‘She was so worthy’: Heroic mum’s legacy lives on through award

Elissa Flanagan made an inspiring impact on many and now her legacy continues to live on through a special scholarship award.

The family of the late Elissa Flanagan, who is honoured with the Elissa Flanagan Aim High Scholarship, (from left) Grace, Mikey, dad Robert and Emily Whitby at the launch of The Business disAbility Awards of Australia, Monday, July 26, 2021. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Described as extraordinary, selfless and kind, one special mum’s legacy is living on through an inspiring award.

Elissa Flanagan was many things – a loving mum and wife, skilled athlete, devoted volunteer and advocate for people living with disabilities.

But in 2015, the caring mother tragically lost her life when she was involved in a single-vehicle crash.

Now ahead of the 2021 Business DisABILITY Awards, Ms Flanagan’s legacy is living on through the Elissa Flanagan Aim High Scholarship Award.

The family of the late Elissa Flanagan, who is honoured with the Elissa Flanagan Aim High Scholarship, (from left) Emily, Robert, Grace and Mikey Whitby at the launch of The Business disAbility Awards of Australia, Monday, July 26, 2021. Picture: Kevin Farmer

“Elissa was very supportive, kind and caring and she loved her children dearly,” husband Robert Whitby said.

“She holds a very special place in my heart and she lives on through this award … the kids and I are so proud of her.”

Mr Whitby said the recipient of the 2021 award will have the same values as his late wife.

“Elissa was very passionate about helping people in general, but she also did a lot of work in helping people living with disabilities,” he said.

“Anyone that is encouraging towards that cause is the kind of person that deserves this award.”

Kim Stokes speaking at the launch of The Business disAbility Awards of Australia 2021, Monday, July 26, 2021. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Heartbreakingly, the devoted mum left behind five children – including the pair’s youngest Grace, who was just five-years-old at the time.

Co-founder of the awards and Ms Flanagan’s aunt Kim Stokes said the family work hard to fundraise each year, to contribute $1000 towards the award sponsorship.

“My niece was an extraordinary woman … she was relentless in her volunteering and was highly respected for her work in the Cecil Plains SES,” Ms Stokes said.

“She was so worthy of this acknowledgment, irrespective of my involvement, because she really was that outstanding.

“Rob has done such an amazing job – they are such an incredible family and this is such a beautiful way to recognise their mum and wife.”

The family of the late Elissa Flanagan, who is honoured with the Elissa Flanagan Aim High Scholarship, (from left) Grace, Mikey, dad Robert and Emily Whitby at the launch of The Business disAbility Awards of Australia, Monday, July 26, 2021. Picture: Kevin Farmer

But the children are following in their mum’s footsteps in more ways than one.

Mikey, who was born profoundly deaf, has inherited his mum’s athletic ability.

“Elissa was a great runner … she broke state records and now Mikey is a national-level swimmer,” Mr Whitby said.

“He’s well on his way to achieving great things … he trains hard just like his mum and I couldn’t be more proud of him and the girls.”

Connecting to her through his sporting abilities, Mikey often tells his family before a race that he’ll be swimming fast for his mum.

The driven 14-year-old even has his sights set on the 2024 Olympics in Paris and Brisbane in 2032.

“I loved my mum because she cared about us a lot and helped me join programs like Auslan (a nationally recognised training provider for deaf services),” Mikey said.

“Because of my swimming, I do think mum would be very proud of me.”

The Business DisABILITY Awards event is on September 9 at The Goods Shed on Russell St.

Running from 6.30pm to 11pm, tickets are $130 for the general public.

To purchase tickets, visit toowoombabusinessdisabilityawards.com.au.