Source: Tattersall's division: Corporate [Media Release]

Milly Parker is Tattersall’s latest Enterprise and Achievement Award winner, following her advocacy work on behalf of young people living in nursing homes.

Milly has strived to raise awareness of the lack of suitable accommodation for young people with acquired brain injuries since her own life was turned upside down several years ago when she sustained severe brain injuries in a car accident.

Recovering from the accident was difficult for Milly, who still suffers pain and migraines years after the event. But she’s turned this traumatic and life-changing episode into a positive by starting “Happy Yappers”, a gourmet dog-food company that now exports its products internationally.

She’s now determined to make a positive difference for young people with brain injuries, many of who are confined to nursing homes due to a lack of suitable accommodation.

Milly is involved with many Disability Organisations and is currently a member of the Victorian Disability Advisory Committee. This Committee advises the Victorian Minister for Community Services on forming Disability Policy for the State of Victoria.

About the Tattersall’s Award for Enterprise and Achievement

This is a monthly award designed to acknowledge those in the community who are prepared to ‘have a go’. Since the Awards’ launch in 1980, over 300 men, women and children have been recognised. People have won the Award for heroic deeds, overcoming personal barriers or simply helping someone in need. Whatever their cause, they have always demonstrated persistence and determination above the norm.

Each monthly winner receives $5,000, a trophy and a $15,000 donation to their nominated beneficiary. From this pool of monthly winners, an annual winner is chosen to receive a personal prize of $15,000 and a donation of $75,000 towards their nominated beneficiary.

The Tattersall’s Monthly Award for Enterprise and Achievement consists of a personal cheque of $5,000 for Milly Parker and $15,000 for Milly’s nominated not for profit organisation, the Young People in Nursing Homes Alliance.

According to the Young People in Nursing Homes Alliance, “solving the issue of young people in nursing homes requires more than a ‘one size fits all’ approach, and involves much more than simply building a house for people to live in.

“Young people in nursing homes and their families must be involved in developing the accommodation and support services they use so that these services match their needs and expectations as closely as possible. Once established, these young people and their families also need to have involvement in the maintenance of these services.”

“Milly has demonstrated a most remarkable determination in not only overcoming her disability but inspiring others and assisting similarly effected individuals realize the depth of their potential. Her vision and inspiration in establishing her thriving business ‘Happy Yappers’ would in itself be cause enough to make this award possible. Like so many monthly winners before her, Milly has many extraordinary layers to her personal achievements,” said Peter Franich, Tattersall’s Sponsorships Manager.

For further information, go to www.happyyappers.com.au.

Contact: Melissa Misuraca 8517 7350