I was lucky enough to get invited along to the Nerang Rotary Club last night and give a little talk about the ride and the work of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Australia.
Quite a few of the members were aware of the great work of BBBS, which was great.
Dinner was delicious (!) and it was terrific to hear of the work Nerang Rotary have been doing in their local community to make a difference.
I will be heading to New York in June 2010 after being lucky enough to be awarded a $5,200 RSL Youth Development Grant announced last week. Thanks!
My friends at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Australia have arranged for me to spend 2 weeks with Big Brothers Big Sisters New York to work with the charity and see how they do things in the Big Apple.
I am also doing a 3 day Leadership and Service conference as well as as much sightseeing as I can squeeze in!
Jack Sinclair - Finalist 2010 Young Australian of the Year (QLD)
Other Finalists Were Bloody Amazing
It’s weird, but you’d think there would be some disappointment when your kid doesn’t win but the other finalists were just so bloody amazing it was great to just see him up there with these 3 incredible people.
As Jack’s mum Mel said (and even though it sounds a bit soppy, it’s actually true) “Even though he didn’t win, he doesn’t lose.”
He got some terrific recognition for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Australia as well as the chance to meet and chat with some extraordinary people doing amazing things.
Congratulations To The Winner – Jean Madden
Jean Madden won the Queensland Young Australian of the Year – Jean designs, gets made and has given away over 11,000 swags to homeless people. Amazing.
The other 2 finalists were:
Alissa Phillips – Alissa works with people with disabilities through a very innovative range of programs.
Ray Chen – check out Ray in the video below. (Aside from being an amazing violinist, Ray also has the most charming mum in Australia!)
Jack was nominated by the good folk at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Australia for his community work which has included:
Last year, at 15 years of age, Jack became the youngest person ever to cycle across Australia when he rode from Perth to Surfers Paradise for charity – 4,500 kms in just 30 days – raising $25,000 for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Australia.
Other Charity & Community Work
His charity work also includes the donation and management of the web site for charity cycle www.sydneytosurfers.org.au, a site that has helped to raise in excess of $200,000 this year for disadvantaged youth.
Jack ran the full 2009 Gold Coast marathon and the grueling 96 km Kokoda Challenge in July for charity.
He volunteers two weeks of his school holidays each year to a camp for disabled children.
He speaks to Scouting groups on the importance of regular exercise and doing your very best.
“…A Special Young Man…”
As legendary Australian cyclist Robbie McEwen said about Jack’s efforts:
“Jack Sinclair is a special young man, who through personal sacrifice, dedication, perseverance and guts is giving his all to support other young Australians.
As a teenager it is easy to be consumed by your interests, wondering what the world is going to do for you.
Jack is different, he’s thinking about and DOING what he can for others in need.”
Winner Announced Thursday November 19
The winner of the Young Australian of the Year Award is announced on Thursday November 19, 2009.
Dad and I have been talking about having another dinner this year (maybe on the anniversary of finishing the ride) and having some more raffles to raise some more money for Big Brothers Big Sisters.
Jack received a bit of press a few weeks ago to promote the Pride of Australia Awards. Check the article here.
Jack has also just been nominated for the Gold Coast Honours Award – the Gold Coast Bulletin had an article in Saturday’s newspaper about him and said some very kind things.
In September 2008, 15 year old Jack Sinclair and his dad Brendon, will cycle 4,500 kms across Australia (from Perth to Surfers Paradise) in just 30 days.
The ride will be used to raise to help raise funds for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Australia - a fantastic organisation who match up mentors to children who need a positive role model. Let's give a helping hand.
Ride Ambassador is Robbie McEwen
Cycling legend Robbie McEwen is our Ride Ambassador and said:
"For a young man of just 15 years of age to undertake this huge journey with the discipline and commitment he is showing is inspiring."
