11 December 2008
Spirit of Tasmania is delighted to announce the winners of its
'Have you got the Spirit?' Community Campaign. Joane McKnight from
Derrinallum, Victoria and Garry Beaumont from Wynyard, Tasmania
were today recognised as two of Australia's most spirited
individuals. They have won over $15,000 worth of prizes thanks to
the sponsors of the campaign, Mantra and Pure Tasmania.
The campaign, which was launched in September, set out to crown
Australia's most Active Adults, received an overwhelming response,
with over 500 nominations pouring in from across Victoria,
Tasmania, Australian Capital Territory and New South Wales.
Charles Griplas, CEO of Spirit of Tasmania, said: "We received a
staggering number of nominations from proud sons and daughters,
husbands and wives, friends, colleagues and neighbours, all with
inspirational stories to tell about their loved ones. There were
countless accounts of lively individuals demonstrating a thirst for
adventure and a zest for life. As judges we had a very difficult
job choosing just two winners."
On behalf of the judges, cricket legend Max Walker said: "This
campaign set out to honour everyday Australians who do
extraordinary things in our communities and to celebrate these
unsung heroes who tackle the challenges that life throws at them
head first. I think that the two winners of this campaign will
inspire others to get out there and make the most of life."
Joane McKnight from Derrinallum, Victoria was announced as the
mainland winner. Joane was nominated by her partner, Martin. Living
in sight of Mount Elephant, she led the fundraising campaign for
the community purchase of this dormant volcano in 2000. The
community then formed the Mount Elephant Community Management Inc.
which was approached by UNESCO in 2004 to apply for 'Global
Status', similar to a World Heritage listing. Almost single handed
she led the campaign through all levels of government and the
community to pursue her goal.
In June 2008 her drive and energy resulted in Western Victoria
and South East South Australia being recognised by UNESCO as the
57th Global Geopark. Her 'Spirit' has since taken her all over the
world to Northern Ireland, UK, France and Malaysia. Next year she
will travel to China, South Africa and Japan to promote and talk
about this wonderful part of Australia.
Joane is now the Director of the Kanawinka Global Geopark, which
measures 26,620 square kilometres across two states and together
with her team, develops programs to promote and educate.
Joane said: "I'm greatly honoured
and very excited. I think I'm still shaking. My husband only told
me a couple of weeks ago that he has nominated me and I never
thought for a moment that I might win. To have all the years of
work that I've done as a volunteer recognised in this way is great
recognition."
Garry Beaumont, of Wynyard, was named the Tasmanian winner,
having been nominated by Karin Brodie, one of his co-workers at
Coast FM, the community radio station at which Garry
volunteers.
Garry operates an on air radio console and has entertained and
inspired legions of listeners for over 20 years…13 days a
fortnight, all year round! He is also legally blind.
Garry's listeners cite his show as a major part of their day,
providing information and entertainment unique to the North West
Coast.
Recently a young girl, also sight impaired, heard of Garry's
situation, and found the courage to undertake the seemingly
impossible task of operating a complex studio desk, reading out
news and weather from internet sources and playing music from CD
players and computers. Garry trained and encouraged her, and she
has now become an important part of the Coast FM team.
Karin Brodie said; "Many of Garry's listeners depend hugely on
his show for information and entertainment. Despite frequent praise
and accolades that arrive from the public Garry is forever modest.
I am so happy he is finally being given the recognition he deserves
for all he does for his community."
Gary Beaumont said: "I was quite stunned when I found out I had
won. I never expected it. I'm sure there must be others more
deserving than me. I just love what I do. Interacting with my
listeners brings me joy. It's great to get this kind of
recognition, and I'm really grateful to Spirit and to the judges
for choosing me."
Charles Griplas said: "Spirit of Tasmania wishes to thank
everyone for sharing their heart-warming and courageous stories.
This campaign has demonstrated that the Australian passion for and
love of life certainly does not fade with age. We wish all the
nominees nothing but the best as they continue with their
adventures!"
Joane plans to get into the holiday spirit when she takes three
of her friends on a five night Pure Tasmania Experience. They will
be staying at the stunning Cradle Mountain Chateau and a enjoying a
relaxing journey on the Reflections and Rainforest Canoe. They will
also visit the idyllic Strahan Village, sampling some Tasmanian
delights with a delicious wine and cheese tasting and take a trip
on the breathtaking West Coast Wilderness Railway.
Garry is looking forward to his holiday also! Garry and three
friends will enjoy a five night stay at the beautiful Mantra Hotel
on Russell in Melbourne. The party will experience the Eureka
Skydeck including the thrill of 'The Edge' before relaxing on a
Melbourne River Cruise. They will also play 18-holes of golf at The
Sands, Torquay and luxuriate with a deep relaxation treatment at
Saltair Spa Retreat.
To read the winning nominations in full, go to spiritoftasmania.com.au
-ends-
For media enquires please
contact:
Cairin Conway,
Pesel & Carr
(03) 9663 0886 / 0406 524 562
Cairin.Conway@peselandcarr.com.au
or Soniya Fernandez, Communications Coordinator, Spirit of
Tasmania
(03) 9206 6220 / 0438 393 898
saf@spiritoftasmania.com.au
