Let the hero hunt begin

STEPHEN Ward is an ordinary Tasmanian who achieved the extraordinary in the most trying of circumstances — surviving in the freezing Tasmanian wilderness with his father last year when authorities had all but written them off. Stephen’s survival instincts kicked in, and he put together a Bear Grylls-inspired shelter to protect him and his dad from the elements until they were found by rescuers.

Stephen embodies the courage and selflessness that makes heroes of ordinary peope — and for his efforts he was recognised with a Pride of Australia medal.

And now the hunt to unearth more unsung heroes has begun, with 2018 nominations now open.

OTAGO Bay teenager Stephen Ward embodies the spirit of the Pride of Australia Awards — he is an ordinary Tasmanian who achieved the extraordinary in the most trying of circumstances.

Stephen, 14, survived three nights in the freezing Tasmanian wilderness with his father last year, when authorities had all but written off the pair’s chances of making it out alive.

Stephen’s survival instincts kicked in, and he put together a Bear Grylls-inspired shelter to protect them from the elements in the rugged South-West until they were rescued.

For his efforts, Stephen was recognised with a Pride of Australia medal.

Another Tasmanian Pride of Australia medal winner last year was John Harris of Kelso in Northern Tasmania, who was part of the first group of community volunteers to begin treating wombats suffering from sarcoptic mange in the wild.

The hunt to unearth more unsung heroes has begun, with 2018 nominations now open.

News Corp Australia has partnered with Australia Post and Seven News to stage the 2018 Pride of Australia Awards – now in its 14th year.

Launching in the Mercury today, the awards seek to unearth and honour ordinary Australians who make an extraordinary contribution to our community.

The awards, launched in 2005, have honoured more than 650 Australians, chosen from among tens of thousands of nominees.

Nationwide, thousands of stories have been published of remarkable Australians who have made inspiring and selfless contributions.

Those stories will also be broadcast on Seven News each week and culminate in the crowning of the national Editors’ Choice Award winners live on Sunrise on December 14. Readers and viewers will be able to nominate at prideofaustralia.com.au.

News Corp Australia’s community ambassador Penny Fowler urged Australians to nominate people in their com- munity for a Pride of Australia Award.

“They are helping build a better Australia for us all – they are the bedrock of our local communities. Our readers are constantly inspired by their stories of hope, courage, passion and persistence,” Ms Fowler said.

Medal ceremonies will be held in mid-December and winners will also be revealed on

Sunrise on December 14. For more information and to nominate go to prideofaustralia.com.au