Published Tuesday, 12 December, 2006 at 03:02 PM
JOINT STATEMENT
Premier and Minister for Trade
The Honourable Peter Beattie
Minister for Communities, Disability Services, Seniors and Youth
The Honourable Warren Pitt
VOLUNTEERS WIN PREMIER’S AWARDS FOR OUTSTANDING SERVICE
Fifteen older Queenslanders who have volunteered for decades in their local communities are this year’s recipients of the prestigious Premier’s Awards for Queensland Seniors.
Premier Peter Beattie said the 21st annual awards, which were presented in a ceremony in Brisbane today, celebrated some marvellous achievements across Queensland.
“I am delighted to pay tribute to all the winners for their tremendous unpaid work in their communities and the positive contributions they make to the quality of life we enjoy in Queensland,” Mr Beattie said.
“They have worked hard for their communities and it is important that we celebrate them.”
Mr Beattie said the awards highlighted the depth and diversity of achievements of seniors throughout Queensland.
"Most of this year's Premier's Awards recipients have worked voluntarily for more than 40 years through community organisations and individually to help others from all walks of life,” he said.
“At a time when there is growing pressure on communities, these remarkable volunteers serve as a great inspiration to us, and show us the true meaning of community spirit.”
Stirling Hinchliffe, Parliamentary Secretary to Seniors Minister Warren Pitt, said the contribution of Queensland seniors and volunteers in general was staggering in financial terms alone.
“Queensland volunteers carry out the equivalent work of an estimated 387,000 full-time jobs,” he said.
“Their contribution in 2004 was valued at more than $16 billion, which adds more than 10% to the total value of all Queensland’s goods and services.
“This is value-adding at its very best and I applaud all our volunteers for their tremendous contribution.”
Mr Hinchliffe said the Premier's Awards recipients had shared exceptional skills and wisdom with their communities.
"All nominees have made a significant contribution to their community and continue to be positive role models to others,” he said.
The Premier's Awards for Queensland Seniors continue to attract a large number of nominations each year, with 408 older people honoured since the awards started in 1986.
"The six-member Premier's Awards Selection Committee commented on the high standard of nominations received, making it difficult to select the winners,” Mr Hinchliffe said.
Recipients of 2006 Premier's Awards for Queensland Seniors are:
• Joan Webber, Holland Park West, Brisbane
• Ernest Hoolihan, Townsville
• Merle McAlonan, Innisfail
• Robert Jeacocke, Yeppoon
• Margaret Walsh, Yeppoon
• Patricia Johnston, Toowoomba
• Keron Glendon, Townsville
• Noel Condon, Alderley, Brisbane
• Richard Clark, Redcliffe
• Allan Simms, Atherton
• Charles Taylor, Parkinson, Brisbane
• Alison Armstrong, Ashgrove, Brisbane
• June Harms, Lowood (deceased)
• Laurie Ponton, Gold Coast
• Merv Quigley, Toowoomba
December 12, 2006
Media contacts: Premier’s Office – 3224 4500
Minister Pitt’s Office - Joe Begley 3235 4280
Premier Peter Beattie said the 21st annual awards, which were presented in a ceremony in Brisbane today, celebrated some marvellous achievements across Queensland.
“I am delighted to pay tribute to all the winners for their tremendous unpaid work in their communities and the positive contributions they make to the quality of life we enjoy in Queensland,” Mr Beattie said.
“They have worked hard for their communities and it is important that we celebrate them.”
Mr Beattie said the awards highlighted the depth and diversity of achievements of seniors throughout Queensland.
"Most of this year's Premier's Awards recipients have worked voluntarily for more than 40 years through community organisations and individually to help others from all walks of life,” he said.
“At a time when there is growing pressure on communities, these remarkable volunteers serve as a great inspiration to us, and show us the true meaning of community spirit.”
Stirling Hinchliffe, Parliamentary Secretary to Seniors Minister Warren Pitt, said the contribution of Queensland seniors and volunteers in general was staggering in financial terms alone.
“Queensland volunteers carry out the equivalent work of an estimated 387,000 full-time jobs,” he said.
“Their contribution in 2004 was valued at more than $16 billion, which adds more than 10% to the total value of all Queensland’s goods and services.
“This is value-adding at its very best and I applaud all our volunteers for their tremendous contribution.”
Mr Hinchliffe said the Premier's Awards recipients had shared exceptional skills and wisdom with their communities.
"All nominees have made a significant contribution to their community and continue to be positive role models to others,” he said.
The Premier's Awards for Queensland Seniors continue to attract a large number of nominations each year, with 408 older people honoured since the awards started in 1986.
"The six-member Premier's Awards Selection Committee commented on the high standard of nominations received, making it difficult to select the winners,” Mr Hinchliffe said.
Recipients of 2006 Premier's Awards for Queensland Seniors are:
• Joan Webber, Holland Park West, Brisbane
• Ernest Hoolihan, Townsville
• Merle McAlonan, Innisfail
• Robert Jeacocke, Yeppoon
• Margaret Walsh, Yeppoon
• Patricia Johnston, Toowoomba
• Keron Glendon, Townsville
• Noel Condon, Alderley, Brisbane
• Richard Clark, Redcliffe
• Allan Simms, Atherton
• Charles Taylor, Parkinson, Brisbane
• Alison Armstrong, Ashgrove, Brisbane
• June Harms, Lowood (deceased)
• Laurie Ponton, Gold Coast
• Merv Quigley, Toowoomba
December 12, 2006
Media contacts: Premier’s Office – 3224 4500
Minister Pitt’s Office - Joe Begley 3235 4280