Sandra Sully gets emotional talking about Rosie Batty and other Pride of Australia heroes

SANDRA Sully became emotional when speaking of the courage Rosie Batty and other heroes have, who got a Pride of Australia medal this year.

SANDRA Sully has a message for anyone who reckons there are no heroes left in the world. Watch the Pride of Australia Medaltelecast.

The Channel Ten journalist and news presenter has spent nearly three decades covering the best and worst of mankind.

That hasn’t hardened Sully, who is overcome with emotion as she discusses the ordinary Australians nominated for this year’s awards in Care and Compassion, Young Leader, Courage, Bravery, Fair Go, Environment, Community Spirit, Heroism, Child of Courage and Inspiration.

Some nominees, like Victoria’s Rosie Batty (Courage Medal), have had to confront unimaginable loss.

Ms Batty’s 11-year-old son Luke was murdered by his father at cricket practice.

MORE: Victorian Pride of Australia winners

Pride of Australia Medal Winner ... Rosie Batty, who lost her son Luke. Picture: David Caird

Rosie Batty ... congratulated by Victorian Police Chief Commissioner Ken Lay who nominated her. Picture: David Caird

West Australian seven-year-old Sian Williams stood up to the bullies taunting her for stuttering, founding not-for-profit group Kidzucate Inc.

SHINING LIGHTS: More Pride of Australia winners from WA

Confronting bullies ... Pride of Australia winner Sian Williams of Western Australia.

Shane Tipungwuti, from the Northern Territory, rescued young Lucas Dhurrkey who had fallen into the local waterhole. Shane, 11, performed CPR until the three-year-old started breathing again.

HEROES: Our NT Pride of Australia winners

Northern Territory Pride of Australia Awards winners ... the Outstanding Bravery medal winner Shane Tipungwuti with his mother’s uncle James Tipungwuti.

The Pride of Australia is full of inspiring stories with 30 finalists selected from hundreds of worthy nominees.

“These people don’t seek any recognition so this (Pride of Australia) is a way

for the community to say thank you out loud and recognise their achievements,” Sully says.

“It is the most humbling thing to be a part of because you’re reminded about how little you do. These men and women, boys and girls, show you up every day of the week.

MORE PRIDE: Our Queensland winners

“It really is a reminder that one person can make a difference. It doesn’t hurt to put your hand up, volunteer, make an effort. It shows a great sense of pride and optimism in our society.”

Sully has a special place in her heart for the Young Leader Medal category because it sends a powerful message of hope to today’s youth.

INSPIRING PEOPLE: Our NSW Pride of Australia winners

As well as Williams, finalists are Claudia McEwen (NSW) who launched the Wake Up Foundation after her brother Michael was seriously injured in an unprovoked assault, and James Harrington (SA), who walked 18,000km around Australia to raise awareness and funds for The Brainchild Foundation.

Claudia McEwen with her Young Leader Medal at the 2014 Pride Of Australia Medal awards in Sydney. Picture: Richard Dobson

“This category highlights the hundreds if not thousands of young Australians that are doing exceptional work,” Sully says. “They aren’t just leaders in their community but potentially leaders of Australia.”

Sully chokes with emotion as she discusses Ms Batty’s courage. Despite her unimaginable loss, Ms Batty has become an advocate against family violence, campaigning for reforms to the system.

PRIDE OF AUSTRALIA: Who received medals in South Australia

Other finalists in the Courage Medal category are Julie Turner (NT) who became a founding member of the Darwin Regional Indigenous Suicide Prevention Network after losing her daughter Carmie to suicide, and Aidan Barry (SA) has overcome a heart condition, failing eyesight and a lack of upper limbs to establish the No Handicap Golf Run.

Northern Territory Pride of Australia Awards winner ... Julie Turner.

“Rosie’s story connects with so many people,” Sully says. “Her courage has galvanised the community into changing the way domestic violence is treated.

“Every year Pride of Australia reminds us how a simple act of kindness or courage or generosity can change people’s lives — even save them.

“My greatest challenge on the night is to do justice to everybody. It is their moment to shine.”

TASSIE: Our Pride of Australia winners

Overcome with emotion ... Sandra Sully supports the Pride of Australia initiative. Picture: Nigel Lough

TEN YEARS OF PRIDE

NOW in its 10th year, the Pride of Australia Medal has recognised and celebrated many ordinary people who have done extraordinary things.

Over the years we’ve being in awe of Yorin Miller and John Kendrick, the Victorian firefighters who gave their all — and risked their lives — during the devastating Black Saturday fires; and inspired and moved by young Molly Wood, whose fighting spirit humbled us after she received horrific burns in a terrible accident.

Noeline Clamp — who is known as “Mum” to more than 500 refugees — made us remember the value of the power of compassion; while Young Leader medallists like Khadija Gbla — who assists African refugees to assimilate — gave us faith that our country is in good hands.

Policeman, nurses, foster parents, teachers, doctors, students and inspiring citizens from across the country have all shared their stories — stories that deserve to be told.

More than 600 medals have been awarded over the past ten years and another ten people will step up to the podium to collect their medals this week in a ceremony that will also see singers Kate Ceberano and Dami Im perform. They’ll be joined by other celebrities and dignitaries for the News Corp Australia initiative, but in this instance the stars will be happy to take a back seat and applaud our local heroes.

PRIDE OF AUSTRALIA MEDAL 2014

SATURDAY, 9.30PM, ONE

Originally published as Sandra Sully gets emotional talking about Rosie Batty and other Pride of Australia heroes