2021 Corporal Cameron Baird VC MG Memorial Award winners announced

Published on 13 October 2021

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Emerging leaders Angus McTaggart and Abigail Masters have been recognised by Mayor of Hume City Joseph Haweil as winners of the 2021 Corporal Cameron Baird VC MG Memorial Award.

The award celebrates the memory of Gladstone Park local and Australian soldier Corporal Cameron Baird VC MG, by supporting young members of our community to pursue their dreams.

Corporal Baird VC MG, is remembered and admired for his selflessness, acts of courage and for his ultimate sacrifice on the battlefield which saw him bravely try to draw enemy fire away from his comrades in Afghanistan. Along with his military service, Corporal Baird VC MG was an active member of our local community who aspired to support and inspire the next generation.

The award provides up to $5000 to young locals (aged 12-25) who demonstrate the values of our local fallen Australian hero in the following two categories –

  1. Leading from the front Achievement Award – where achievement in sports, community, art, employment or education is recognised.
  2. Gaining ground Encouragement Award – where a commitment to an area of interest is recognised.

The selection panel was so impressed with two other applicants that they also awarded honourable mentions to 13-year-old Holly Zarb and 20-year-old Natasha Campbell.

2021 Leading from the Front Achievement Award Winner: Angus McTaggart

18-year-old Angus completed VCE at Aitken College, Greenvale during 2020 and is now studying an Advanced Diploma of Hospitality Management at William Angliss.

When Angus completes his studies at William Angliss, he plans to progress to the Bachelor of Tourism and Hospitality Management. Angus has been saving to pay for this course since Year 9, when he found out about this full fee paying/non-government funded course at a University Open Day. Angus will use the Award to go towards these studies.

Angus plans to own a business like a café, restaurant, wine/cocktail bar), lead successful teams and mentor and teach in the industry.

2021 Gaining Ground Encouragement Award Winner: Abigail Masters

20-year-old Abigail is currently studying International Studies and Global Security at University.

Abigail has been a volunteer with Banksia Gardens Community Services since 2019 through the gender equity project, 'Good People Act Now'.

The project has allowed Abigail to pursue her passion of promoting gender equality and taking tangible action in the prevention of violence against women in our local community.

Abigail wants to use the award to enhance her leadership and technical skills, so that she can contribute to community projects more meaningfully.

Abigail’s goal is to make tangible contributions to reducing gender inequality across Australia, but also specifically within Hume.

To learn about past winners or to find out more, visit www.hume.vic.gov.au/CorporalBaird