Published Tuesday, 12 December, 2006 at 02:02 PM
Premier and Minister for Trade
The Honourable Peter Beattie
GOLD COAST SENIOR HONOURED FOR VOLUNTEER WORK
Gold Coast senior Laurie Ponton today received a Premier’s Award for Queensland Seniors for his outstanding voluntary activities in the community.
Premier Peter Beattie recognised Laurie and 14 other award winners at the 2006 Premier’s Awards for Queensland Seniors ceremony in Brisbane today.
“I am delighted to pay tribute to all the winners for their tremendous unpaid work in their communities and the positive contribution they make to the quality of life in Queensland,” Mr Beattie said.
“They have worked hard for their communities and it is important that we celebrate them.”
Laurie has helped thousands of Queensland children learn to swim.
The Miami man was president of the Kennedy Pacific Swimming Club on the Gold Coast for 14 years, and organised swim carnivals and acted as race starter, referee and judge for 20 years.
He introduced learn-to-swim classes for children as young as three, ran swimming meets for children with a disability and founded the Gold Coast’s first synchronised swim club.
Member for Burleigh Christine Smith said Premier’s Award recipients, such as Laurie, were normally quiet achievers who made a tremendous difference at a grass-roots level.
“These awards pay tribute to people who have made an outstanding contribution to their communities,” Mrs Smith said.
"Most of this year's Premier's Award recipients have worked voluntarily for more than 40 years, through community organisations and individually, to help others from all walks of life,” she said.
“At a time when there is growing pressure on communities, these remarkable volunteers serve as a great inspiration to us all.”
December 12, 2006
Media contacts: Premier’s Office – 3224 4500, Christine Smith – 5526 6024
Premier Peter Beattie recognised Laurie and 14 other award winners at the 2006 Premier’s Awards for Queensland Seniors ceremony in Brisbane today.
“I am delighted to pay tribute to all the winners for their tremendous unpaid work in their communities and the positive contribution they make to the quality of life in Queensland,” Mr Beattie said.
“They have worked hard for their communities and it is important that we celebrate them.”
Laurie has helped thousands of Queensland children learn to swim.
The Miami man was president of the Kennedy Pacific Swimming Club on the Gold Coast for 14 years, and organised swim carnivals and acted as race starter, referee and judge for 20 years.
He introduced learn-to-swim classes for children as young as three, ran swimming meets for children with a disability and founded the Gold Coast’s first synchronised swim club.
Member for Burleigh Christine Smith said Premier’s Award recipients, such as Laurie, were normally quiet achievers who made a tremendous difference at a grass-roots level.
“These awards pay tribute to people who have made an outstanding contribution to their communities,” Mrs Smith said.
"Most of this year's Premier's Award recipients have worked voluntarily for more than 40 years, through community organisations and individually, to help others from all walks of life,” she said.
“At a time when there is growing pressure on communities, these remarkable volunteers serve as a great inspiration to us all.”
December 12, 2006
Media contacts: Premier’s Office – 3224 4500, Christine Smith – 5526 6024