Modern Australian Magazine
The Times

Why Finding Reliable Doctors In Bundoora Is Important For Long-Term Health

Access to quality healthcare plays an important role in maintaining overall wellbeing and managing health concerns early. Trusted Doctors in Bundoor...

Understanding the Different Types of Car Services: Minor vs Major

When it comes to car maintenance, one of the most important things every vehicle owner should understand is the difference between a minor and a maj...

How Superannuation and TPD Insurance Work Together

Superannuation is an essential part of financial planning in Australia. It is designed to provide individuals with income during retirement, helping...

Tiny Towns funding granted for Mt Hotham and Mt Buller upgrades

Alpine Resorts Victoria (ARV) has welcomed funding support from the Victorian Government’s  Tiny Towns Fund, with both Mt Hotham and Mt Buller se...

Locksmith Services: Why Professional Security Solutions Matter More Than Ever

Security is a critical concern for homeowners, businesses, and vehicle owners alike. Whether it involves protecting a property, replacing damaged lo...

Why Tooth Fillings Are Important For Protecting Damaged Teeth

Cavities and minor tooth damage are common dental problems that can worsen if left untreated. Professional tooth fillings help restore damaged teeth, ...

The Connection Between Visibility and Driver Confidence

Operating a vehicle safely requires an immediate, uncompromised stream of visual information from the surrounding road environment. A driver's decis...

Important Things To Know Before Starting An SMSF Setup

Planning for retirement requires careful financial decisions, and many Australians are now looking for more direct control over how their superannua...

Why Retail Cleaning Plays a Key Role in Customer Experience and Business Success

Professional retail cleaning services are an essential part of maintaining a welcoming, safe, and professional environment for customers and staff...

Simple Ways to Make a Commercial Property More Appealing to Buyers

Selling or leasing a commercial property isn’t just about listing the square metres, taking a few photos and waiting for the right person to appea...

What Café Owners Should Know Before Upgrading Their Display Setup

A café display fridge does a lot more than keep cakes cold and sandwiches fresh. It quietly shapes the way customers browse, the way staff move beh...

Creating a Backyard That Feels Comfortable All Year Round

A great backyard doesn’t need to be huge, expensive or perfectly styled. Most of the time, the spaces people actually use are the ones that feel e...


Jodie & Soda rallied the community to make Alex the 'best firefighter ever'

  • Written by Tina Liptai

 

Adelaide has a new pint-size hero after Mix 102.3's Jodie & Soda rallied the community to make Alex the 'best firefighter ever'
 
 
Adelaide has a new pint-sized hero after eight-year-old Alex Tann, who suffers from brain cancer which has taken away his sight, miraculously rescued two of the city’s most high profile AFL footballers from a “burning  building” in the CBD’s iconic Beehive Corner this afternoon.

The elaborate stunt was all part of Mix102.3’s Jodie & Soda’s ‘Make Alex’s Day’ campaign to help Alex realise his dream of becoming “the best firefighter ever” - Listen to Alex’s story here. 

For the past four weeks, Alex’s story has captured the hearts of Mix 102.3 listeners with hundreds of donations, suggestions and support pouring in from people all over the city to help make Alex the ‘best firefighter ever’.

Alex was made the Honorary Chief Officer of the South Australian Metropolitan Fire Service and at midday when the fire alarm went he was sent out on an important rescue mission to save the historic Beehive Corner Building in Rundle Mall from being “engulfed in flames”.

Accompanied by a police escort as part of a convoy through the streets of Adelaide Alex arrived at the building, wearing a custom-made firefighters uniform, and bravely boarded a cherry picker to hose down the flames.

Cheered on by thousands of fans and onlookers, Alex reached the building only to find Port Adelaide AFL player Travis Boak and Adelaide’s AFLW star Erin Phillips trapped inside.

Alex rescued the footballers and once everyone was safely back on the ground, the little hero was thanked by the South Australian

Premier Jay Weatherill, Lord Mayor Martin Haese and SA Metropolitan Fire Service Chief Officer Greg Crossman and given an award for his bravery.

Alex was also presented with an award from Mix 102.3’s Jodie & Soda, written in braille, declaring him the “best firefighter ever”.

Alex’s proud father, Phil Tann, told The Advertiser the support they had received was “absolutely mind-blowing”.

He said the trip from the MFS headquarters on Wakefield St to Rundle Mall was “an emotional rollercoaster I didn’t expect”.

“I got so emotional seeing the sheer volume of people lining the streets for Alex,” he said.

“This is my little boy and these people are out here to support him. It really has been such a wild ride.”

Alex was diagnosed with brain cancer when he was just three-years-old suffering from multiple tumours in his brain and irreparable damage to his optic nerve which resulted in the loss of all vision. Listen to his story here.

Jodie & Soda rallied the community to make this a day to remember for little Alex, with the entire city of Adelaide getting behind this campaign to make his dream come true.

There are more than 400 children like Alex and his family that need support right now. Help the Childhood Cancer Association to provide ongoing and practical hands on support for children with cancer and their families by heading to www.donate.childhoodcancer.asn.au and make a donation today.

Photo credit: Meaghan Coles
 

"Alex’s proud father, Phil Tann, told The Advertiser the support they had received was “absolutely mind-blowing”"

 
 

To feature on Modern Australian please contact News Company

 
 


Holidays & Travel

Tiny Towns funding granted for Mt Hotham and Mt Buller upgrades

Alpine Resorts Victoria (ARV) has welcomed funding support from the Victorian Government’s  Tiny Towns Fund, with both Mt Hotham and Mt Buller securing grants to deliver important  community and visitor...

Interstate Car Transporter Urges Buyers to Book Early

As the conflict in the Middle East continues to put increasing pressure on local fuel supply, Australian transport companies are experiencing increasing financial and logistical pressures.  Interstate car transporters are urging...

A Beginner's Guide to Owning a Caravan in Australia

Owning a caravan opens up a style of travel that's hard to match for freedom and flexibility. However, for those just starting out, the process of choosing, purchasing and setting...

Long Weekend Camping in the Yarra Ranges: Three Weekends of High Country Adventure

Yarra Ranges National Park, Victoria. Image by Mattinbgn (talk · contribs), CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia CommonsVictoria’s Yarra Ranges offer keen travellers a change of scenery and the taste of...

Preparing for Your First Trip to San Francisco in 2026

San Francisco has long occupied a particular place in the Australian imagination. It is compact yet complex, progressive but historic, and visually striking without feeling overwhelming. For first-time visitors, the...

Top Safety and Comfort Features to Consider in Family Off Road Caravans

Exploring Australia’s coastline, bush tracks or outback locations is far more enjoyable when travelling in a caravan designed for both comfort and durability. Many families browsing caravans for sale do...

Barbecue Boats – The New Must-Have for Retirees!

When your working years are behind you, it’s time to kick back and relax. You’ve earned it! And there’s no better way to do that than by purchasing your very...

7 Ways a Luxury Australian Cruise Transforms Your Travel Expectations

Dreaming of your next holiday? Forget the crowded tourist traps and consider something truly special: a luxury australian cruise. More than just a holiday, it's a transformative experience that will redefine...

Affordable Invisalign in Bangkok Why Australians Are Choosing Thailand

More Australians are investing in Invisalign to straighten their teeth, but the treatment in Australia can cost thousands of dollars and often takes months just to begin. As a result...

Fashion & Beauty

Why AS/NZS Certified Sunglasses Are Essential for Australian Kids

Australia has some of the highest UV radiation levels in the world. That's not a warning label exaggeration; it's a measurable, documented fact that shapes everything from how we build...

How to Choose the Right Barber Shears Scissors for Professional Results

Since a barber is only as good as their tool, choosing the right barber shear scissor must not be taken lightly. Most barbers end up buying the first pair of...

How to Make the Most of Fashion Wholesale Options for Your Brand

If you want to grow a fashion brand without constantly reinventing the wheel, wholesale can be one of the smartest ways to scale. The key is knowing how to source...

Expert-Led Solutions for Clear Complexions

Many people struggle with acne at different stages of their lives, and the journey toward clearer skin often feels overwhelming. Breakouts affect not only appearance but also confidence, comfort, and...

Is Long-Term Pigmentation Correction Possible?

Many individuals struggle with pigmentation concerns that affect how their skin appears and how they feel about themselves. These darkened patches, spots, or uneven tones can develop from sun exposure...

What to Know When Researching a Tummy Tuck on the Gold Coast

Body confidence is something many people seek to improve as they move through different stages of life. Pregnancy, weight fluctuations and ageing can all lead to stretched skin, weakened abdominal...