19 June 2020

Allliance Bank Do Good Awards

| My Gungahlin
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Last year I was nominated for the inaugural Alliance Bank Do Good Awards.

The Alliance Bank Do Good Award acknowledges the wonderful work their members and the community do everyday. I was one of 21 nominees announced and was one of 5 finalists announced just before Christmas 2017. The finalists announced were:

Mark Scarborough established My Gungahlin, a well respected information portal for the local community. He is also committed to raising awareness and funds for a number of charities and often goes to considerable lengths to do so: Skydiving for Juvenile Diabetes, a 24-hour treadmill challenge to support mental health awareness, two City2Surfs, City Runs Series across four states and is the official ambassador for Dainere’s Rainbow Brain Tumor Research Fund.

Ethel Lee has used her passion for music to open up the lives of the elderly residents in her community. She might be 86 herself but this has not slowed her down. For the past 20 years Ethel has been belting out the tunes and opening pathways for communication to those who have lost that ability.

Jacqui Bennettfor creating ‘ Humans in Geelong’ an inspiring online forum that celebrates the successes of individuals within her community and highlights opportunities in the region. From small beginnings she now has 7000 followers and has just run their first highly successful Expo with 40 exhibitors, 16 speakers and entertainment.

Mark Butterfieldis passionate about pizza and ensuring his local community has access to great quality food regardless of their situation. Barely covering his costs Mark is known for his generosity not only in his shop but through donations, weekly free breakfasts at the local school and free pizza every month at the local War Memorial trivia night.Genine and Sean Thornton, a mother and son team that have dedicated their lives to support homeless people in Melbourne. They have established a charity, Anonymous X, which now attracts donations of clothing and personal items from major brands and volunteers who hit Melbourne’s streets every night to support those without a roof over their head. They have raised awareness of an endemic problem and are regular contributors to public forums, talk back radio and social media.

Congratulations to the deserved winners Sean Thornton and Jacqui Bennett. Both winners will enjoy either accommodation and dinner for two in their closest capital city OR a gift certificate to the value of $750. It was of course unexpected and an honour to be nominated among great community leaders. I am also grateful to Alliance Bank for awarding my prize as a finalist as a donation at my request to Dainere’s Rainbow Brain Tumour Research Fund that I am the Ambassador for.

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