by Michaela Meade
Hume residents Abigail Masters and Angus McTaggart have been announced as the winners of the 2021 Corporal Cameron Baird VC MG Memorial Award.
The award celebrates the memory of Gladstone Park local and Australian soldier Corporal Baird VC MG, and supports young members of the community to pursue their dreams.
Hume council said Corporal Baird VC MG is remembered by the community for his “selflessness, acts of courage and for his ultimate sacrifice on the battlefield which saw him bravely try to draw enemy fire away from his comrades in Afghanistan”.
Along with his military service, Corporal Baird VC MG was an active member of the local community who aspired to support and inspire the next generation.
The award provides up to $5000 to young locals who demonstrate the values Corporal Baird VC MG in two categories; Leading from the front Achievement Award; and Gaining ground Encouragement Award.
Twenty-year-old Ms Masters was recognised for the Gaining Ground Encouragement Award.
Ms Masters said she was “super shocked” to be chosen for the honour.
“It was really amazing, and really unexpected,” she said.
“There were so many other amazing, deserving young people there.
“I was super shocked; I know a lot of the other nominees personally, so I wasn’t expecting myself to win.”
Ms Masters was given the award for her work with Banksia Gardens’ Good People Act Now (GPAN), a youth-led community group working to promote gender equality and end violence against women in Hume.
Ms Masters said it was great to be acknowledged for her work.
“We do a lot of community outreach, like in high schools and at festivals,” she said.
“For an issue as big as violence against women, it often feels so big that you can’t make a difference.
“But with GPAN, it really feels like you are really making a difference.
“Every tiny little thing adds up.”
Eighteen-year-old Mr McTaggart received the Leading from the Front Achievement Award, which recognises achievement in sports, community, art, employment or education.
Hume council said Mr McTaggart will put his award prize money towards his university studies.
Details: www.hume.vic.gov.au/CorporalBaird
