INSPIRING STORIES

CONGRATULATIONS to Varsity College year 12 student Kaitlin Barwick who won the Gold Coast Young Citizen of the Year at the Australian Awards. Kaitlin, 17, is also a semifinalist in the Queensland Young Achievers Awards. She will find out tomorrow if she has won.

“I was one of those kids who didn’t get much opportunity while in school,” she said. “I created a group for kids who basically don’t get many opportunities ... it’s like a youth group for kids. “We get together and raise money for charities or clean up places.”

Look out for the interview with Kaitlin in next week’s Inspire.

WHAT: The Gruffalo

WHERE: Home of the Arts (HOTA), 135 Bundall Road.

WHEN: 1-2pm, Friday, March 8.

COST: $22.50.

LIONS, tigers and ... a gruffalo? Home of the Arts is showcasing a musical play based on the award-winning picture book The Gruffalo. Colourful performers and toetapping songs will be bringing the book to life on stage. Audiences will eat up this story about the clever mouse that embarks on a daring adventure through the deep, dark wood in search of hazelnuts, only to end up telling the story of a terrifying Gruffalo. Described as smart, funny and charming, the commended and hugely popular show perfectly captures the magic of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s adored story. Suitable for both children and grown-ups.