Victoria’s everyday heroes recognised in Pride of Australia Awards
From making children’s prosthetic limbs to turning a personal tragedy into change, the everyday heroes honoured at this year’s Pride of Australia Awards have made a lasting effect on the lives of others.
VIC News
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“Selfless” and “deserving” are just two of the words used to describe the everyday heroes who have been recognised at Victoria’s 2019 Pride of Australia Awards.
From making prosthetic limbs to turning tragedy into change, all have had an effect on the lives of others.
Sue Buckman started charity Defib For Life after losing son Stephen, 19, who died of cardiac arrest — and has fitted 3000 defibrillators statewide.
“I used to think that a little part of Stephen went with every defib and now it’s like with every save … it’s because of Stephen. When you speak to the survivors and families and see them out there living the dream, it gives you goosebumps,” she said.
Mat Bowtell, founder of Free 3D Hands, volunteers his time to help kids in need of prosthetic hands and aids.
“It’s amazing, because when we make a device for a child it becomes a lifetime commitment to that family that we will always be there to continue making devices for them,” he said.
“For me, (the award) is a really kind gesture, a tap on the shoulder to give me courage and confidence.”
Bronwyn Covill was recognised for her work in indigenous, remote and rural communities, and in Cambodia, using the internet to provide 60 disadvantaged children with tutoring through website Need a Tutor.
“I’m overwhelmed, but there are so many communities out there that we haven’t reached yet, so that’s the goal,” she said.
The team from Need for Feed, known for their “hay run” truck convoys, was also awarded a medal.
Gippsland co-ordinator Don Petty said their work would not have been possible without volunteers and donations.
“For the person who might have helped pack the hampers, to a truck driver, everyone in their own small way contributes. You couldn’t do it without them,” he said.
Penny Fowler, chairman of the Herald and Weekly Times, said all the winners were worthy of having their stories told.
“Each of you have demonstrated the quintessential have-a-go attitude which has helped build our national identity,” Ms Fowler said at yesterday’s awards ceremony.
“Your efforts, whether they be a lifetime of community service, a heroic act or demonstration of incredible bravery, in the face of adversity, are an inspiration to us all.”
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2019 WINNERS
MAT BOWTELL
One hand at a time, Mat Bowtell is changing the lives of kids across the country,
making free prosthetic hands and limb attachments for those in need.
NEED FOR FEED
A few utes and some bales of hay were what started drought, fire and flood relief charity Need for Feed. Now, their generous hay donations are known across the country.
SUE BUCKMAN
Losing her son, 19, to sudden cardiac arrest turned Sue Buckman’s life upside-down, but the single mum instead made her tragedy a lasting legacy, installing more than 3000 defibrillators Victoria-wide.
BRONWYN COVILL
For Bronwyn Covill, education is something that should be accessible for all, so she began connecting disadvantaged communities to tutors.
These are unsung heroes, everyday Victorians and the winners of the 2019 Pride of Australia campaign.