MEET AUSTRALIA’S BEST MATE
Man’s devotion to work colleagues recognised
‘‘ ONE OF MY STRENGTHS IS BEING ABLE TO IDENTIFY IF PEOPLE AREN’T HAVING SUCH A CRASH HOT TIME.
JUSTIN BYGRAVE
A TOOWOOMBA man has been awarded the title of Australia’s Greatest Work Mate for his devotion of time and energy to his work colleagues.
Justin Bygrave is the lead distributor of the Australian Firefighters Calendar and is described by his colleagues as a “guardian angel”, and “one of those great mates you can’t appreciate enough”.
The inaugural nationwide search for Australia’s Greatest Mate was launched by Mates4Mates, a charity that provides support services to current and ex-serving Australian Defence Force members who are wounded, injured or ill as a result of their service, and their families.
The aim of the search was to encourage Australians to celebrate the importance of mateship, whilst raising awareness of the battles Australian veterans and their families face.
Mr Bygrave was amazed with the win and said it was important to have a non-judgemental environment around friends and colleagues.
“I’ve found one of my strengths is being able to identify if people aren’t having such a crash hot time and it’s important to let them know you’re looking out for them and are there to talk, even if it’s just a casual chat,” he said.
“We’ve created a family at the Firefighters Calendar where we leverage social connectivity due to our distance from one another - we see each other a few weeks a year for our big photoshoot but I still know I’ve got mates supporting me all year round.”
Because of a draw in scoring for the Greatest Work Mate category, Mr Bygrave shares the win with Ben Jones from Miranda in New South Wales.
As well as the greatest work mate category, the judging panel awarded winners across three categories; Australia’s most life-changing mate, Australia’s most dedicated mate and Australia’s greatest family mate.
As well as public recognition, winners will also be awarded a series of exciting experiences, including a hot lap experience with motorsports legend and Australia’s Greatest Mate ambassador Craig Lowndes.
Mr Byrgave is also looking for a sales person to join the Firefighters Calendar team. If you are interested email info@firebrandqld.com.au.