New king of the bear pack

The Harbour City Bears (HCB) have a new champion after urban planner, part-time artist and father-of-two, Alan Cadogan, was named Mr HCB for 2012 following a sold-out event at the Oxford Hotel on Saturday, May 12.

With six contestants vying for this year’s coveted title, Cadogan paid tribute to his fellow competitors as well as outgoing title holder George Showell for their “great camaraderie and friendship”.

“I am so proud to have shared the stage with such a great bunch of guys,” he added.

“This was a big and talented field, and from such a diverse set of backgrounds – it really was a great reflection of the wonderful diversity of the Sydney bear community.”

The night also saw HCB donating $5,000 from previous fundraising efforts to the Inspire Foundation, which helps disadvantaged youth as well as providing suicide prevention support for teenagers and young adults.

Cadogan will next travel to Melbourne in June to compete for the title of Mr Australasia Bear 2012, held as part of the annual Vicbears Southern Hibearnation festival.

“After that, I’m looking forward to working with the Harbour City Bears, with Inspire, and with the wider community on some important projects for the year ahead,” he said.

To follow Alan Cadogan’s year-long reign as Mr HCB 2012, visit https://www.facebook.com/AlanCadoganHCB

Photo: Jason Nichol