Hello everyone,
Wishing you all a safe & wonderful Australia Day.
I was so moved watching Dylan Alcott's acceptance speech last night when he received his Australian of the Year award, I couldn't wait for today to put pen to paper.
Dylan Alcott is a true inspiration to me... |
It is so refreshing to see a normal person receive this prestigious award, instead of a politician or some trumped up person in the know who really does not deserve it.
Dylan Alcott is an inspiration to me, it is people like him that make me want to get out of bed in the morning so that I can be part of something in our community. Most of you already know that I am involved with the Charity Sylvanvale here in the Sutherland Shire, so Dylan's message is very close to my heart.
Sylvanvale wouldn't be here today if it wasn't for the hard work of its founding families & the Warburton family is one of those families that started this long journey in 1947 (75-years ago) at a Baptist church in Flora Street Kirrawee.
Related: The Warburton Story.
"A true champion is not who wins the most tournaments It's about your purpose" |
Listening to Dylan's speech last night took my mind back 70-years & reminded me of my father's words of wisdom all those years ago, he used to say to me.
"Son, don't ever think that you can't make a difference in this world".
Dylan also used these words last night, very powerful indeed. Thinking back to those very humble days (1947) when those parents did not have enough money to rub two copper coins together, we (Sylvanvale) now look after 750 children & adults with disabilities to live in the community, with over 40 group homes in the Sydney region & Blue Mountains, staffed 24 hours a day, 7-days a week.
If only my parents were alive today to see the legacy they started, I am sure that they would turn in their grave.
From those very humble beginnings in the Baptist Church at Kirrawee in 1947, Sylvanvale's Revenue for the financial year 2020-2021 is as follows:
Revenue. $73,190,000 (M)
Operating surplus of $7,295,000 (M)
The Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison awarding Dylan his 'Australian of the Year' Award. |
You are probably asking why I am telling you this story, well I am just about to tell you.
At the AGM of Sylvanvale in 2015 (in general business) I had this bright idea that I would organise a Pre-WWll Vintage Car Show to raise money & help promote Sylvanvale to the general public throughout the 'Shire' & the Sydney region to be more aware of people with a disability, exactly the same message that Dylan Alcott (Australian of the Year) is trying to convey to everyone & is very successfully doing so.
Here we are now in 2022 & my dream has evolved. On the 20th March'22 we will be organising our 6th annual Pre-WWll Vintage car show that has developed into one of the Shire's premium community events of which I am very proud of. Unfortunately we missed out holding our spectacle for the last couple of years due to this wretched Covid Virus. Let's hope & pray that this year's event goes ahead as planned.
I would just like to remind everyone that by entering your very special Pre-WWll Vintage Vehicle in our event at Sutherland on 20th March & all the many thousands of spectators that will attend this extravaganza, all proceeds will be going to a good cause.
Entry fee: Adults $5.00 Family $10.00 Children under 12 free. Show Vehicle entrance fee: $20.00.
I think you've made it when your face gets projected onto the Sydney Opera House 30m high |
Please pencil in to your papyrus diary our Pre-WWll Vintage Car Show to be held in Flora Street Sutherland on Sunday 20th March '22. (9:00am-3:00pm).
Our event could not possibly take place without the many volunteers who willingly put their hands up to make our event such a success, I believe they are the social thread of our community & should be recognised in our society as many have been in this year's Australian of the Year awards.
Congratulations Dylan Alcott, apart from being this year's 'Australian of the Year' I am so happy that you have received this decent honor for a decent human being.
Thank you for all you do for supporting people with disabilities, to reach their potential.
Regards
Ken Warburton