PHIL Shanahan squeezes so much into life that he only manages to get about four hours sleep each night.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The 56-year-old has been recognised for his tireless dedication to teaching, charity work and tennis with an Order of Australia Medal.
Mr Shanahan is probably best known as teacher at St Patricks primary school and for his work coaching young tennis players.
They’ve made great sacrifices for me to do what I do.
- Phil Shanahan speaking about his family
But the Albury man also squeezes in volunteer work in Thailand each year and supports the Children First Foundation.
He is driven by seeing children achieve great things, especially with tennis.
“I’m seeing them turn into incredible adults with a passion for the sport they love,” Mr Shanahan said.
“They take that on into life in terms of their respect and attitude.
“They get that out of the sport.”
Mr Shanahan grew up on farms at Whorouly and Tallangatta before moving to Albury.
He is married to wife Jenny and they have three grandchildren.
His family has been supportive of him every step of the way.
“They’ve made great sacrifices for me to do what I do,” Mr Shanahan said.
“They’ve been on the journey as well.
“When I get presented the Order of Australia Medal at Government House in late September or October, I think I’ll pin it on Jenny’s chest.”
Mr Shanahan is the director of the Margaret Court Tennis Academy and said juniors had gone on to win 27 Australian titles.
While he is reluctant to name past attendees for fear of leaving someone out, he can count Sam Groth as one player who has had great success under his training.
“I’ve done eight trips to the US with our local juniors,” Mr Shanahan said.
“I’m really excited about looking into Europe and southern France next.
“I’d like to work in tennis academies in Europe in the next few years.”
He has also taken groups of people over to Thailand to help in impoverished communities.
“I’m surprised, honoured and humbled to have been awarded this honour,” Mr Shanahan said.
“For me, it's more of a community award – a lot of people do work in our community that goes unnoticed.”