Bid to unearth our unsung heroes in Pride of Australia awards

OTAGO Bay teenager Stephen Ward embodies the spirit of the Pride of Australia Awards — he is an ordinary Tasmanian who achieved the extraordinary in the most trying of circumstances.

OTAGO Bay teenager Stephen Ward embodies the spirit of the Pride of Australia Awards — he is an ordinary Tasmanian who achieved the extraordinary in the most trying of circumstances.

Stephen, 14, survived three nights in the freezing Tasmanian wilderness with his father last year, when authorities had all but written off the pair’s chances of making it out alive.

Stephen’s survival instincts kicked in, and he put together a Bear Grylls-inspired shelter to protect them from the elements in the rugged South-West until they were found by rescuers.

For his efforts, Stephen was recognised with a Pride of Australia medal.

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Stephen Ward is a Pride of Australia medal winner. Picture: RICHARD JUPE

The hunt to unearth more unsung heroes has begun, with 2018 nominations now open.

To uncover the nation’s unsung heroes, News Corp Australia, publisher of the Mercury, is partnering with Australia Post and Seven Newsto stage the 2018 Pride of Australia Awards.

Now in their 14th year, the awards seek to unearth and honour ordinary Australians who make an extraordinary contribution.

Since 2005, News Corp has honoured more than 650 Australians, chosen from tens of thousands of nominees. This year’s program begins today and there is a seven-week nomination period.

Pride of Australia stories will be published in the Mercury and also broadcast on Seven News each week.

News Corp Australia community ambassador Penny Fowler urged Australians to nominate people in their communities.

“These individuals are helping build a better Australia for us all — they are the backbone of our local communities,” she said.

“Our readers are constantly inspired by their stories of hope, courage, passion and persistence.”

Seven Network director of news and public affairs, Craig McPherson, said: “In our clouded world it will be enlightening to bring to mainstream Australia these untold true stories of real people doing extraordinary things in everyday life.”

Australia Post executive general manager, community and consumer, Nicole Sheffield said: “We look forward to championing those Australians who are striving to make our communities better through their inspiring acts.”

Medal ceremonies will be held in mid-December and winners will also be revealed on Sunrise on December 14.

For more information visit prideofaustralia.com.au