Published Wednesday, 23 May, 2007 at 01:49 PM
Premier and Minister for Trade
The Honourable Peter Beattie
PREMIER ANNOUNCES SUNCORP QUEENSLANDER OF THE YEAR FINALISTS
Premier Peter Beattie has today unveiled the finalists in the running for the 2007 Suncorp Queenslander and Young Queenslander of the Year Awards.
“These outstanding Queenslanders have excelled in a wide range of fields and pursuits and I congratulate them for their valuable contributions to the Smart State,” Mr Beattie said.
“From high profile achievers to unsung heroes, they illustrate the rich diversity and wealth of talent in Queensland today,” he said.
“The finalists include humanitarians, scientists, an internationally-recognised didgeridoo player and community advocates and they all share the common element of having gone the extra mile to make an outstanding contribution to their State.
“Each year I say how proud I am of the nominees, and 2007 is no different. Whether it’s advancing knowledge and discovery or extending the hand of friendship, this year’s finalists are exceptional Queenslanders and they are already all winners.”
The finalists for the 2007 Suncorp Queenslander of the Year Awards are: Ms Karen Bartlett (Toowoomba), Ms Qin Cheng (Enoggera), Professor Ian Lowe AO (Mt Coolum), Professor Matthew Sanders (St Lucia) and Dr David Wood AM (Bulimba).
Finalists for the 2007 Suncorp Young Queenslander of the Year Awards are: Mr William Barton (Moorooka), Ms Homa Forotan (Moorooka), Mr Michael Milford (Toowong), and Mr Lars Olsen (Wide Bay).
Suncorp Chief Executive John Mulcahy said he was pleased with the high calibre of finalists and impressed by the diversity of their backgrounds and achievements.
“Suncorp is pleased to support an awards program that honours Queenslanders making extraordinary contributions to the State,” Mr Mulcahy said.
“The achievements of this year’s finalists remind us of the great work carried out by fellow Queenslanders each and every day, and the awards recognise, reward and thank them on behalf of all Queenslanders.”
The 2007 Suncorp Queenslander and Young Queenslander of the Year will be announced by Premier Beattie on Sunday, June 3, 2007, in a celebration that kicks off Queensland Week. See www.queenslandweek.qld.gov.au or phone (07) 3405 5215 for details.
MEDIA CONTACT: Premier’s Office 3224 4500
***Lists of finalists in the two categories are attached.
Page 2/3
2007 SUNCORP QUEENSLANDER OF THE YEAR – FINALIST BIOS
1. Professor Ian Lowe AO
Professor Ian Lowe AO is an internationally recognised environmental expert and has played a pivotal role in creating awareness about environmental sustainability in Queensland and around the world. Over the past 25 years, Professor Lowe has lived out his passion as an environmental advocate through his role as Director of Griffith University’s Science Policy Research Centre, Head of its School of Science and Director of the Commission of the Future. Professor Lowe has been an active on a wide range of advisory boards dealing with science education, writes a regular column in New Scientist Magazine, and has written numerous books and articles on science and environmental issues. He is currently an Emeritus Professor at Griffith University.
2. Dr David Wood AM
David Wood AM has dedicated his professional and public life to creating a better future for children, especially children at risk. He has become one of the country’s most renowned child protection advocates. Over the past 20 years, Dr Wood has built the Child Protection Unit at the Mater Hospital into the largest unit of its kind in Queensland. His role as Chairman of the Abused Child Trust over the past 15 years has also seen him help grow the service to achieve national recognition for its programs. Dr Wood played an instrumental role in establishing the Kids First Foundation for child abuse prevention and treatment of child abuse, and has overseen ground breaking research in the area.
3. Ms Karen Bartlett
As founder of the Fresh Hope rehabilitation centre, Karen Bartlett has made a significant contribution to improving the lives of Queensland mothers and their children who have suffered the consequences of substance abuse. Ms Bartlett established Fresh Hope in 1999 with the aim of creating a live-in and family-oriented rehabilitation centre that allowed mothers and their children to live together to improve the process of rehabilitation. The centre provides personal and family rehabilitation counselling, as well as focussing on the underlying causes of addiction.
4. Professor Matthew Sanders
Professor Matthew Sanders, of The University of Queensland, is a Professor of Clinical Psychology, Director of the Parenting and Family Support Centre, and founder of Triple P – the Positive Parenting Program. Over the past 25 years, Professor Sanders has built a reputation for extensively researching childhood behaviour and translating it into practical programs that address behavioural problems and promote stronger families. Triple P has helped approximately 3 million children and their families in 15 countries around the world. The system was first adopted by the Queensland Government in 1998 and has provided free support to hundreds of thousands of Queensland families. It is now exported around the world.
5. Ms Qin Cheng
Qin Cheng, an Associate Professor in the Faculty of Population Health at The University of Queensland, has made a valuable contribution to medical research through her work in developing techniques to diagnose malaria and treat drug resistance to the disease. Ms Cheng works in collaboration with the World Health Organisation to develop better diagnostic methods for malaria. Her research has greatly contributed towards the treatment of malaria in communities around the world where inadequate drug therapies that resulted in significant loss of human life.
Page 3/3
2007 SUNCORP YOUNG QUEENSLANDER OF THE YEAR – FINALIST BIOS
1. Mr Michael Milford
As an expert in neuroscience and robotics, Michael Milford has conducted extensive research in these fields to improve our understanding of the human brain, and lead to the development of the next generation of truly intelligent mobile robots which can operate in environments ranging from domestic homes to disaster zones. The University of Queensland medallist gained his PhD at 24, he has published 14 fully peer-reviewed conference and journal papers, and written the highly successful maths book “Not a c-minus”. Michael, now 25, regularly gives talks in Queensland schools and the wider community to increase awareness and excitement about science and engineering, and encourage study in these fields. He also runs his own educational writing and publishing business.
2. Ms Homa Forotan
Since arriving in Queensland as a refugee from Afghanistan in 2005, Homa Forotan has been an inspirational example of a highly motivated and successful young Queenslander. Since beginning school at Yeronga State High School, Homa has achieved remarkable academic results, despite the limited education she received in Afghanistan. Homa achieved an OP1 which is believed to be the first OP1 gained by a refugee in Queensland. She regularly speaks at schools around the State to encourage tolerance and acceptance, and she tutors refugee students. Homa, 20, is currently studying a Bachelor of Biotechnology at The University of Queensland.
3. Mr Lars Olsen
In 2004, Lars Olsen travelled from his home town of Hervey Bay to Nepal to volunteer at a children’s orphanage. During this time, he became deeply disturbed by malnutrition, abuse and poor levels of care that plagued the orphanage. After returning to Australia, Lars devoted himself to improving the lives of Nepalese orphans and worked to establish the Forget-Me-Not Children’s Home in Kathmandu. From the orphanage’s humble beginnings where it housed six orphan girls, Lars has led a tireless fundraising effort that has seen the Forget-Me-Not Children’s Home grow dramatically. By the end of 2007, the home is expected to house 20 orphan children and employ six full-time local staff. Lars, 25, also works full time as a swim coach and Assistant Manager at the Hervey Bay Aquatic Centre.
4. Mr William Barton
William Barton, 26, is widely recognised as one of Australia’s finest didgeridoo players. A performer and composer, William was greatly influenced by the many forms of Indigenous and contemporary music he was surrounded by whilst growing up. At 17, William was the first didgeridoo artist in residence to play with the Queensland Orchestra. He has also played in the London Philharmonic Orchestra, at the 90th Anniversary Gallipoli service at Anzac Cove, and with various artists and at venues around the world. William has recorded a number of orchestral works, and is dedicated to enhancing the didgeridoo’s profile as a musical instrument in classical music and other musical genres.
“These outstanding Queenslanders have excelled in a wide range of fields and pursuits and I congratulate them for their valuable contributions to the Smart State,” Mr Beattie said.
“From high profile achievers to unsung heroes, they illustrate the rich diversity and wealth of talent in Queensland today,” he said.
“The finalists include humanitarians, scientists, an internationally-recognised didgeridoo player and community advocates and they all share the common element of having gone the extra mile to make an outstanding contribution to their State.
“Each year I say how proud I am of the nominees, and 2007 is no different. Whether it’s advancing knowledge and discovery or extending the hand of friendship, this year’s finalists are exceptional Queenslanders and they are already all winners.”
The finalists for the 2007 Suncorp Queenslander of the Year Awards are: Ms Karen Bartlett (Toowoomba), Ms Qin Cheng (Enoggera), Professor Ian Lowe AO (Mt Coolum), Professor Matthew Sanders (St Lucia) and Dr David Wood AM (Bulimba).
Finalists for the 2007 Suncorp Young Queenslander of the Year Awards are: Mr William Barton (Moorooka), Ms Homa Forotan (Moorooka), Mr Michael Milford (Toowong), and Mr Lars Olsen (Wide Bay).
Suncorp Chief Executive John Mulcahy said he was pleased with the high calibre of finalists and impressed by the diversity of their backgrounds and achievements.
“Suncorp is pleased to support an awards program that honours Queenslanders making extraordinary contributions to the State,” Mr Mulcahy said.
“The achievements of this year’s finalists remind us of the great work carried out by fellow Queenslanders each and every day, and the awards recognise, reward and thank them on behalf of all Queenslanders.”
The 2007 Suncorp Queenslander and Young Queenslander of the Year will be announced by Premier Beattie on Sunday, June 3, 2007, in a celebration that kicks off Queensland Week. See www.queenslandweek.qld.gov.au or phone (07) 3405 5215 for details.
MEDIA CONTACT: Premier’s Office 3224 4500
***Lists of finalists in the two categories are attached.
Page 2/3
2007 SUNCORP QUEENSLANDER OF THE YEAR – FINALIST BIOS
1. Professor Ian Lowe AO
Professor Ian Lowe AO is an internationally recognised environmental expert and has played a pivotal role in creating awareness about environmental sustainability in Queensland and around the world. Over the past 25 years, Professor Lowe has lived out his passion as an environmental advocate through his role as Director of Griffith University’s Science Policy Research Centre, Head of its School of Science and Director of the Commission of the Future. Professor Lowe has been an active on a wide range of advisory boards dealing with science education, writes a regular column in New Scientist Magazine, and has written numerous books and articles on science and environmental issues. He is currently an Emeritus Professor at Griffith University.
2. Dr David Wood AM
David Wood AM has dedicated his professional and public life to creating a better future for children, especially children at risk. He has become one of the country’s most renowned child protection advocates. Over the past 20 years, Dr Wood has built the Child Protection Unit at the Mater Hospital into the largest unit of its kind in Queensland. His role as Chairman of the Abused Child Trust over the past 15 years has also seen him help grow the service to achieve national recognition for its programs. Dr Wood played an instrumental role in establishing the Kids First Foundation for child abuse prevention and treatment of child abuse, and has overseen ground breaking research in the area.
3. Ms Karen Bartlett
As founder of the Fresh Hope rehabilitation centre, Karen Bartlett has made a significant contribution to improving the lives of Queensland mothers and their children who have suffered the consequences of substance abuse. Ms Bartlett established Fresh Hope in 1999 with the aim of creating a live-in and family-oriented rehabilitation centre that allowed mothers and their children to live together to improve the process of rehabilitation. The centre provides personal and family rehabilitation counselling, as well as focussing on the underlying causes of addiction.
4. Professor Matthew Sanders
Professor Matthew Sanders, of The University of Queensland, is a Professor of Clinical Psychology, Director of the Parenting and Family Support Centre, and founder of Triple P – the Positive Parenting Program. Over the past 25 years, Professor Sanders has built a reputation for extensively researching childhood behaviour and translating it into practical programs that address behavioural problems and promote stronger families. Triple P has helped approximately 3 million children and their families in 15 countries around the world. The system was first adopted by the Queensland Government in 1998 and has provided free support to hundreds of thousands of Queensland families. It is now exported around the world.
5. Ms Qin Cheng
Qin Cheng, an Associate Professor in the Faculty of Population Health at The University of Queensland, has made a valuable contribution to medical research through her work in developing techniques to diagnose malaria and treat drug resistance to the disease. Ms Cheng works in collaboration with the World Health Organisation to develop better diagnostic methods for malaria. Her research has greatly contributed towards the treatment of malaria in communities around the world where inadequate drug therapies that resulted in significant loss of human life.
Page 3/3
2007 SUNCORP YOUNG QUEENSLANDER OF THE YEAR – FINALIST BIOS
1. Mr Michael Milford
As an expert in neuroscience and robotics, Michael Milford has conducted extensive research in these fields to improve our understanding of the human brain, and lead to the development of the next generation of truly intelligent mobile robots which can operate in environments ranging from domestic homes to disaster zones. The University of Queensland medallist gained his PhD at 24, he has published 14 fully peer-reviewed conference and journal papers, and written the highly successful maths book “Not a c-minus”. Michael, now 25, regularly gives talks in Queensland schools and the wider community to increase awareness and excitement about science and engineering, and encourage study in these fields. He also runs his own educational writing and publishing business.
2. Ms Homa Forotan
Since arriving in Queensland as a refugee from Afghanistan in 2005, Homa Forotan has been an inspirational example of a highly motivated and successful young Queenslander. Since beginning school at Yeronga State High School, Homa has achieved remarkable academic results, despite the limited education she received in Afghanistan. Homa achieved an OP1 which is believed to be the first OP1 gained by a refugee in Queensland. She regularly speaks at schools around the State to encourage tolerance and acceptance, and she tutors refugee students. Homa, 20, is currently studying a Bachelor of Biotechnology at The University of Queensland.
3. Mr Lars Olsen
In 2004, Lars Olsen travelled from his home town of Hervey Bay to Nepal to volunteer at a children’s orphanage. During this time, he became deeply disturbed by malnutrition, abuse and poor levels of care that plagued the orphanage. After returning to Australia, Lars devoted himself to improving the lives of Nepalese orphans and worked to establish the Forget-Me-Not Children’s Home in Kathmandu. From the orphanage’s humble beginnings where it housed six orphan girls, Lars has led a tireless fundraising effort that has seen the Forget-Me-Not Children’s Home grow dramatically. By the end of 2007, the home is expected to house 20 orphan children and employ six full-time local staff. Lars, 25, also works full time as a swim coach and Assistant Manager at the Hervey Bay Aquatic Centre.
4. Mr William Barton
William Barton, 26, is widely recognised as one of Australia’s finest didgeridoo players. A performer and composer, William was greatly influenced by the many forms of Indigenous and contemporary music he was surrounded by whilst growing up. At 17, William was the first didgeridoo artist in residence to play with the Queensland Orchestra. He has also played in the London Philharmonic Orchestra, at the 90th Anniversary Gallipoli service at Anzac Cove, and with various artists and at venues around the world. William has recorded a number of orchestral works, and is dedicated to enhancing the didgeridoo’s profile as a musical instrument in classical music and other musical genres.