s lives.
- InspirationMedal
(To recognise a member of our teaching profession in primary or secondary school, State or independent education community or a role model whose compassion and wisdom while teaching, coaching and mentoring our youth has been truly inspiring.) -
Winner: Jeffrey Collins - SA
Jeffrey Collins has been a teacher with the Victor Harbour High School for more than eighteen years, where he has acted in many capacities from a physical education teacher to special education campaigner to mentor and coordinator for a transitional education program. Jeffrey has been committed to the special education unit at VHSH, working closely with other teachers to develop a curriculum focused on numeracy, literacy and general living skills for students with specific learning difficulties, behavioural problems or physical disabilities.
- Outstanding BraveryMedal
(For an Australian, or group of Australians, who, through their act/s of bravery, helped save or attempted to save a life/lives.) -
Winner: Trevor Burns - WA
Elyse Frankcom was a dive guide working in Rockingham when she was attacked by a shark in late 2010. Trevor Burns, a guest on the tour, risked his own life by grabbing the shark’s tail, holding on long enough for the shark to release its young victim. The extent of her injuries, coupled with her state of shock and weight belt, meant Elyse would never have made it to the surface without Trevor’s help. Elyse underwent numerous surgeries and months of physiotherapy, but can now walk on flat ground without crutches.
- HeroismMedal
(To recognise a member or members (professional or volunteer) of the SES, police, fire, ambulance, coastguard, defence forces, air rescue service who work, or have worked, on the frontline to protect the community.) -
Mark Kempton, Mark Turner & Daren Parsons – QLD
There were some extraordinary tales of heroism during this year’s devastating floods including the courageous efforts of Emergency Management Queensland’s rescue crew. Chopper pilot Mark Kempton and his team plucked 43 stranded people from rooftops and trees during the raging inland tsunami that swamped Grantham. Mr Kempton, whose own Yeronga house was flooded, winch operator Daren Parsons and rescue crewman Mark Turner raced against time to winch 28 people to safety. Then as they returned to base with an empty tank after 2½ hours non-stop in the air, EMQ’s second chopper arrived to rescue another 15 people. It was the most lives Mr Kempton and his EMQ crew had saved in one outing.
- EnvironmentMedal
(For an Australian or group of Australians whose actions prove that by making one degree of difference to their local environment, people can make a difference to the broader community.) -
Winner: Jeannie Lawson – NSW
Jeannie has been a vocal advocate for ocean conservation for more than 40 years. She set up the group Ocean and Coastal Care Initiatives to raise awareness of local marine and coastal issues and also formed the Whale Dreamers Festival which attracts 5000 people to share in conservation messages.
See more stories of 2011 Pride of Australia national medal Winners.
See and listen to some celebrity messages for the prideofaustralia™ medal.
For further details, contact Jacqui Varasdi 0412 169 074
