Claude ‘the mowerman’ Harvey awarded for protecting kids

6 May 2015 4:27 PMMichael Hart

 

Claude ‘the mowerman’ Harvey awarded for protecting kids

Australia’s favourite ‘mowerman’ Claude Harvey has today been recognised by Federal Member for McPherson Karen Andrews MP for his outstanding commitment to protecting children in the community at a ceremony on the Gold Coast. 

 

Claude has dedicated 15 years to charity fundraising during which he has raised more than $1 million, including $770,000 for national child protection advocate Bravehearts. His efforts were acknowledged with an award at the 2015 McPherson Community Achiever Awards held at the Tugun Community Centre. 

 

Hailing from the Gold Coast, the fundraising maestro, recognised by his coin-collecting lawnmower ‘Moyra’, has clocked up more than 18,000 kilometres raising funds and awareness around Australia and in his local community.

His significant contribution has boosted community awareness of child protection at a national level and enhanced the capacity to reach young children through Bravehearts’ acclaimed personal safety education program Ditto’s Keep Safe Adventure Show.

 

Member for Burleigh Michael Hart MP said it was important to recognise outstanding, community minded locals at every opportunity available.

 

“Claude ‘the Mower Man’ Harvey is one of several locals being recognised at the annual McPherson Community Achiever Awards and I am glad he is not only recognised for his contribution to the local Burleigh community but also for his work that benefits our entire nation,” said Mr Hart.

 

Mr Hart’s nomination of Mr Harvey for a McPherson Community Achiever Award coincided with his $1 million dollar mowing milestone.

 

“Claude has made an outstanding contribution to the Bravehearts cause and children across the country are safer because of it,” he said.

 

Humbled by the recognition, Claude said he still had a long way to go.

 

“I’m delighted to receive this award but for as long as child sexual assault continues in our community, I’ll be pushing my lawnmower to make a difference,” said Mr Harvey.

 

“Prevention is the best way to stop this crime and that’s why I’m raising funds to see every child in every school in every town in Australia given the opportunity to see Bravehearts personal safety education program. 

“Children and families affected by child sexual assault also need a number of important support services and it’s these people who give me the motivation and strength to continue my ‘mowerthons’ around Australia.”

 

Bravehearts Founder and CEO Hetty Johnston AM, said Claude was deserving of all recognition he receives. 

 

“Claude has become one of our biggest fundraisers through sharing our commitment to protecting Aussie kids against sexual assault. What he’s been able to achieve for Bravehearts over the past decade has made him a living national treasure in our eyes.”

 

Research shows that 1 in 5 Australian children will be sexually assaulted in some way before their 18th birthday – a statistic Bravehearts aims to halve by 2020 as it works towards its Vision to make Australia the safest place in the world to raise a child with its child protection blueprint 3 Piers to Prevention – Educate, Empower, Protect.

 

Claude is already planning his next fundraising feat trip in Queensland. You can follow his journey and donate at www.facebook.com/ClaudeTheMowerMan.

 

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Bravehearts media enquiries to Barrett Gibson – 07 5552 3000 or bgibson@bravehearts.org.au.