Unsung Heroes

We usually write about historical figures who are well known and revered for their impacts on the human race. Let’s step back a bit and consider just three of the countless unsung heroes who have done good things, and continue to do good things daily, but who are mostly unknown and invisible to the general public. And for fun – let’s just focus on Australia! On a few faceless individuals ‘down under’ who have made significant, selfless contributions to their communities and beyond:

Allan Barnett 

Allan is a dedicated member of the Burleigh Heads Rotary Club of Queensland, Australia – where he has risen to the forefront, especially throughout the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic. His leadership, selfless service, and commitment were instrumental in navigating the club through various restrictions and broadcast health guidelines, while ensuring that community services continued uninterrupted. 

Allan and his Rotary have long been and remain actively involved in various community service projects, demonstrating a strong commitment to helping others. Allan’s dedication to volunteerism is evident in his consistent involvement in various club activities and initiatives.

His story is a testament to the power of selfless service and the positive impact one individual can have on their community. 

Louise Waller 

Louise has been an honorary member of the Currumbin Surf Life Saving Club in Queensland Australia since 1999. Never heard of her? She has earned 51 operational awards and has taken on various roles, including Junior Activities Chairperson. Her dedication to keeping the beaches safe and mentoring young lifesavers is truly commendable – as are similar achievements of countless others like her worldwide.

The club was founded in 1919 and has a 100 year tradition of providing lifesaving services on Australia beaches. Their commitment to saving lives has prevented countless drowning deaths. 

Members like Louise patrol the beach on weekends and public holidays, providing first aid, resuscitation, and rescue services. They offer various training programs in Surf & Rescue and run a program for children aged 5 and above, teaching them surf safety and lifesaving skills. 

Contributions like Louise’s never reach the pages of international publications, but they are important nevertheless. They highlight the importance of community service and volunteerism – as we write about in our novels, particularly with Tariana’s service to TSU and later in Galtland and the rest of Novana.

Leisa Logan 

As the director of Fight 4 Youth, also in Queensland, Australia Leisa has helped provide a safe space for young people to find value and purpose – a key theme throughout our novels. Leisa’s work with the Mentors Mentoring Mentors program has positively influenced many young lives, helping them navigate challenges and build a better future. 

Leisa and her co-volunteers run Mentoring and Empowerment Programs designed to build confidence, self-awareness, and acceptance through sport and mentoring. They conduct Boxing and Fitness Classes for all ages, including specialized programs for kids with ADD/ADHD/ODD, anxiety, and depression. 

The organization volunteers also offer counseling, homework help, and provide clothing and food for young people in need. Their ‘Inside Out’ initiative helps young incarcerated individuals increase their life skills, reduce reoffending, and aids in the prevention of suicide.

Leisa Logan and her club’s dedication to youth development and community support have made a significant impact on many young lives, providing them with the tools and support they need to thrive. 

In our own novels, Adam first discovers the inner joy that comes by becoming a servant-leader when he works with young people in a mentoring group called “Searching Stars”. He follows the example of Tari and other volunteers as he learns to give up the passion for winning in favor of devotion to service to others.

The heroes we introduce in this piece are but three unknown hero’s amongst countless thousands, no, many millions, who volunteer selflessly all over our planet. Faceless names who we’ve never heard of— and others who we all too frequently take for granted in our own communities. 

Let us be inspired by them. And by their examples, let us do likewise to selflessly brighten the days of the lonely, the troubled, the lost, those in despair, those who we pass by every day. 

Wouldn’t the world be a far better place if everyone of us would commit today to donate more of our time and talents to such causes? Why not take a few moments as we read this piece to ponder and appreciate those in your own neighbors or workplaces who are selfless unsung heroes. We all know them. These individuals represent just a fraction of the many unsung heroes who are making a difference in their communities and beyond. Their contributions might not always make headlines, but their impact is deeply felt and appreciated.

This might involve just an extra smile or a kind word or an unexpected thank you to the countless folks who we so often ignore or take for granted as we hurry through our days. A server in a restaurant. A worker, a nurse, a police officer, a maid or cleaning lady at a hotel. A receptionist. A distant friend or family member or a long lost friend. An unknown passerby in a park or the street. 

In this way,  let us become better versions of ourselves — as we change the world — one tiny tiny bit every day.