MEDIA RELEASE
Jeremy Rockliff, Minister for Education and Training
Guy Barnett, Parliamentary Secretary to the Premier
The inaugural Corporal Cameron Baird VC Scholarship will be awarded this evening to Newstead College student Ethan McArthur.
The Minister for Education and Training, Jeremy Rockliff said that Ethan was chosen as the recipient of the award based on his predicted Year 12 results and his passion and commitment for the Australian Defence Force.
“The newly-established scholarship to the value of $1,000 is administered by the Department of Education to honour Corporal Cameron Baird VC MG and increase students’ awareness and learning of his service and sacrifice.
The scholarship is awarded to a year 12 student who is attending a government school in the Northern Region of Tasmania, of good character and intending to study at the Australian Defence Force Academy the following year. Accordingly, I offer congratulations to Ethan who has been accepted into the Royal Australian Air Force.”
Parliamentary Secretary to the Premier, Guy Barnett said that Corporal Baird had left a legacy of devotion and self-sacrifice.
“Burnie-born Corporal Baird VC MG became Australia’s 100th Victoria Cross recipient and Tasmania’s 14th, following his actions in Afghanistan on 22 June 2013 with the Special Operations Task Group.
While courageously drawing fire away from his team, Corporal Baird was tragically killed, leaving behind an outstanding example of service and sacrifice for others.
CPL Baird’s personal motto was ‘Aspire to Inspire’. It is our hope that this ethos is supported through the Scholarship.”
CPL Baird’s parents, Mr Doug and Mrs Kaye Baird were represented at the presentation by Mr Royce and Mrs Liz Crawn, Tasmanian Ambassadors for Cam’s Cause. Cam’s Cause, a charity named in Cameron’s honour and supported by his comrades, helps support commandoes and their families during challenging times.
