Heroes walk among us and the Bethany Group is on the lookout for them with the launch of this year’s Bethany Superhero Awards Competition.
The annual awards are a celebration of children-identified positive adult role models.
Bethany Group chief executive Grant Boyd says the awards are for everyday heroes to be acknowledged publicly – where acts of kindness and bravery from businesses to individuals are celebrated
“This includes neighbours, healthcare workers, delivery drivers … and mums, dads and grandparents – who have all had to exert super powers to survive.”
“With the January bushfires, followed by COVID-19, 2020 has been a year like no other and the impacts are evident in our community. For children, their lives have also changed, with learning from home, being restricted from normal activities and seeing friends and broader family members. The awards provide them with the ability to reflect on the meaningful relationships they have.”
Primary school-aged children can nominate a superhero in their life by writing a story or poem, drawing pictures, using photographs or uploading a video to describe their special person.
The winner of last year’s Teachers, Coaches and Community Superhero category, Anakie Primary School teacher Christy Thompson was recognised for her “remarkably selfless, humble and courageous” attribute.
She was nominated by one of her students, Louella Carroll.
“She was just inspiring to me and someone I looked up to,” Louella says. “The way that she handled her own illness and was still so nice to everyone and how strong she stayed for us all was really inspiring to me.
“When I’m older I want to be strong and as brave as her.”
Superheroes can be nominated for one of two categories: Family and friends or Teachers, coaches and community.
“A number of organisations have come onboard to support the awards including Humans in Geelong, Bendigo Bank, Geelong Connected Communities, Rotary Club of Geelong and the Geelong Football Club,” Mr Boyd says.
“This shows that there is a strong desire for the community to share and celebrate the everyday actions which enrich the lives of others.”
Entries close on September 18.
