MEDIA RELEASE
9 JULY 2007
SCHOOLGIRL NOMINATES HER LOCAL HERO
FOR AUSTRALIAN OF THE YEAR AWARD
Sydney schoolgirl Amelia Griffen today submitted the first official nomination for the Australian of the Year Awards 2008, acknowledging the selfless efforts of teacher Peter Langmack in helping disadvantaged children achieve their dreams through softball.
Amelia, school captain at Toongabbie Public School, nominated Peter in the Local Hero category of the Australian of the Year Awards. Nominations for Local Hero, Australian of the Year, Senior Australian of the Year and Young Australian of the Year 2008 are open until Friday 31 August 2007.
Peter is a Year 6 teacher at Shalvey Public School at Mount Druitt in Sydney's western suburbs and also coaches the Shalvey Softball team, comprised of students from Year 5 and Year 6. Peter has built a highly successful team which has been in the State Schools Softball Knockout three years in a row - an achievement which belies the challenges faced by a group of children from less advantaged backgrounds who have no experience of team sport outside school.
Amelia knows the Glenmore Park teacher and his students from representative softball competition and admires his dedication to his students. Handing over her nomination form to National Australia Day Council Chair Lisa Curry Kenny today, Amelia described 35 year old Peter as a caring and true blue Aussie role model who goes beyond the call of duty as a teacher.
"I would like to nominate Peter Langmack as Australia's Local Hero because he is not only a dedicated teacher, but an inspirational role model to many of his students and fellow teachers," said Amelia.
"We should all acknowledge people like Peter Langmack through the Australian of the Year Awards because they are unsung heroes in our community who inspire young people like me to care for others who do not have the opportunities I do.
"A typical day in the life of Peter Langmack is to leave home at 7am, pick up three students on the way to school, feed them breakfast, teach his class and train the girls' school softball team morning, recess, lunch and after school every day of the week - except Tuesday when he has staff duties."
Amelia said Peter had sought sponsorship for proper uniforms to give his team pride, arranges transport to state tournaments in country NSW and also teaches his team members values which they can use for life.
"He has taken many of his students to a high level, not only in the sporting arena, but he has given them the ability and confidence to achieve anything they set their minds to," said Amelia.
"Many of these kids have very little home life and family support and now, because of Peter's care and efforts, they have something to strive for in the face of adversity, feel good about themselves and can be proud of what they've accomplished."
Peter said he was shocked but honoured by Amelia's nomination.
"I just do what I love doing - being involved in sport and helping kids," said Peter.
"Its nothing difficult for me because I enjoy it and its satisfying to see kids achieve something they probably never think they could do and they grow in self-confidence so much.
"Amelia's nomination is an amazing thank you."
The National Australia Day Council is encouraging all Australians to follow Amelia's lead and nominate someone who makes them proud for the Australian of the Year Awards 2008.
"Nominating someone for an Australian of the Year Award is one of the greatest compliments you can pay them," said Tam Johnston, National Manager of the Australian of the Year Awards.
"If you know someone like Peter, who is making a valuable contribution to our community, why not show them you appreciate their efforts by nominating them."
You can nominate for Australian of the Year, Senior Australian of the Year, Young Australian of the Year and Australia's Local Hero online now at www.australianoftheyear.gov.au or pick up a nomination form at your local Commonwealth Bank branch or call 1300 655 193 for more information. Nominations close on Friday 31 August 2007.
Ends.
For further media information and interviews contact:
Nicole Browne, Media Opps (02) 9954 7677 or 0414 673 762
