Katherine couple, Kate and Tick Everett, have been named Australia’s Local Hero for 2019 at Parliament House, Canberra, on Friday evening.
This latest award follows on the back of being named the Northern Territory local heroes last November.
Following the tragic death of their teenage daughter, Amy ‘Dolly’ Everett just 12 months ago following extensive bullying, Kate and Tick Everett founded Dolly’s Dream, to create positive change and a legacy in memory of their daughter.
Kate Everett fought back tears after accepting the award at the National Arboretum in the nation’s capital.
"In the words of Dolly speak even if your voice shakes, so please excuse us if our voices shake," Kate said.
"Out of our tragedy, we created Dolly's Dream. A vision to educate families and communities on the impacts that bullying has on young lives."
Dolly's Dream delivers community education on bullying issues and strategies for preventing and mitigating bullying, through cultural change and victim support.
More than 250 communities have held fundraisers and events to support Dolly's Dream, with a particular focus on regional and rural Australia.
National Australia Day Council chair Danielle Roche paid tribute to their efforts to prevent other tragedies from happening.
"Kate and Tick Everett endured heartbreak and put their own grief aside to drive cultural change, prevent bullying and ensure that other children and parents never have to suffer as their family has," Ms Roche said.
"By founding Dolly's Dream to confront bullying, they have displayed incredible courage and commitment."
Dolly’s Dream aims to raise awareness about bullying and its potentially devastating effects on children and families.
Kate and Tick advocate tenaciously on a voluntary basis while continuing to muster cattle, train horses and care for their daughter, Megan, from their home in Katherine, Northern Territory.