UPDATE:
It’s our nation’s top gong – Australian of the Year.
Now Kurt Fearnley is a contender – having beat fellow Novocastrians, Mark Hughes and Joanne McCarthy, to the New South Wales title.
He’s won sporting gold – and inspired many – but this latest honour took the Paralympian and disability advocate by surprise.
See full story at bottom of article.
WATCH KURT’S ACCEPTANCE SPEECH:
EARLIER:
Three-time Paralympic gold medallist, and Novocastrian Kurt Fearnley AO can now add another achievement to his name – the 2019 New South Wales Australian of the Year.
The 37-year-old retired from international wheelchair racing this year, receiving his latest honour at an award ceremony in Sydney overnight.
Fearnley was born without part of his spine and has championed the rights of people with disability.
Newcastle Herald journalist, Joanne McCarthy and brain cancer research advocate Mark Hughes were among the other finalists.
I was lucky enough to be a volunteer at the Commonwealth Games. One of the afternoons we were having our debrief session outside the Athletics and Kurt Fearnley was there with his family after his race.
He made a point of coming up to our group and thanked us all for our time volunteering. It was very special.
He is a lovely man and a very well deserved recipient of these awards. He is a great ambassador for our country.
I have to add also that he was one of the main athletes that I was hoping to see so it made my day.
CONGRATULATIONS KURT.
Congratulations Kurt, well deserved.
An inspiration to us all! His family, His “village” remarkable role models for us all. Kurt is an energiser like the people around him.