Published Friday, 30 May, 2008 at 12:05 PM
Premier
The Honourable Anna Bligh
PREMIER HONOURS QUEENSLAND LIVING LEGENDS
Premier Anna Bligh today announced the 2008 Queensland Greats, acknowledging five extraordinary Queenslanders and an iconic organisation for their significant role in the history and development of the State.
Ms Bligh presented the awards at a ceremony at Roma Street Parkland.
The 2008 Queensland Greats are Ian Brusasco AM, Pearl Duncan, Matthew Hayden, Professor Ross Homel AO and Dr Thancoupie, Gloria Fletcher James AO.
The Royal Flying Doctor Service was awarded the Queensland Greats institution award.
Ms Bligh said the 2008 line-up was an impressive one.
“Each of our winners are extremely deserving ones, having demonstrated dedication and commitment to their cause and their State,” Ms Bligh said.
“Their remarkable and individual contributions, not just in their field, but to the broader Queensland community is an inspiration to all of us,” she said.
Each year a select number of individuals and institutions are chosen to be honoured through the Queensland Greats Awards.
“I commend each of the 2008 Queensland Greats on their accomplishments and success and thank them for their service to Queensland,“ Premier Bligh said.
Since the awards began, a total of 43 Queenslanders have been named Queensland Greats.
Past Queensland Greats are honoured in a plaque display at Roma Street Parkland.
The ceremony was held in the lead up to Queensland Week, from 1-8 June, which will involve a week of celebrations around the State, including the free 2008 RACQ Big BBQ on Sunday 8 June at Roma Street Parkland, featuring children’s favourites Dorothy the Dinosaur’s Dance Party and the Boogie Woogies Superhero Band.
For more information on the Queensland Greats and other Queensland Week events visit www.queenslandweek.qld.gov.au or phone (07) 3405 5215.
Friday May 30, 2008
Media Contact: Premier’s Office 3224 4500
QUEENSLAND GREATS BIOS
Ian Brusasco AM
Ian Brusasco has extensive experience as a chairman and director across a range of industries. He is currently Chairman of WorkCover Queensland, Gladstone Port Corporation and Foodbank, as well as a Director of Queensland Investment Corporation and QBF. Ian is a former Chairman of Port of Brisbane Corporation, Brisbane Strikers, 4TAB and 4KQ and served as an alderman on the Brisbane City Council for 14 years. Through these positions Ian has made a significant contribution to Queensland.
Pearl Duncan
Pearl Duncan has dedicated her life to help increase Aboriginal participation in education. Pearl’s outstanding contribution to education, Indigenous issues and academic research over a period of 55 years is unparalleled. Pearl has made acclaimed contributions to research in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander studies, and has represented her community at the highest government levels.
Matthew Hayden
Celebrated as one of the greatest players of all time, cricketer Matthew Hayden has shown persistence, determination and dedication throughout his career both on and off the field. Matthew has not only made a name for himself as a champion of the sport nationally and internationally, he has also shown remarkable community spirit through his very public fundraising efforts for the National Breast Cancer Foundation and his visitations to children’s hospitals.
Professor Ross Homel AO
Professor Ross Homel is Foundation Professor of Criminology and Criminal Justice at Griffith University in Brisbane, Australia, and Director of the University’s Strategic Research Program on Social Change and Wellbeing. Professor Homel’s research and community leadership has made a significant contribution to Queensland’s reputation for research excellence, the development of social policy and justice reform and the lives of families in Queensland’s disadvantaged communities.
Dr Thancoupie, Gloria Fletcher James AO
Dr Thancoupie has played a vital role in promoting and enhancing the image of Aboriginal culture through art and education. Her ceramic artworks have been exhibited nationally and abroad, receiving great praise. Dr Thancoupie has established a range of educational facilities and programs for children and continues to be an ambassador for her people.
Royal Flying Doctor Service
For eighty years, the Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia (RFDS) has saved thousands of lives and provided a mantle of safety for those working, travelling or living in outback Queensland. The RFDS was established in Cloncurry, Queensland by the Reverend John Flynn in 1928. The RFDS in Queensland today is more than just an emergency medical service. The Queensland service has over 300 staff and 14 aircraft which provide a broad range of medical services to rural, remote and regional locations. The RFDS maintains a fleet of 49 aircraft and provided services to more than 242,000 patients Australia wide last year.
Ms Bligh presented the awards at a ceremony at Roma Street Parkland.
The 2008 Queensland Greats are Ian Brusasco AM, Pearl Duncan, Matthew Hayden, Professor Ross Homel AO and Dr Thancoupie, Gloria Fletcher James AO.
The Royal Flying Doctor Service was awarded the Queensland Greats institution award.
Ms Bligh said the 2008 line-up was an impressive one.
“Each of our winners are extremely deserving ones, having demonstrated dedication and commitment to their cause and their State,” Ms Bligh said.
“Their remarkable and individual contributions, not just in their field, but to the broader Queensland community is an inspiration to all of us,” she said.
Each year a select number of individuals and institutions are chosen to be honoured through the Queensland Greats Awards.
“I commend each of the 2008 Queensland Greats on their accomplishments and success and thank them for their service to Queensland,“ Premier Bligh said.
Since the awards began, a total of 43 Queenslanders have been named Queensland Greats.
Past Queensland Greats are honoured in a plaque display at Roma Street Parkland.
The ceremony was held in the lead up to Queensland Week, from 1-8 June, which will involve a week of celebrations around the State, including the free 2008 RACQ Big BBQ on Sunday 8 June at Roma Street Parkland, featuring children’s favourites Dorothy the Dinosaur’s Dance Party and the Boogie Woogies Superhero Band.
For more information on the Queensland Greats and other Queensland Week events visit www.queenslandweek.qld.gov.au or phone (07) 3405 5215.
Friday May 30, 2008
Media Contact: Premier’s Office 3224 4500
QUEENSLAND GREATS BIOS
Ian Brusasco AM
Ian Brusasco has extensive experience as a chairman and director across a range of industries. He is currently Chairman of WorkCover Queensland, Gladstone Port Corporation and Foodbank, as well as a Director of Queensland Investment Corporation and QBF. Ian is a former Chairman of Port of Brisbane Corporation, Brisbane Strikers, 4TAB and 4KQ and served as an alderman on the Brisbane City Council for 14 years. Through these positions Ian has made a significant contribution to Queensland.
Pearl Duncan
Pearl Duncan has dedicated her life to help increase Aboriginal participation in education. Pearl’s outstanding contribution to education, Indigenous issues and academic research over a period of 55 years is unparalleled. Pearl has made acclaimed contributions to research in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander studies, and has represented her community at the highest government levels.
Matthew Hayden
Celebrated as one of the greatest players of all time, cricketer Matthew Hayden has shown persistence, determination and dedication throughout his career both on and off the field. Matthew has not only made a name for himself as a champion of the sport nationally and internationally, he has also shown remarkable community spirit through his very public fundraising efforts for the National Breast Cancer Foundation and his visitations to children’s hospitals.
Professor Ross Homel AO
Professor Ross Homel is Foundation Professor of Criminology and Criminal Justice at Griffith University in Brisbane, Australia, and Director of the University’s Strategic Research Program on Social Change and Wellbeing. Professor Homel’s research and community leadership has made a significant contribution to Queensland’s reputation for research excellence, the development of social policy and justice reform and the lives of families in Queensland’s disadvantaged communities.
Dr Thancoupie, Gloria Fletcher James AO
Dr Thancoupie has played a vital role in promoting and enhancing the image of Aboriginal culture through art and education. Her ceramic artworks have been exhibited nationally and abroad, receiving great praise. Dr Thancoupie has established a range of educational facilities and programs for children and continues to be an ambassador for her people.
Royal Flying Doctor Service
For eighty years, the Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia (RFDS) has saved thousands of lives and provided a mantle of safety for those working, travelling or living in outback Queensland. The RFDS was established in Cloncurry, Queensland by the Reverend John Flynn in 1928. The RFDS in Queensland today is more than just an emergency medical service. The Queensland service has over 300 staff and 14 aircraft which provide a broad range of medical services to rural, remote and regional locations. The RFDS maintains a fleet of 49 aircraft and provided services to more than 242,000 patients Australia wide last year.