SOAPBOX: Welcoming the new era of celebrity

I'M sick and tired of the Kardashian-eqsue influence and the focus on celebrity for fame's sake.

Lachie Smart was 18 years, 7 months and 21 days when he touched down on August 27 as the youngest person to circumnavigate the world by aircraft, solo. Picture: John McCutcheon

THE world needs more role models like Lachlan Smart.

I'm sick and tired of the Kardashian-eqsue influence and the focus on celebrity for fame's sake, looking absolutely perfect 24/7 (or the appearance that you do) and having to have the latest gadget or fashion accessory to be someone in the world.

Although this was not his aim, to me, Lachlan is the very antithesis of that.

He has shown people of all ages how hard work and determination can help you to reach any goal you might set for yourself.

You can make a name for yourself doing something good in the world.

For Lachlan, it's about telling young people that they ARE good enough, strong enough and capable enough to conquer any feat they dream of.

It is a message that has no age barriers.

Heck, I'm almost twice his age and I found myself in awe of the strength of his message and what it can mean for people who might be down in the dumps and have been told too many times in their lives that they can't do something.

I'm so glad that my children have locals like Lachlan, Jessica Watson and yes, even Bindi Irwin, to look up to.

They are all living proof that anything is possible and doing something that builds up not only yourself, but the community as a whole, is the most fulfilling way to live your life.

So please Kardashian worshippers, have a think about where you could better draw your inspiration from - there's so many people around the world who are better choices.

Lachlan Smart's heroic return after record flight

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Originally published as SOAPBOX: Welcoming the new era of celebrity