The silent heroes of Townsville recognised in Australia Day awards
The young and old who make the community a better place were recognised at the weekend in Townsville’s Australia Day Awards, including young Ethan Cavanagh.
Townsville
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THE young and old who make the community a better place were recognised at the weekend in Townsville’s Australia Day Awards.
With 37 nominations across seven categories, the annual ceremony was a chance to give back to the people who give so much to the city.
Among the winners was Year 5 student Ethan Cavanagh, who was named Young Citizen of the Year by Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk.
“I was honoured because I wasn’t expecting this at all,” he said after accepting the award.
Despite losing his father at only three years old, the Townsville Grammar student appreciates that other kids face bigger challenges in life than him.
He was recognised for his efforts in fundraising, especially through his 2018 campaign SMILE, which stands for Share a Meal In a Loving Environment, in which he sought to donate 11 laundry baskets full of food to Ronald McDonald House.
“I asked around shops to donate some money and supplies for them. I also told friends to donate food on my birthday instead of a toy,” Mr Cavanagh said.
Asked why he did it, he said: “I know there are a lot of sick children in the world and I just wanted to make them feel appreciated.”
The Queensland Governor Paul de Jersey took to the stage to present Townsville’s Citizen of the Year, which was awarded to creator of Happy Feat Townsville, Leigh Caldwell.
The organisation works with individuals with disabilities to encourage them to dance and perform on stage.
Ms Caldwell was unable to attend and volunteers at Happy Feat accepted the award on her behalf.
“Leigh’s motto is believe and you can achieve and I think she’s just done that,” one said.
“Leigh would be absolutely thrilled with this, and humbled.”
Originally published as The silent heroes of Townsville recognised in Australia Day awards
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