A military veteran advocate with a passion to protect endangered species and gold medal winning Australian Paralympian swim star will visit the Isaac region as part of Australia Day celebrations.
A military veteran advocate with a passion to protect endangered species and gold medal winning Australian Paralympian swim star will visit the Isaac region as part of Australia Day celebrations.
Kevin Hughes, who was awarded a Bravery Medal, and Queensland's very own golden girl Lakeisha 'Lucky' Patterson will share their inspirational stories at selected Isaac region events on January 25-26.
Isaac Regional Council Mayor Anne Baker said it is a privilege to host Kevin and Lakeisha and for the opportunity for our rural and regional communities to connect with them.
"We're all part of the story of Australia – from those whose ancestors walked on Country for tens of thousands of years to the newest Australian citizens," Mayor Baker said.
"On Australia Day, we reflect on our past, accept the truth of our history and respect that we all have a contribution to make to the story of Australia.
"We celebrate being part of a diverse and multicultural nation and please join me and welcoming Kevin and Lakeisha to the Isaac region as we can't wait to hear their courageous stories."
Having served in the military within Australia and overseas, as a firefighter in Brisbane and a professional pilot worldwide, Kevin's passion for Australian native animals started in the early 1990s.
He held the senior pilot position for the Wirrimanu Aboriginal Community in Balgo, Western Australia with aircraft based at Halls Creek.
It was there his education of native animals grew along with the passion to assist in bringing awareness to as many people as possible. Kevin then founded Endangered Species Supporters Australia.
Lakeisha started swimming at the age of five to help ease her muscle stiffness from Hemiplegia, a form of Cerebral Palsy. Lakeisha is a three-time Paralympic Gold medallist and dual World and Commonwealth Champion. She has represented Australia at two Pan Pacific Championships, two Commonwealth Games, three World Championships and two Paralympics with other international events, medals and records in between.
An ambassador for numerous organisations and charities, as well as an Order of Australia Medal recipient, Lakeisha studies at university, volunteers within the community, speaks at numerous events, and raises education and awareness about inclusion, diversity and resilience.
Council is hosting eight events across the region in conjunction with the support of many local businesses and community groups. Visit https://www.isaac.qld.gov.au/community/australia-day or click on the events tab on Council's Facebook page for times and venues.
The 2023 Australia Day Awards is an Isaac Regional Council event assisted by the Australian Government through the National Australia Day Council.
