MEDIA RELEASE
106.09
23 November 2009
Inspirational teacher is Tasmania’s Local Hero
The Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) tonight congratulated music
teacher and carer, Delwyn Polden, for being honoured as Tasmania’s Local Hero in the
lead-up to the 2010 Australian of the Year Awards.
DIAC is once again proud to sponsor Australia’s Local Hero Award and to celebrate the
extraordinary work of ordinary Australians who make their local community a better place.
Next year is the 50th anniversary of the Australian of the Year Awards.
Ms Polden, from Burnie, received the award for inspiring and nurturing students and
helping them overcome challenges in their lives.
“Ms Polden is an outstanding citizen who inspires us with the passion she has for this
country and its people,” a DIAC spokesman said.
“She uses creative avenues such as busking, song-writing groups and a lunchtime radio
station to enrich the music curriculum for her students at Leighland Christian School and
she also provides private music lessons as a self-development tool for children facing
difficulties.”
A mother of six, Ms Polden currently fosters three children and has cared for hundreds of
children over the years.
“Australia’s Local Hero Award acknowledges dedicated citizens such as Ms Polden who
work tirelessly to make the lives of those around them that little bit better,” the spokesman
said.
“Our Local Heroes are extraordinary individuals whose passion and energy strengthen
our communities and encapsulate what it means to be Australian.”
The national Local Hero Award recipient will be announced on 25 January 2010 in
Canberra.
Media Enquiries: DIAC - National Communications 02 6264 2244
Australian of the Year Awards & National Australia Day Council Media Enquiries:
Nicole Browne 02 9954 7677 or 0414 673 762
TASMANIA’S LOCAL HERO
Delwyn Polden
Burnie
Generous teacher
Delwyn Polden’s love of children is evident to all those who know her. During her time at
Leighland Christian School she has developed a reputation as a dedicated and
inspirational music teacher. She has worked to encourage a love of music in all her
students and has developed and enriched the curriculum in creative ways, including
busking groups, song-writing groups and a lunchtime radio station. Ms Polden has six
children of her own and is currently fostering three children long term. Over the years she
and her husband, Rick, have taken hundreds of children into their home on both short
term and long term care. Ms Polden also seeks to help many children who have
experienced difficulty in life by providing them with an avenue of self-development
through private music coaching. A compassionate educator and open-hearted mother, Ms
Polden has changed the lives of many children for the better.
NEWS 
