There aren't too many people across the region - and even across Australia - who don't know who John Southon is.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
He's the principal at Trundle Central School in a town with a population of just over 600 people but he's been making a big difference to the lives of many.
Though he says he's no lone Samaritan and attributes a lot of the work and enormous good will towards others, particularly during the drought, to his staff.
But with that said, his leadership is nothing short of inspiring.
So much so, John has been featured in the Inspirational.Australians podcast.
The podcast, hosted by Awards Australia, tells the powerful and motivating stories of people who make a big difference.
The positive stories like John's are the good news stories we all want and need to hear.
- Chief operating officer Annette Vawser
Week 8 of the podcast features John, who has been described by those behind the podcast as "one of our extraordinary local residents who is a dedicated principal and advocate for rural children and education".
Each Monday the podcast has a focus on an inspirational Australian.
"The positive stories like John's, highlighted in each podcast episode, are the good news stories we all want and need to hear," chief operating officer Annette Vawser said.
"The stories will warm your heart and give you comfort that our community is in good hands.
"Be inspired by ordinary Australians achieving extraordinary things!
"For a dose of inspiration, be sure to subscribe and listen to the Inspirational.Australians Podcast.
"In episode 8 we chat to John Southon about how passionate he is about 'his kids' and how much the welfare of his students means to him."
For those interested, the podcast can be found through this link: www.awardsaustralia.com/podcast
A full transcript on each episode is also available in the 'show notes' on the website.
John has shown selfless dedication for his community - just one of the reasons behind him winning the prestigious TransGrid Leadership Award at last year's Regional Achievement and Community Awards.
He's coordinated multiple individuals and agencies to deliver ongoing and sustained drought relief to Trundle and injected thousands of dollars into its economy.
Under John's leadership, his students have been empowered to help their families in times of significant rural need and their mental health has also improved.
Since 1989, Awards Australia has provided a unique way for businesses to support and recognise both their customers and the community as a whole.
Over the years its prestigious awards programs have received thousands of nominations and celebrated hundreds of inspirational Australians.
READ ALSO:
What do you think?
Send a letter to the editor by filling out the online form below.
Christine Little
I love sharing people's stories, particularly local stories that are special and important to the people of Parkes. If there is one thing I have learnt in my 10 years of community journalism, it's that stories are everywhere. All it takes is a good story teller to make it worth reading. Email: christine.little@parkeschampionpost.com.au
I love sharing people's stories, particularly local stories that are special and important to the people of Parkes. If there is one thing I have learnt in my 10 years of community journalism, it's that stories are everywhere. All it takes is a good story teller to make it worth reading. Email: christine.little@parkeschampionpost.com.au
