Regional Winners

 

Sunshine Coast & Wide Bay

John Dillon

Orphaned at a young age, John Dillon knows the trauma of growing up without parents. It drove him to be the best father he could be. Not even a cancer diagnosis, which saw him given less than a week to live, could stop him. That was 30 years ago…

John is still active in his local community, volunteering at Riding for the Disabled and the Men’s Shed. Described by his children as “a shining example of what a man can be when he chooses to commit to something dear to his heart” John remains an ever-present figure in his family’s life – even at 90 years of age.

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Brisbane

David Harvey

David Harvey is all heart. The 44-year old father-of-three is known for his selfless dedication to his family and community, even in the face of his own personal health issues.

Diagnosed with an incurable heart condition called Atrial Fibrillation in his twenties, David – a self-confessed soccer fanatic – never let his condition stop him from coaching, mentoring and supporting his children. Despite two heart surgeries and ongoing health concerns, David’s family say his heart is his greatest strength.

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Central Queensland

Jeremy Lange

Selfless, hard-working and positive – that’s 32-year old mining electrician from Mackay, Jeremy Lange.

Growing up without a positive male role model, Jeremy’s passion and dedication to his twins, Lachlan and Seth – who were diagnosed with autism at two years of age – is an inspiration to all who meet him. As a young, single dad, Jeremy shouldered the responsibility of overseeing his sons’ development, which included extensive occupational and speech therapy. He’s also actively involved in Mackay’s autism community.

In 2012 Jeremy met wife Rebecca, who describes him as a ‘super dad’ and her rock. In 2016 they welcomed baby Hugh into their happy, healthy and growing family.

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Southern Queensland

John McClure

Described as a hero by his daughter, and an inspiration to local children, John McClure is passionate about family, Aussie Rules, and seeing young people reach their full potential.

The Bethania father of four has positively impacted scores of young lives as a local Aussie Rules coach, encouraging children to dream big and believe in themselves. After leaving his coaching position to give priority to his own children, he is still frequently asked to return, such was his acclaim with the children and their families.

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North Queensland

Murray Walmsley

Former farmer, ‘cane cutter’ and father of three and grandfather of seven, Murray Walmsley’s recipe for success as a dad is simple: ‘love your children’s mother’. The quiet-spoken Tumoulin man, who once travelled to the base of Mount Everest, has faced plenty of personal mountains in life – from a harsh upbringing to giving up his farming dreams for his family’s wellbeing. To each challenge he has faced in life, he has responded by putting the needs of others before his own – most importantly his family.

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South East Queensland

Larry Green

Father of two and foster father of three, Southport State School’s Indigenous Liaison Officer, Larry Green, embodies unconditional love. From his unwavering support for his extended family, to the children at his school, Larry is passionate about helping the disadvantaged and those on society’s fringes.

As a child, Larry was taken in by a missional orphanage, where he was taught the values that he holds dear to this day – love, forgiveness, patience and kindness. It’s these same values that drive him as a father and a father-figure in the community.

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Congratulations to all five finalists. You are all highly-deserving nominees and an inspiration to fathers across the state.