Pride of Australia Medal 2018 Victorian winners: Libby Fisher, 12, among those honoured

A YOUNG girl who helped save native animals is among a group of selfless Victorians honoured in this year’s Pride of Australia awards. See the winners here.

Libby Fisher, 12, meets Merri the two-year-old koala at Healesville Sanctuary. Picture: Jay Town

A YOUNG girl who helped save native animals is among a group of selfless Victorians honoured in this year’s Pride of Australia awards.

Libby Fisher, aged just 12, has spent countless hours helping rescue organisations care for injured and orphaned wildlife including koalas — her favourite.

Since starting grade 5, the big-hearted Diamond Creek youngster has donated nearly $5000 to conservation societies including Wildlife Victoria, the Australian Koala Foundation and Australia Zoo.

She has also made more than 3000 towels and rescue pouches, which are used to help nurse the injured animals back to health.

Libby was this month named as one of seven Victorian Pride of Australia medallists. The News Corp initiative celebrates the remarkable contributions and achievements of everyday Australians.

Libby told the Sunday Herald Sun she was compelled to act after learning about the dwindling numbers of wild koalas.

“I raise money by going to markets and selling animal rescue kits for cars to the public and then I donate this money to a charity,” she said.

Libby Fisher, 12, meets Merri the two-year-old koala at Healesville Sanctuary. Picture: Jay Town

The tireless animal lover, who has hosted nature conservation talks with more than 1500 children, also recruited a small sewing army of 30 people to help make rescue kits.

Money raised through sales goes towards helping wildlife workers cover veterinary bills and other costs including petrol, animal food and groceries.

Libby, now in year 7 at Montmorency Secondary College, this year hopes to raise $6000 to help Cooper’s Animal Refuge and Wildlife Victoria help even more animals.

She also began a basic animal rescue training course with Wildlife Rescuers. “I just want people to know that no voice is too little and no hands are too small to save our wildlife,’’ she said.

Mum Rebecca Fisher told the Sunday Herald Sun: “The whole family is really impressed because she works so hard and we try our hardest to help her. She has worked with the community in our local area and really left a mark on it.”

Three RACV Club workers who sprang to action amid last year’s Bourke St tragedy, a man who founded an organisation to restore dignity for the homeless, and a campaigner for Australia’s multicultural community were also recognised with Pride of Australia accolades.

THE WINNERS

JOSH WILKINS, Robinson

Founder and chief executive officer of charity One Voice, Mr Wilkins helps deliver basic needs to homeless people across Australia.

 

Pride of Australian Medal winners Josh Wilkins. Picture: David Caird

 

One Voice has provided more than 7000 showers to those living on the street and helps the homeless access a laundry to clean their clothes.

Mr Wilkins’ work is considered the first step in restoring a person’s dignity and can help people work towards a better life.

MILA GUERREO, Lorne

While surfing at her local beach in January last year, Mila, 11, was called to action when she spotted two girls caught in a rip.

 

Pride of Australian Medal winners Mila Guerrero. Picture: David Caird

 

Without thinking twice, she paddled out to sea and managed to pull the girls on to her surfboard and deliver them to safety.

While Mila has learnt about water safety by taking part in lifesaving nippers, she credits instinct with her bravery and quick thinking in the face of danger.

DEEPAK VINAYAK, Craigieburn

Founder of the South Asian Community Link Group, Mr Vinayak has worked tirelessly with Australia’s multicultural community — giving them a voice on issues like immigration, interfaith harmony and mental health.

Pride of Australian Medal winners Deepak Vinayak. Picture: David Caird

 

 

Mr Vinayak has empowered young immigrants as founding patron of South Asian Youth Connect Australasia.

He also works with the White Ribbon Foundation, RUOK suicide prevention movement and is a mentor and torchbearer for a number of diverse ethnic communities.

TROY FRASER, JOHN MORRIS AND MARK LUCAS, Melbourne

The three RACV Club workers did everything they could to save people’s lives amid last year’s Bourke St massacre.

Mr Fraser ran from his office and stepped up as a leader during the crisis.

 

Pride of Australian Medal winners Mark Lucas Troy Fraser and John Morris. Picture: David Caird

 

He was particularly commended for his efforts trying to save 10-year-old Thalia Hakin, who was one of six people killed in the January incident.

Mr Morris was seconds from being hit by the car involved in the tragedy when he turned back to Bourke St and began helping as many people as he could. Mr Lucas also leapt to action — assisting a man who had broken his leg after being thrown against a door.

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