Category: Community (Special Commendation)
Recipient: Desmond Leyden
Nominated By: Lone Fathers’ Association & Parents Without Partners
Des is a single parent and been mum and dad to six children. This has brought him into contact with Parents Without Partners. He has been their state secretary, branch treasurer and organised and helped with camps and snow trips. He continues to be the state treasurer of PWP.
Stresses within his family, with his health and stress caused through study and involvement with organisations haven’t impeded Des Leyden’s enthusiasm to help others.
In the past Des has supported the Lions Club, the Spastic Association and the Miss Australia Quest.
Des has also coached junior football and been the club’s secretary.
For the last three years, Des has been a permanent and temporary foster carer for Barnardos. He has organised garage sales to raise funds for the Lone Fathers’ Association.
Much of Des’s current volunteering involves giving opportunities to the less fortunate in society. Much of this is done at his own expense even though he has a lack of personal income. And whilst the work is not dangerous, Des exposes himself to the stresses of looking after challenging behaviour sufferers.
As well as all of the above, Des is in his final semester of a Bachelor of Law and Social Science as well as a postgraduate Diploma of Legal Practice!