Sydney. Australia –RUBBING shoulders with A-listers like seven-time world surfing champion Layne Beachley, INXS musician Kirk Pengilly, high-profile surgeon Charlie Teo and NSW Governor Marie Bashir is something Bendigo pole vaulter Madeline Lawson (4.01) could well get used to. The 17-year-old Victorian champion sampled the celebrity lifestyle when she attended a celebration in Sydney for recipients of grants from Beachley’s Aim for the Stars Foundation. Maddie was one of 28 successful applicants in 2013, receiving $3000 to help cover the costs she incurs travelling to train and compete. High-achieving females from all walks of life – sport, the arts, community volunteers, students and business women – were honored at a gala presentation and charity auction. They also enjoyed a trip to Manly beach to surf with the Aussie legend, attended workshops designed to help them achieve their goals and were treated to a pamper package as they prepared for the 1920s-themed ball at The Ivy nightclub. “At one stage, I had two people doing my make-up and three people doing my hair – it was awesome,” she said. “I just needed someone to come and massage my feet, really!” more
