2019 Shine Awards
Our warm and heart-felt thanks go to Alan Lean who, not only is the driving force behind this wonderful and worthwhile program but also acted as MC for the evening.
Apologies from Mayor Greg Conkey (who made a late appearance), Brian Kahlefeldt, Samantha Brunskill & Kay Hull. (all of whom are strong supporters of this annual event) were read out.
Alan welcomed everyone and proceeded to impart a little history of this event, which he initiated with the support of the Rotary Club of Wagga Wagga, in 2011. This was done to recognise the difficulties faced and overcome by those in our community facing physical and/or intellectual disabilities, as they navigate their way through the pitfalls of entering the workforce. The awards also acknowledge the support and commitment given by employers of these individuals.
Deputy Mayor Dallas Tout in his address noted that there was a large number of people attending the awards, and gave his congratulations to everyone for the contribution they make on a daily basis.
Our past member, Tara Peck, who mentioned that she was only contacted by Alan a few hours prior to the event and asked to say a few words, said it was a privilege and a pleasure to speak. Tara, who is vision Impaired, said that having a disability can be at times frustrating and challenging as well as motivating. She spoke movingly about the path she has travelled, and the choices made by those who manage their disability. She finished by saying that the Shine Awards acknowledge that those with a disability want to run the race of life with everyone else. Her Advice: RUN WELL AND FINISH WELL.
Our Key-Note Speaker, Ann Lowe, had given a great deal of thought to the word ‘Shine’, and went on to give the audience some wonderful examples of well known personalities who had overcome a disability to ‘Shine’ in one way or another. Daniel Radcliffe overcame Dyspraxia to become an actor. Jamie Oliver had dyslexia yet has written approx. 20 cook books, Michael Phelps, the swimmer, became an Olympic Gold Medallist, despite having severe ADHD. Ann then went on to give examples of local people who had excelled whilst overcoming adversity. A vision Impaired woman who has just commenced commercial cooking classes. Ann believes that with effort, belief and hard work, much can be achieved, and she challenged everyone in the room to spread the word about the Shine Awards to encourage more and more nominations each year. Ann finished by stating we should all Shine with Determination to Inspire Others.
The proceedings then moved on to the Shine Awards themselves. This year there was a slight change in that there was no Ambassadors chosen to represent the Shine Awards. All nominees would get recognition with a framed certificate and a book, ‘90 mins to Success’ written by Brian Kahlefeldt.
Alan Lean and Cheryl Roberts alternated reading out the nominations. There were Nine Nominations of Employers, and Fifteen Nominations of Employees, all of whose stories were really inspiring.
Club President David Friedlieb gave his thanks to the Employers and Employers for the wonderful contribution all have made to our community. He ended by thanking everyone who came along to support family friends and colleagues tonight.
The formal part of the evening concluded with congratulations to all award recipients and thanks given to Wagga Wagga Rotary Club, Rotary Shine Awards Committee, Mayor Greg Conkey and Council Staff for setting up the facilities, Lyndal Seymour for her assistance with the awards, and all the special guests for attending, and the Rotary BBQ Team for their hard work outside while the award ceremony was ongoing.
The audience then joined us for a delicious meal provided by the highly acclaimed Wagga Wagga Rotary BBQ Team. The food must have been delicious as it was ALL eaten within minutes.
