Long Tan Award

In 2020 as we negotiated a COVID year and world wide pandemic, many of our regular school functions had to be cancelled.  One such function was the College’s Presentation Evening.  But, despite the cancellation of the event, some students were bestowed with significant awards.  One student, Steph GS in Year 10 was nominated and won the Lang Tan Leadership Award.  This is an award provided by the Australian Defence Force and serves to recognise students who not only show academic prowess but also demonstrate engagement in the wider school community.  Steph was scheduled to attend the Alpine Leadership school in Term 4 but this was also cancelled due to the pandemic.  She has been a regular part of the College’s leadership profile from Year 7 onwards and now, as she enters Year 10, she is a prime position to take on more challenging roles within the leadership and school advisory councils. 

The Australian Defence Force Long Tan Awards recognise and celebrate qualities such as leadership, teamwork, respect for others, and mateship.  The Australian Defence Force places great importance on these qualities. In fact, the servicemen and women of this nation are expected to demonstrate these qualities every day.  It is these very qualities that have contributed to the development of this nation’s character and identity.  As students, ready to take your place in our society, it is never too early to work, as part of a team or, indeed, to play a leadership role within your school, sporting, or community groups, and so contribute to the development and prosperity of our nation. The Department of Defence provides the Long Tan Awards so that young people can appreciate the wider role the Australian Defence Force plays and the importance we attach to the culture of service and duty. 

In the most part, this stands us aside from many other organisations, and the community expects its defence force, to display, and embrace the qualities linked to the Long Tan Awards.  These are the values that we demonstrate each, and every time we assist international and Australian communities, in the event of floods, significant fires, or other natural disasters. The Australian Defence Force is an organisation of people who together are able to do some extraordinary things. This award enables the Australian Defence Force to highlight the achievements of today’s youth who will become tomorrow’s leaders.  The Australian Defence Force wishes to recognise and reward students who contribute to their peers, and the broader community by displaying the qualities of leadership, teamwork, respect for others, and mateship, as well as a willingness to serve within both their own school and the broader local community. 

As Stephanie has shown over her years at Heathmont College with her academic success, her active involvement in the community and her willingness to learn and lead, she is a worthy recipient, and we congratulate her in her achievement.