I will be heading to New York in September 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.
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!)
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.
Mum, Dad and I went along to the Pride of Australia awards today and had a great time.
I was nominated in the Young Aussie section and made the final 3. I met Nicole Reggett and her mum Donna (they were sitting at our table) – Nicole was nominated in the Young Aussie section too after doing tons of things to help others.
Nicole was announced as the winner which was really great. It was really good to be nominated with her.
We’re well over the $20,000 mark in donations – we’re calculating totals now.
We’re adding tons more photos to the site – you’ll see them down a bit on the right under the title “Flickr Photos” and in the main navigation above. Check them out here.
Jack’s a finalist in the Pride of Australia Award that gets presented on Friday in Brisbane. Jack, Mel and I scored invites to the luncheon so we’re going with fingers and toes crossed. (Both grandmothers have offered money for our tickets but we’ve refused!)
Jack’s mates at school got him down and took a pic of the bike tan. Hopefully it will appear online soon!
Jack got a ‘C’ in Physical Education at school. Maybe he’s not fit enough!
We’ve had tons of people shoot through lots of questions re the ride, so……..
Like to ask Jack a question? Shoot through an email to admin@perthtoparadise.com.au with your question and we’ll get Jack to answer via a video we’re shooting.
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."
Brendon is a former Ironman Triathlete, marathon runner, marathon swimmer, ultra endurance cyclist......and male nurse (that's where he met Jack's mum - she was a nurse too).
Brendon is 41 and looks a lot older!
Mel (Jack's mum) looks very, very young and we will not divulge her age!
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