The Australian's of the Year were announced this evening.I think Lee Kernaghan is well deserving for all of his work with farmers who are experiencing drought - as well as being a good all 'round ocker bloke :-)
With no disrespect to Lee I think the 'bigger' award this year was for the Local Hero Award which went to Jonathon Welch of "Choir of Hard Knocks" fame who says "that this award is in recognition of all those who help others".
What I admire most about Jonathon, apart from the music he has created with the choir, is that as a 'famous opera singer' with the proverbial world at his feet, he genuinely took time out for the people that so many members of the community judge, overlook or ignore.
And he didn't just pay them passing attention, he helped them to shine, to be "people" rather than just 'homeless' or 'people with mental health issues' or whatever other label the rest of society chose to place upon them.
He helped them to sing, to find accommodation, health, jobs, for many, a life. And perhaps more importantly, a sense of purpose, a boost for self-esteem, a community that cared, a family, a place where they were valued and important.
If that isn't what Australia is all about, then I have got something very wrong :-)
Well done Jonathon!
No comments:
Post a Comment