Bethany recognises everyday heroes

THE winners of the annual Bethany Superhero Awards Competition have been announced, highlighting the work of local heroes and their importance to children.

Bethany Community Support received a multitude of stories, poems, drawings, photos, and videos from primary school children, showing why their family members, friends, coaches, and teachers were heroes.

Bethany Group chief executive officer Grant Boyd said this year’s awards were particularly important.

“The awards provided children with a platform to reflect on positive relationships within their lives during what has been an incredibly challenging year,” said Mr Boyd.

“Children have shown remarkable resilience in the face of COVID-19 restrictions and are looking forward to getting back to normal.”

Grovedale’s Tara Knevitt was named Bethany Superhero of the Year through a submission from her daughter, Tilly Crowe (Grade 4).

Ms Knevitt, a single mother of three, contracted and recovered from COVID-19, spending five and a half weeks self-isolating while also caring for her children.

Tilly said her mother prioritised the safety of her children while she was sick.

“Mum got coronavirus and even though she was really sick she still looked after us by herself and wore masks and gloves so none of us caught it.”

Ruth Oakden won the Family and Friends Superhero category courtesy of a submission from Evelyn Nicholls (Grade 6).

Primary school teacher James Chapman won the Teachers, Coaches and Community Superhero category through a submission from one of his students, Lochlan Brown (Grade 5).

The winners and their submitters will share in a prize pool including contributions from Geelong Connected Communities, Bendigo Bank, Geelong Football Club, Adventure Park, Sea All Dolphins Swim, Dizzy Toys and Collins Bookstore.