Molly Croft delivers a powerful speech after she receives Dubbo Citizen of the Year for 2024.
Category
🗞
NewsTranscript
00:00 Now I've been told I'm not allowed to speak for too long but I couldn't stand up here
00:06 and not say thank you to you all so here I go I've written a little something.
00:12 To all present today, honoured guests, fellow award recipients, especially my little bestie
00:19 Mia Richardson and my incredible community, I am so grateful for this award today and
00:27 I did not take it for granted.
00:29 I understand that there are many others in our community who could stand here in my place
00:35 and without the love and support from you all I wouldn't be the person I am today.
00:42 Some may see my journey since being diagnosed with osteosarcoma as a testament to my personal
00:48 strength but I see it in a powerful lesson in community support.
00:55 I appreciate every one of you who have been a part of my journey, my incredible family,
01:02 my friends and those who have faced similar battles.
01:07 Like Sam said, as we come today together to reflect, respect and celebrate I want you
01:17 to know that this award is not mine alone.
01:20 It belongs to every person in our community who has faced adversity.
01:26 I believe life throws us some unexpected curveballs and not everybody can understand or see each
01:32 other's experiences.
01:35 Yet if we can find the courage to share our stories we can help others understand, heal
01:42 ourselves and empower others to do the same.
01:47 This award is dedicated to those who might feel voiceless, a symbol of hope and a reminder
01:55 that your stories matter.
01:58 To those not yet brave enough to share their stories, let this be an encouragement that
02:04 bravery can spark change and if we can find the courage to speak up we can create ripples
02:11 of change that reach beyond our imagination.
02:16 To my fellow cancer fighters, I promise to continue using my voice in your honour.
02:23 Everything I do is for those coming behind me, those not yet diagnosed and for those
02:29 who are no longer here.
02:31 They will never, ever be forgotten.
02:35 To the wider community, I hope this award empowers you to continue helping others as
02:42 together we will always emerge stronger no matter the cause.
02:50 Sometimes a gentle word, a kind look or a conversation with someone new can be life
02:56 changing for them and for you.
03:00 I accept this award with immense gratitude, recognising it as a reflection of our community's
03:07 strength and our shared commitment to making a positive difference.
03:14 As the great Australian born NBA coach Phil Jackson says, "The strength of the team is
03:21 each individual member.
03:23 The strength of each member is the team."
03:27 I believe in Dubbo, we have a bloody great team.
03:32 Let's continue standing together, supporting each other with compassion and kindness.
03:39 I am Molly Croft, I'm only 17 and I am still standing.
03:44 Thank you Dubbo for being my rainbow today.
03:47 [APPLAUSE]