Two Sunbury residents have been recognised with an award and up to $5000 at the 2023 Corporal Cameron Baird Memorial Award on June 8.
The award celebrates the memory of Hume local, Australian soldier and Victoria Cross recipient Corporal Cameron Baird VC MG, through recognising and supporting the community contribution of young people in Hume.
Jin Woodman, 13, won the leading from the front achievement award for representing Australia at the Wheelchair Tennis Junior Masters in France and at the International Tennis Federation World Team Cup in Portugal.
Jin said it felt good to win the award and to be a role model for the younger kids.
“I try to be a role model… [as] from when I was five years old I had people who were inspiring me,” he said.
Jin said the international competitions went well and he will be using the $2000 he was awarded for SwingVision, which he explains is like an AI coach.
“France was a good experience since it was a masters and my first experience playing internationally.
“Portugal was also good as we played as a team, and everyone had fun and did well.
“I will use the $2000 for SwingVision, which is like AI helping you like a coach and watching your percentages.”
Sam Vowles, 18, also won an award for gaining ground encouragement for his contribution to the Sunbury community and his work volunteering the State Emergency Service (SES) since he was 15 years old.
Council said the winners were aged 12 to 25 years old and selected for their exemplary achievements aligning closely with spirit and values held by Corporal Baird.
This year marks the 10th anniversary of Corporal Baird’s death, after he was killed in action in 2013
Zoe Moffatt
