For one Tamworth couple, next January's Australian of the Year awards will be a nailbiting experience.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Their granddaughter could be 2021 Young Australian of the Year.
Tara McClelland was named Canberra's Young Australian of the Year earlier this month.
John and Marie McClelland said it came as a huge surprise.
Marie was told "there was a young fellow that's a firefighter [competing]. He went into a house and rescued a family so he'll get it," she said.
"We were watching it and we were expecting his name - and hers came up!
"When she was announced, it's a wonder you didn't hear us screaming all over town!
"It was John's birthday, so I said there's your birthday present."
Tara, 24, is a youth worker for the Salvation Army helping Canberra's homeless young people aged between 16 and 25, particularly those with mental health issues.
She also volunteers for a dizzying array of related institutions including the Youth Reference Group at headspace Canberra, and has assisted the Children and Young People Commissioner's Office with their work on family violence.
Her award nomination says she "works tirelessly to support and advocate for the rights and wellbeing of ACT's young people".
Her grandparents couldn't agree more, saying their descendent is just a good egg.
READ MORE:
"We think it's an honour [the opportunity to help young people]. It's always something she's always wanted to do," Marie said.
"Tara always wanted to [help] teenagers, that's what she's always wanted to do."
She told the Leader that one year the family was forced to have an early Christmas lunch because Tara had to go to work later the same day.
The Tamworth couple probably won't be able to travel to Canberra on Australia Day to watch their granddaughter contest the national honour of Young Australian of the Year, partly due to COVID-19 border rules.
But they'll be watching on TV, Marie said.
"She's got as good a chance as anyone hasn't she?"
"She's worked hard for it. We're happy and we think she deserves what she got."
Dad, Stephen, a journalist at the ABC, was born in Tamworth but currently works in Darwin. Tara was born in Tasmania.
Andrew Messenger
Politics, environment and energy journalist at the Northern Daily Leader. I also write about health, bushfires and occasionally music. I'm a Brisbane boy by way of Charleville and Hobart who now lives in in beautiful New England. Get me at andrew.messenger@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Politics, environment and energy journalist at the Northern Daily Leader. I also write about health, bushfires and occasionally music. I'm a Brisbane boy by way of Charleville and Hobart who now lives in in beautiful New England. Get me at andrew.messenger@austcommunitymedia.com.au
