Townsville champions take a bow

North Queensland’s brightest and best in science, arts and innovation will today become Champions of their region.

Minister for Science, Information Technology, Innovation and the Arts Ian Walker named five Townsville residents as 2014’s first regional Science and Innovation Champions and Culture Champions.

“The government’s champions programs help recognise and celebrate people for their contribution to science, innovation and the arts across the state,” Mr Walker said.

“We promised at the election to grow a four pillar economy and take the Arts to all Queenslanders and these champions show the value in these commitments.

“I’m delighted to name Sarah Chapman and Luke Anear as North Queensland’s first Science and Innovation Champions,” Mr Walker said.

“We also have Sue Hackett, Hilary Martin and Ron McBurnie as our first Culture Champions for 2014.

“Sarah Chapman is the Head of Science at Townsville State High School and the winner of the 2013 Prime Minister's Prize for Excellence in Science Teaching in Secondary Schools.

“Luke Anear is the Chief Executive Officer of SafetyCulture, an innovative company making safety accessible and affordable for every worker.

“We’re launching the Science and Innovations Champions after the success of our Culture Champions, which brought me to Townsville last year to name four inaugural Culture Champions.

“I’m pleased to announce our newest Culture Champions: Sue Hackett, for her role in enhancing the North Queensland culture as General Manager of the Australian Festival of Chamber Music, Hilary Martin for providing meaningful creative arts experiences for children and young people and Ron McBurnie for his longstanding career in printmaking and book arts.”

Mr Walker called on Queenslanders to get behind their local heroes and nominate Science, Innovation or Culture Champions for future awards.

For more information and to nominate a champion visit www.qld.gov.au/dsitia.

[ENDS] 30 May 2014

Media Contact: Monica Rostron 0409 126 332