AWARDS/SCHOLARSHIPS
HUME COUNCIL MEMORIAL AWARD/SCHOLARSHIP
His life was tragically cut short serving overseas, but Corporal Cameron Baird’s mission to inspire others lives on. The late soldier, who was posthumously awarded a Victoria Cross, was killed in action in Afghanistan on June 22, 2013, where he drew enemy fire away from his comrades.
His heroic actions were typical of the former Gladstone Park boy, whose father Doug described as not only a wonderful son, but friend and soldier.
Last night the fallen Digger’s legacy continued as Hume Council announced the inaugural winners of the Corporal Cameron Baird VC MG Memorial Awards. The recipients were Sarah Mackin, 24, of Broadmeadows and Hume’s young citizen of the year, Angela Atonio, 21, who both received $5000 grants. Ms Mackin, chair of Kangan Youth Foyer’s leadership group, said she planned to put the money towards an overseas trip, possibly to Cambodia, to undertake humanitarian work.
Having experienced hard times and a stint of homelessness, Ms Mackin said she needed to realise there were people “worse off than me”, and felt it was time to turn her life around, completing a community services and development course and continuing to upskill. But the award still took her by surprise. “Things like this don’t happen to people like me … I can’t put it into words what it means to me.” Ms Atonio also has a passion for helping young people and is part of the Hume Young Leaders Program, helping with events such as White Ribbon Day and R U OK campaigns and organising last year’s Change It Up youth forum.
The Craigieburn woman said the money would go towards continuing their programs to keep young people on the right track and hopes to attend the 2016 Youth Summit in Canberra.
“I like working with young people,” Ms Atonio said. “I’m pretty young myself so I feel I like I can connect with the younger crowd.”
Mr Baird said the family was honoured and humbled by the award, and although Cameron would “genuinely be embarrassed” by the attention, he would also be very proud.
He said his son had a saying in life: “aspire to inspire”.
“This award — our family cherishes it very much,” he said.
Award winners Angela Atonio (second left) and Sarah Mackin with Cameron Baird’s parents Doug and Kaye.
Presentation Ceremony for the Corporal Cameron Baird VC Scholarship
This inaugural CPL Cameron Baird VC Scholarship was awarded to Scamander’s Ethan McArthur at the Newstead College prize night (Wednesday 27th January 2016) – it was a proud moment and a time to reflect on the ultimate sacrifice by Cameron for his mates.
The Minister for Education and Training, Jeremy Rockliff said that Ethan was chosen as the recipient of the award based on his predicted Year 12 results and his passion and commitment for the Australian Defence Force. (click here to see the Media Release)
Click here to find out more about this Scholarship.
 Royce Crawn presenting Ethan McArthur with Certificate. |  The Minister for Education and Training, Jeremy Rockliff with Ethan McArthur |  L - R : Liz Crawn, Rocye Crawn - Representing Cams Cause, Ethan McArthur - Scholarship Winner and Guy Barnett MP |
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CPL CAMERON BAIRD VC SCHOLARSHIP
In March 2015, the CPL Cameron Baird VC Scholarship was announced by the Tasmanian Liberal Government. The Scholarship, which will increase students' awareness and learning about Corporal Baird VC and his service and sacrifice, will be in the sum of $1,000 and offered annually to a student in Year 12.
The selection committee will be seeking a student who:
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is enrolled in a government school in the North-West of Tasmania.
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intends to study at the Australian Defence Force academy (ADFA).
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is of good charachter.
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has contributed in a positive way to his/her local community.
Students will be asked to complete a written application that includes testimonials from their school principal and members of the local community.
The selection committee will include a representative of the Returned Services League of Australia (RSL).
The inaugural Corporal Cameron Baird VC Scholarship was awarded on Wednesday 27th January, 2015 to Newstead College student Ethan McArthur.
The Minister for Education and Training, Jeremy Rockliff said that Ethan was chosen as the recipient of the award based on his predicted Year 12 results and his passion and commitment for the Australian Defence Force. (click here to see the Media Release)
For more informatoin contact Learning Services Northern Region on 03 6478 4329 or email learning.services.nr@education.tas.gov.au.
VICTORIAN SCHOOL BOYS CPL CAMBERON BAIRD MEDAL
Darby Hipwell was awarded the CPL Cameron Baird medal.
The medal is awarded to the player who is named Captain of the U/12 Victorian school boys team
CPL CAMBERON BAIRD MEDAL
Andrew Harrison with the winner of the Cameron Baird Medal.
James Lathan was awarded the teams most courageous player.