A documentary featuring a Bega Valley local, who ran from Perth to Pambula back in 2017, is a finalist in the NOVA Employment 2022 Focus On Ability Short Film Awards.
The idea for the short film came after after local running legend Dane Waites won a ‘Tidy Town Community Champion Award’ for his role in the successful ‘Give Dane a Clean Run’ roadside litter campaign.
Secretary of Bega-Tathra Safe Ride, Doug Reckord, put the film together and said locals should jump online and vote for Dane now that voting is open (as of August 24).
“For years I have seen Dane running on our local roads and have been aware of his amazing achievements, including running from Perth to Pambula,” Reckord said.
“Then one day when I was contemplating the roadside litter on Sapphire Coast Drive, Dane ran past.
“I tooted the horn, as many local drivers do, and received Dane’s signature running wave, in
acknowledgement.
“I thought, I wonder if Dane would lend his support to our roadside clean-up campaign, so I contacted Junee and met up with her and Dane and that’s how ‘Give Dane a Clean Run’ was born.”
Doug and the team asked community leaders if they would be prepared to say a few words that focus
on Dane’s ability, and they jumped at the opportunity.
“That is the measure of Dane’s ability,” said Reckord.
“People know who he is and what he stands for and he inspires them because he is, as Kristy McBain MP says, ‘a champion who gets behind the causes that matter’.”
Bega Cheese Chairman Barry Irvin sums it up as ‘a fantastic ability to connect with his community’.
While Member for Bega, Dr Michael Holland knew of Dane’s achievements but had not met him and
took time out of his busy schedule to meet Dane and Junee before recording his moving
tribute.
Mayor Russell Fitzpatrick describes Dane as ‘a true champion of our community’.
“Give Dane a Clean Run” will be available for viewing and voting HERE until the 30th of August.
