Cockatoo’s Dylan Calvert with the booty he picked up at the recent Australasian Gold Panning Championships at Ballarat.By Paul Dunlop
DYLAN Calvert is a golden boy in more ways than one.
The Cockatoo youngster has made a lifetime habit of beating adversity, but it is as a prospector that he is really proving his affinity with the precious metal.
Despite suffering from cystic fibrosis, Dylan recently won his under-12 age group at the Australasian Gold Panning Championships.
The event, held at Sovereign Hill, Ballarat, saw Dylan beat the reigning world champion in his age group and also finish third in the under-17 section.
Dylan is now hoping to compete at the world titles in Finland next year. He is following in the footsteps of dad Tom and is also showing the tricks of the prospecting trade to his mum Gail.
Tom has been a prospector for many years and passed his love for the famous Australian pastime on to his young son.
“We’re so proud of him, he is a very, very courageous little fellow,” Mr Calvert said. The pair pan the creeks around their Cockatoo home and have found gemstones and even gold. Dylan encouraged his mum to also take up the sport, resulting in her competing with success in the women’s beginner class at the championships.
Showing a determination and maturity beyond his years and fragile health, Dylan postponed a visit to hospital to take part in the event, part of the celebrations of the 151st anniversary of the Eureka Stockade uprising. Mr Calvert said the gold panning championships were physically demanding, requiring competitors to sift through 10 kilogram buckets of sand in less than 10 minutes to find an undetermined quantity of gold.
“It’s pretty strenuous and stressful, even normal kids give up,” he said. “Dylan was in tears on the first day, he was tired and worn out but he just kept on going. He’s a real little goer,” Mr Calvert said.
A grade six student at Cockatoo Primary School, Dylan’s feat was cause for celebration among his classmates.
He faces a stint at Royal Children Hospital early next year before he starts at Emerald Secondary College. Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a threatening genetic disorder that primarily affects the respiratory system (lungs), the digestive system (pancreas and sometimes liver) and the reproductive system.
Persistent cough, difficulty breathing and tiredness or lethargy are just some of the symptoms.
Mr Calvert said his young son had never baulked at the hurdles set for him in life.
“He knows what he faces, but he is very brave,” Mr Calvert said.
“Everyone who knows him is proud of him.”
