Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall with Fred Hollows Foundation Junior Ambassador Ethan Bellman on Monday at the presentation ceremony at Parliament House.
Wednesday, 7 September 2015
TWO Northern Tablelands Year 6 students have been recognised for their care and compassion for others, receiving Fred Hollows Humanity Awards at a presentation ceremony at Parliament House on Monday.
Member for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall was at the ceremony, along with the Founding Director of the Fred Hollows Foundations, Gabi Hollows, Mr Hollows’ widow, where Destiny Mills (PLC Armidale) and Ethan Bellman (Croppa Creek Public School) were honoured for their selfless attitudes and deeds.
“I am very proud to see two of our local students recognised for their selfless efforts in their communities, helping and inspiring their peers and making a positive impact,” Mr Marshall said.
“Destiny and Ethan are very impressive young people who have already demonstrated enormous maturity, a strong desire to help others and huge potential as leaders.”
Ethan was doubly honoured, named the Fred Hollows Foundation’s Junior Ambassador for NSW for this year.
“Ethan is a very active member of the Croppa Creek community and is passionate about looking after his home town and making it a better place for everyone,” Mr Marshall said.
“Despite his lack of years, Ethan throws himself into a range of local community groups, attending meetings and rolling his sleeves up when there is some work to be done.
“He can often be found washing the Rural Fire Service fire truck, tending to the local bowling green and tidying up the memorial hall.”
When the main road through Croppa Creek deteriorated to an unacceptable level, Ethan took it upon himself to voice concerns to Gwydir Shire Council and they responded by resealing the road. Ethan then contacted the council with concerns about road safety for cyclists and signs were subsequently installed.
“Ethan is thoroughly deserving of this high accolade and in receiving it, has helped promote the community he loves so much,” Mr Marshall said.
“It is rare to find a person at this age who gets involved in and advocate for his community. His parents Todd and Carolyn are justifiably proud.”
As the Foundation’s Junior Ambassador, Ethan has allocated $5,000, donated by Specsavers, to The Fred Hollows Foundation’s Kenya program to help end avoidable blindness.
Mr Marshall said the Humanity Awards were established by the Fred Hollows Foundation to encourage students to show care and compassion for others and make a positive impact in their school or community.
“The award hops to inspire and challenge Year 6 students to be generous, kind and caring throughout their lives. For young people to get out in the community and world and help others – which is exactly what Fred Hollows was all about.”
“Fred Hollows used to say that the greatest attribute of mankind was our ability to help one another – Destiny and Ethan reflect that in their own lives and thoroughly deserve this special recognition.”
Mr Marshall said that Destiny Mills spends half of her pocket money on toys for the Salvation Army’s Christmas Appeal, which are then distributed to disadvantaged children in Armidale.
“Destiny has arranged for the local toy shop to match her generous contribution to ensure more children receive help and joy in their lives,” he said.
“Destiny also displays maturity and compassion, taking responsibility for caring for her mother while she underwent cancer treatment.
“Congratulations to Destiny and Ethan on receiving this prestigious award.
“These are two young people who are already focused on the wellbeing of others and who, I’m certain, will make a huge contribution to society, just like Fred Hollows did.”