Tuesday, 2 June 2026

 Annabelle CLEELAND (Euroa) (16:26): Today I had the absolute privilege of celebrating 13 extraordinary young people from right across my electorate of Euroa, each one a worthy recipient of a Sir Edward ‘Weary’ Dunlop Award. I want to give a huge congratulations to Aiden Aisbett-Wray, Aria Winkler, Ariana Berry, Charlotte Watson, Christian Lurati, Daniel Andrew, James Parker, Logan Schwarzkopff, Mitchell Sullivan, Murdoch Smith, Odern Rachelle, Oscar MacDonald and Rachel Richards. Ten of these incredible students, along with their families, are here at Parliament today for this special moment.

This award is named after a true local hero, Sir Edward ‘Weary’ Dunlop, a man whose name and legacy mean so much to our region. It is an award I am proud to support every year because it recognises students who live by the same values Weary showed throughout his life, even in the darkest wartime circumstances: compassion, courage, humility, leadership, integrity, friendship and forgiveness. These young people have shown all of that and so much more. Whether it is by overcoming immense physical hurdles, medical events or personal tragedies with courage and positivity, through their diverse contributions from school leadership to creative talents and everyday kindness, they perfectly embody the compassionate spirit of Sir Edward ‘Weary’ Dunlop. Some have faced challenges that would overwhelm most adults, yet they have met them with courage, resilience and grace. They may be young, but they are already proving our future is in very good hands. I want to thank the parents, guardians and teachers here today. You should be proud of the influence you have on these beautiful young people. I know I am.