Michael, Year 11, Castle Hill High School, NSW
Year 11 Castle Hill High School student Michael has been recognised with an ADF Long Tan Leadership and Teamwork Award for his unique approach to community involvement.

The young athlete used his cycling prowess to raise money for cancer research by riding more than 1000 kilometres from Melbourne to Castle Hill.

The idea was conceived by Michael himself who was influenced by the plight of cancer sufferers and their families. He surprised even himself after his trip raised $17,000 for research into the disease.

The ADF Long Tan Leadership and Teamwork Awards recognise young Australians for resourcefulness, dedication and community involvement.

Michael’s use of initiative to raise money for a great cause has earned him a $250 cheque and certificate and has certainly raised the bar for his peers.

Wesley (Yr 12), Emma (Year 11), Sarah (Year 10)

Adam,  Year 11 Australian Technical College – North Brisbane, QLD

Local student Adam was recognised for his contribution to the local community with an ADF Long Tan Leadership & Teamwork Award.

The Awards were developed by the Australian Defence Force to highlight the great work of young Australians at school and in the wider community.

Adam, a Year 11 student-apprentice at Australian Technical College – North Brisbane, was selected as a winner for his community work.  An apprentice chef, Adam often volunteers his time and expertise for events such as the local council’s ‘What’s Cooking in the Park’ event, which attracted huge crowds.

Adam is also an accomplished didgeridoo player, and has proudly represented our country by performing in China on two different occasions earlier this year.

He received a $250 cheque and a certificate in recognition of his efforts at the College’s Gala Awards Dinner held at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre in early November 2008.

Wollongong & Northern Leader
Thursday 25/10/2007
By Warren Jones

LONG TAN AWARDS RECOGNISE LOCAL YOUNG PEOPLE

Leaders make the ADF grade

STUDENTS from Bulli, Corrimal, Wollongong and Woonona High School have been recognised for their leadership skills with awards from the Australian Defence Force (ADF).

The ADF Long Tan Leadership and Teamwork Awards are given to students who show exceptional leadership and teamwork skills through academic prowess, sporting achievements, voluntary work or participation in community initiatives.

Teachers were given the chance to nominate one person from years 10, 11 and 12 for the award. Deputy Principal of Bulli High School Lou Tome said the three winners from his school - Tess Pritchard (yr10), Gareth Hoyle (yr11) and Roseanna Rusbourne (yr12) were chosen because they act as leaders in their daily life.

All three students are seen as students who demonstrate leadership amongst their peers," he said. "They've all been involved in a number of good activities across the school whether it be musical, whether it be sporting teams, dance you name it." Mr Tome said these students gained their leadership because they have shown their peers they are trustworthy, and said the world will be a better place if they end up in leadership roles in the community post school.

Chief of the Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston commended all students who received the award. "I congratulate the winners of the 2007 Long Tan Leadership & Teamwork Awards; it's great to see the Australian spirit is alive and well throughout regional NSW and it's important to recognise the great work these students undertake," he said. "It has been exciting to see the unique contribution students are making at their schools and in the wider community.The ADF applauds the outstanding efforts of these Australians. We look forward to seeing Award recipients continue to play a positive role in the community as young adults."

Fairfield City Champion
Wednesday 31/10/2007
By Nicholas Baker
Photo Courtesy of Fairfield Champion, picture by Sasha Woolley

LEADERSHIP AWARDS CAME AS ‘SURPRISE’

THREE Bonnyrigg High School students were among 1897 NSW students to be recognised by the Australian Defence Force for commitment to leadership and teamwork.

David Gromof, Maysa Ghannoum and Tom Van Tran were presented with the Long Tan Leadership and Teamwork Awards to recognise what principal Michael Bryce said were "outstanding displays of leadership within the school community".

"We asked the staff to nominate one year 10 student, one year 11 student and one year 12 student for the award," Mr Bryce said. "David and Maysa have been very involved with the SRC, especially David as the school's vice-captain."

John Robinson, head maths teacher and co-ordinator of the awards, said the recipients were "fantastic role models for younger students".
Maysa said she and David were "very surprised" to discover they had won the award.

David, who took time out of his busy HSC study schedule to talk with the Champion, said he thought strong leadership in the school community was important.

The Chief of the Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston, said students chosen for the award demonstrated exceptional leadership and teamwork skills through academic excellence, sporting achievements and community work. Mr Houston said the awards were named after the Battle of Long Tan, Vietnam, to recognise the traits in that action: determination, mateship, tenacity and  compassion, and to encourage these qualities among students.

"We look forward to seeing award recipients continue to play a positive role in the community as young adults."

Gatton Lockyer Brisbane Valley Star
Wednesday 28/11/2007
Photo by Brendan Steinhardt, Gatton Star

LEADERS AWARDS

ON the last day of school for seniors Lockyer District High School presented three students with the Australian Defence Force (ADF) Long Tan Leadership and Teamwork Awards.

The awards are aimed at rewarding young Australians that demonstrate determination, compassion, teamwork, tenacity and leadership.

Students in years 10, 11 and 12 are recognised with a cash prize of $100, $250 and $500 respectively, along with a certificate of commendation.

The awards were given to an outstanding member in grades 10, 11 and 12. Nicholas Panzram (year 10), Stephanie Heath (year 11) and Eryn Fox (year 12) were the recipients of the awards.

It was a special day for the three students with the day being Eryn's last day at the school before moving on.

It was also a significant day for Stephanie who was also named as the Lockyer District School Vice-Captain for 2008. Stephanie will also travel to Canberra in January to attend a science forum. Stephanie is able to have this opportunity with the help of Rotary who have selected Stephanie to attend the forum.

Nicholas, who is also a member of Rotary, will next year enter into senior schooling at Lockyer.

Sound Telegraph
Wednesday 21/11/2007

BEN SETS STANDARD FOR YOUTH

A MALIBU School student will graduate with an Australian Defence Force Long Tan Leadership and Teamwork award next month.

Described by his teachers as courageous and compassionate, final year student Ben Naylor, who has Down Syndrome, is a 19-year old man whose positive sense of self belief shines from every pore.

The award recognises qualities such as courage, resourcefulness and teamwork and Ben has these in bucketloads, as well as a great sense of humour and a positive attitude towards life and its predicaments.

In addition to completing his studies, Ben spends two days a week working in the packaging and assembly area at ACTIV Industries, Rockingham.

His ability to balance school and working life, while staying involved in the Rockingham community, sets the standard for other young people in the area.

Ben is part of the community based group called Good Gracious It's Tea Time, as well as the Rockingham Theatre Company. His other hobbies include music, singing, ten pin bowling, sailing, movies and the television show Neighbours.