Images:
Kevin Hughes
Lakeisha Patterson
Mayor Anne Baker
A military veteran advocate with a passion to protect endangered species and a gold medal-winning Australian Paralympian swim star visited 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 shared their inspirational stories at selected Isaac region events on January 25-26.
Isaac Regional Council Mayor Anne Baker said it was a privilege to host Kevin and Lakeisha and for the opportunity for the 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 reflected on our past, accepted the truth of our history and respected that we all have a contribution to make to the story of Australia.
“We celebrated being part of a diverse and multicultural nation and welcomed Kevin and Lakeisha to the Isaac region 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 was a three-time Paralympic Gold medallist and dual World and Commonwealth Champion.
She 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 organizations and charities, as well as an Order of Australia Medal recipient,
Lakeisha studied at university, volunteered within the community, spoke at numerous events, and raised education and awareness about inclusion, diversity and resilience. Council hosted eight events across the region in conjunction with the support of many local businesses and community groups.
