Searching for Australia’s unsung heroes
16 March 2009
The search is on for Australia’s extraordinary unsung heroes with the launch of the prideofaustralia™ Medal program for 2009.
Now in its fifth year, prideofaustralia™ acknowledges the remarkable contribution and achievements of individuals who are not widely known or recognised. They might be a friend, workmate, neighbour or someone who embodies Australian values such as generosity, hard work, determination, courage and tolerance.
prideofaustralia™ is run by News Limited in newspapers across the country with 10 sterling silver medals awarded in special ceremonies staged in each State and Territory.
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of News Limited, John Hartigan, said: "prideofaustralia™ is a simple and inspirational initiative that has a particular resonance at a time that is tough for many Australians."
"We’re on the lookout for the heartwarming and moving stories about countless Australians who go out of their way to help their neighbours. They embody the true Australian spirit and in the coming months we’ll feature their stories in our newspapers across the country," said Mr Hartigan.
For the first time, this year prideofaustralia™ will also be celebrated on television with a series of four one-hour documentary specials, produced by Sarah Murdoch’s Room 329 Productions, to air on FOXTEL’s Bio. Channel.
"We’re delighted to be working with Sarah to help take prideofaustralia™ to a new level," said Mr Hartigan. "The television series combines with the support of the company’s regional, suburban, Sunday and daily newspapers."
Sarah Murdoch said: "Since first becoming a judge two years ago I have wanted to tell these heroes’ inspirational stories. Through Room 329 Productions I am excited to bring these stories of truly amazing Australians to a TV audience."
FOXTEL Executive Director of Television and Marketing, Brian Walsh, said: "Pride of Australia is an outstanding initiative and we are pleased to further our relationship with Sarah Murdoch and Room 329 Productions. The documentary specials (to air in late 2009) will showcase the stories of some of the extraordinary unsung heroes from all around the country. These stories are a perfect fit for Bio and continue our ongoing commitment to Australian production."
The prideofaustralia™ categories in each State and Territory are: Outstanding Bravery, Emergency Services, Community Spirit, Child of Courage, Young Leader, Care and Compassion, Inspiration, Environment, Fair Go and Serving Australia.
Nominations close nationally at 5pm on Monday April 13, except for Western Australia and Tasmania, which close on Tuesday April 28.
Nomination forms are available in News Limited newspapers or at www.prideofaustralia.com.au.
About News Limited*
News Limited is Australia’s largest newspaper publisher, with its major metropolitan titles including The Daily Telegraph and The Sunday Telegraph in NSW, the Herald Sun and Sunday Herald Sun in Victoria, The Courier-Mail and The Sunday Mail in Queensland, The Advertiser and Sunday Mail in South Australia and The Sunday Times in WA. Combined with regional newspapers in Victoria and Queensland and community newspapers in each of the mainland capital cities, News Limited reaches more than 11.3 million Australians aged 14 and over each week. Two in every three Australian adults read at least one News Limited newspaper each week.
*Source: Roy Morgan Single Source 12 months ending December 2008.
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