FOUR local students are included in a group of 13 who have been formally recognised as recipients of the Sir Edward ‘Weary’ Dunlop Award by The Nationals Member for Euroa, Annabelle Cleeland.
St Patrick’s Primary School’s Daniel Andrew, St Mary’s College’s James Parker, Broadford Secondary School’s Odern Rachelle and Broadford Primary School’s Oscar McDonald have been chosen as recipients as part of the award.
Coordinated annually through Ms Cleeland’s office, the award celebrates students who embody the values of Sir Edward ‘Weary’ Dunlop, including courage, compassion, humility, integrity, leadership, friendship and forgiveness.
The students and their families were welcomed to Parliament House for a special day of recognition, including an official award presentation, a guided parliamentary tour, lunch and the opportunity to watch Question Time from the public gallery, where Ms Cleeland formally acknowledged their achievements during her Members’ Statement.
The students also visited the Melbourne Skydeck and took part in the Edge Experience, stepping out nearly 300 metres above the city in a transparent glass cube.
Ms Cleeland said the annual event was one of the highlights of her parliamentary year.
“It was an absolute privilege to welcome these incredible young people and their families to Parliament,” she said.
“These awards are not just about academic achievement. They recognise character, resilience, kindness and the quiet leadership we so often see in our regional communities.
“The teachers spoke so highly of every single student. Some have overcome enormous personal and medical challenges with incredible courage and positivity. Others have stepped up as leaders in their schools, volunteered in their communities, or consistently shown compassion and support for those around them.
“What stood out most was their character. These are young people who make their schools and communities better simply by the way they treat others and the example they set.”
Ms Cleeland said the future of regional Victoria was in good hands.
“Our communities are stronger because of young people who are willing to step up, support others, and give back,” she said.
“As the local Member, it gives me enormous confidence about the future to see such thoughtful, capable and community-minded young people coming through.”
Ms Cleeland also thanked the parents, guardians, teachers and school communities who had supported the award recipients.
“Behind every young person is a village of people helping guide and encourage them along the way,” she said.
“I want to sincerely thank the families, teachers and mentors who have invested so much into these students. You should all be incredibly proud.”
