Nationals Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland has presented students that displayed exceptional qualities across the region with the Sir Edward ‘Weary’ Dunlop Award for 2023.
The Weary Dunlop Award is awarded to students in the Euroa Electorate each year, with recipients often having demonstrated persistence and resilience to overcome hurdles and setbacks.
There are many other qualities that were taken into consideration for the award, including compassion, humility, friendship, forgiveness, courage, leadership, and integrity.
Ms Cleeland said it was a privilege to be involved with the Weary Dunlop Award.
“Being able to present this award to students who have achieved so much over the year was an honour,” Ms Cleeland said.
“Whether it be for overcoming significant adversity, being leaders of their school and community, high achievement in academics, or a passion for social justice, all of this year’s winners are incredibly deserving.
“I want to congratulate all those who received an award for their exceptional efforts and thank all of our local schools that participated.”
‘Weary’ is a local hero, growing up in Benalla, whose care for soldiers taken prisoner during the Second World War is legendary.
“Despite the horrific war-time conditions in the prison camps, the boy from the bush, never lost hope in humanity,” Ms Cleeland said.
“In hatred he found the strength to fight for the wellbeing of others – something I think we need more of in this world.
“As a surgeon he was brilliant – but it was his deeds as Commander, leader and a mate which were even more revered.
“For the Australian Prisoners of War who endured the awful conditions of the Burma Railway, Weary was a symbol of hope.
“An inspiring, courageous Australian, who despite regular beatings and torture, never once complained or gave up.
“It was Weary’s way – the tougher things got, the more determined he became to see it through.”
This year’s recipients of the award were:
Xavier Berriman – ACC Benalla
Estella-Rose Kipping – Euroa Primary School
Murph Lazenby – Euroa Secondary College
Tammanie Robinson – FCJ College Benalla
Lori Perry – Nagambie Primary School
Asha Embling and Brianna Maher – St John’s Euroa Primary School
Charlie Mackrell – St Joseph’s Primary School, Benalla
Ella Currell – St Patrick’s Primary, Kilmore
