pride of australia™ medal 2008 - nsw and act 2006 winners

Joycelyn Leatham - Eleebana

On August 23, 2005, Joycelyn's sailing trip ended in tragedy when the boat sank, and two men drowned. Sadly, one of these men was John Leatham, Joycelyn's husband. With no sign of help forthcoming, Joycelyn took the incredibly brave decision to swim for help herself . With only her sense of direction to guide her, she headed off for the island they had visited earlier that day. Eventually her efforts paid off when a small craft heard her call and came to her and the others' rescue.

Bruce Kuschert - Corowa

Bruce Kuschert has been nominated for his incredible efforts in maintaining the Hopefield cemetery. Hopefield cemetery has a long history - it was first used in 1878 - and Bruce works tirelessly in maintaining it. He has voluntarily slashed, mown, tidied and fenced the cemetery, often working in stormy weather, for 20 years. He carries out this work with his own tools, without recognition from the wider community and without asking for praise or thanks.

David McArdle - Eschol Park

In the early hours of the morning on March 17 this year, David McArdle went to the assistance of a motorist who was in severe shock after an accident on the M4 Motorway. While turning on the hazard lights in the woman's car to avoid further danger, David was hit by a semi-trailer and two other cars. After five major operations and 10 minor ones, David wouldn't change a thing - negativity doesn't cloud the mind of this inspirational man. He's determined to dance with his wife at his wedding this November.
Lauren Huxley - Northmead

Lauren Huxley captured the hearts of the nation when she was allegedly attacked on November 9 last year. Doused with petrol, she sustained severe head and internal injuries in the garage of her parents' home, which was then set alight. Lauren was in a coma for four weeks and needed months of intensive physiotherapy. Her progress was long and arduous but marked by a fierce determination and true fighting spirit.
Bailey Tompsett - Minchinbury

Bailey Tompsett has inspired his family, school friends and teachers after defying doctors to recover from a horrific car crash. The accident, which killed his father, left Bailey with severe injuries. Doctors said Bailey's injuries would see him hospitalised for at least three months, and confined to a wheelchair for another three. But less than four months after the accident, Bailey is out of hospital, walking and even back at school.

Ted Bickford - Tuncurry

After witnessing graffiti everyday in Sydney, Ted was disturbed that, after moving to Forster, the graffiti followed him. Ted approached the council to request they allow him to remove graffiti from public property as an extension of his existing volunteer work in the community. Others in the community were worried about graffiti whereas Ted felt the best route would be to talk with the youth in the area and persuade them to keep it clean and safe. Ted's volunteer work can see him working up to 50 hours a week.

Tom Beram - Emu Plains

Tom Beram, a 65-year-old electrician, has earned the respect of the community through his volunteer work. His own difficult experiences trying to assimilate into Australia, while striving to maintain his culture and language, have driven Tom to help others struggling with everyday necessities when they arrive in Australia. As president of the Croatian Intercommittee Council for NSW, Tom strives to create understanding and tolerance and believes cultural difficulties can be overcome simply by awareness.

Jan Jurd - Taree

Jan is a retired nurse who hasn't stopped caring. She lives with her husband and her father, who she cares for - all the while assisting thousands of ex-service personnel around Australia. She helps this community by raising money through raffles and dinners and by helping veterans with claims for pensions or legal aid. Jan also provides support for the families of ex and current veterans, through a unit called Veteran Support Family Life Line.

Gabreal Halvagi - Burwood

The ethnic community where Gabreal is from was divided into three church groups, which were originally from the one congregation but had experienced much discord over the past 20 years. Gabreal was determined to re-establish harmony across the community and did this by forming a soccer club for children and youth (Lidcombe Falcons). His passion for sport and the desire for children to live in peace has seen a community reunited.

Jessica Brown - Rose Bay

Jessica Brown formed Life Changing Experiences Foundation Ltd to reach out and help alleviate the suffering of disadvantaged and underprivileged youth. The foundation gives young girls the chance to break the cycle of destitution and abuse. One of the major components of this Foundation is the Sister2Sister mentoring programme which matches teenage girls with successful businesswomen or sportswomen.

Coral Slattery - Loftus

Coral co-established the Family Law Reform Association offering free support and assistance to anyone experiencing marital difficulties. Coral is available day and night for anyone who needs assistance through a free telephone counselling service. She has also been involved in teaching youth cricket, physical culture and was president of the Loftus Girl Guides and District Commissioner.

Shevera Gunasekera - Canterbury

Shevera Gunasekera at 15 years of age is a fantastic example of determination and willpower. She battled against a speech impediment to represent her school, in the Rostrum public speaking competition in 2005 and 2006. She overcame impaired motor co-ordination to be chosen as a dancer by the National Children's Dance Theatre. Her other projects include a Breakfast Club of which she is project director and which organises fundraisers to provide Australian families with food and gifts at Christmas.

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