TRAVEL INDUSTRY GREAT AWARDED 2008 QUEENSLANDER OF THE YEAR
Published Monday, 02 June, 2008 at 04:07 PM
Premier
The Honourable Anna Bligh
Wotif.com founder Graeme Wood has been named the 2008 Suncorp Queenslander of the Year.
Premier Anna Bligh made the announcement at the Awards ceremony held at Parliament House today.
“Graeme Wood revolutionised the travel industry in Australia when he created the concept for, and co-founded, Wotif.com and he is a very deserving of this State honour,” Ms Bligh said.
“From his simple and innovative idea, Graeme has grown Wotif.com into a global company with a team of over 160 employees worldwide, but its his community generosity that is truly remarkable,” she said.
Ms Bligh said Mr Wood had donated more than 10 percent of his net worth to the Queensland community through his foundation – the Graeme Wood Foundation.
“Some of the biggest beneficiaries of Graeme’s generosity are young Queenslanders,” Ms Bligh said.
“Wot Opera, which is a program developed in conjunction with Opera Australia to encourage high school students to create and perform opera is just one of the arts projects to benefit from the Foundation.
“Graeme also supports a program called Fresh Ink, developed by the Australian Theatre for Young People to encourage and supports young playwrights.
“In the academic world, Graeme established the University of Queensland Endowment Fund (UQef) with fellow colleague Andrew Brice to support academic initiatives such as scholarships and research programs in areas of particular social need.
“His business success and his philanthropy for the benefit of young Queenslanders is a real inpriation and I congratulate of being awarded this high honour,” she said.
Ms Bligh said two other deserving Queenslanders were also honoured today - Homa Forotan was named 2008 Young Queenslander of the Year and Karen Bartlett the 2008 Suncorp Community Spirit winner.
“Since arriving in Queensland as a refugee from Afghanistan, 21 year old Homa Forotan has been an inspirational example of a driven and successful young Queenslander.
“Despite the limited education she received in Afghanistan, Homa has achieved remarkable academic results at Yeronga State High School achieving an OP1.
“Homa regularly speaks at schools around Queensland to encourage tolerance and acceptance, tutors refugee students and is currently studying at the University of Queensland.
“Her personal strength and determination make her an outstanding young Queenslander, and I congratulate Homa on her award.
“Karen Bartlett is another amazing Queenslander making a significant contribution to improving the lives of mothers and their children suffering the consequences of substance abuse.
“Karen founded the rehabilitation centre Fresh Hope with the aim of creating a live-in, family oriented rehabilitation centre that allows mothers and their children to live together during rehabilitation.
“Karen’s focus on keeping families together in such difficult circumstance is to be commended and I’m pleased we have had the opportunity to honour her work with the award today,” she said.
Suncorp chief executive John Mulcahy congratulated the 2008 award recipients.
"Suncorp is proud to support an awards program that recognises and celebrates the drive, determination and commitment of some of our exceptional Queenslanders," Mr Mulcahy said.
"These awards serve as a reminder of the important work many Queenslanders carry out each and every day and, on behalf of all Queenslanders, we thank them for their extraordinary contribution to the State."
Ms Bligh said while there could only be one winner in each category, all nominees were deserving of recognition.
“One of Queensland’s greatest attributes is its people. Extraordinary Queenslanders like those here today are what makes this State such a great place to live and they deserve our gratitude,” she said.
The awards are part of Queensland Week celebrations (June 1 – 8), which recognise Queensland's heritage, diversity and its achievements.
For the full range of events across the State, visit www.queenslandweek.qld.gov.au
Full list of nominees attached.
Sunday, 1 June 2008
Media: 3224 4500
2008 Suncorp Queenslander of the Year Finalist
Professor Paula Barrett
Professor Paula Barrett is internationally recognised as a pre-eminent scholar and groundbreaking researcher in child psychology and has a distinguished international reputation as a keynote presenter. Professor Barrett developed a scientifically validated, preventative, cognitive behavioural therapy treatment called FRIENDS for Life that can be used by teachers and psychologists with children from the age of four. FRIENDS aims to increase social, emotional and developmental intelligence to give children skills to cope with life challenges.
Hetty Johnston
Hetty Johnston is the Executive Director and Founder of Bravehearts Inc, an organisation whose purpose is to provide therapeutic, support and advocacy services to survivors of child sexual assault. Hetty is passionate about giving children a voice and her protection extends to all children from every walk of life. When there is a need, in whatever community, Hetty strives to deliver services.
Professor Roy Kimble
Professor Roy Kimble is a paediatric surgeon and burns specialist at the Royal Children’s Hospital, researcher and teacher. He has treated thousands of children with burn injuries. He has pioneered research into burn healing and scarring and is always working to develop the optimum treatments for his patients. Professor Kimble also a charity worker donates his spare time and surgical expertise to cases from low income countries. He is always willing to take these cases on and finds ways to fit them into his hectic clinical schedule without fanfare.
Emeritus Professor Ian Lowe AO
Emeritus Professor Ian Lowe AO is an internationally recognised environmental expert and has played a pivotal role in creating awareness of the need for environmental sustainability in Queensland and around the world. Over the past 26 years, Emeritus 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 the School of Science and Director of the Commission of the Future. Emeritus Professor Lowe has been an active participant on a wide range of science education advisory boards, regular columnist for New Scientist Magazine, and has written numerous books and articles on science and environmental issues. He is currently an Emeritus Professor at Griffith University.
Graeme Wood
Graeme Wood is the co-founder and Executive Director of Australia’s leading accommodation website Wotif.com (www.wotif.com). Graeme revolutionised the travel industry in Australia when he created the concept for, and co-founded, Wotif.com in 2000. Wotif.com is a Brisbane-based company that allows hoteliers to promote and sell accommodation online. The unique user interface allows customers to quickly and easily compare prices at all available properties for the region where they want to stay. Graeme’s contribution to the Queensland Community far outweighs the financial benefits of the company’s growth. Graeme has donated more than 10 percent of his net worth to charity. Twenty million dollars of his money has gone into the Graeme Wood Foundation and with fellow Wotif.com director, Graeme has established the University of Queensland Endowment Fund which supports academic initiatives such as scholarships and research of particular need.
2008 Suncorp Young Queenslander of the Year Finalists
Homa Forotan
Since arriving in Queensland as a refugee from Afghanistan in 2005, Homa has been an inspirational example of a driven and successful young Queenslander. Despite the limited education she received in Afghanistan, Homa has achieved remarkable academic results at Yeronga State High School. Homa achieved an OP1, believed to be the first OP1 gained by a refugee in Queensland. She regularly speaks at schools around Queensland to encourage tolerance and acceptance, and tutors refugee students. Homa now 21, is currently studying a Bachelor of Biotechnology at The University of Queensland.
Otis Gowa
North Queensland athlete Otis Gowa, recently recovered from treatment for cancer and many psychological and emotional challenges posed by a diagnosis of cancer. Recently Otis stunned Australian athletics by winning the national 100m final, less than two years after being diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma. Otis is a key member of Athletics Australia’s Jump Start to London Olympics 2012 squad and is an excellent role mode for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous youth of Far North Queensland.
Samantha Jockel
Samantha Jockel is the brains behind ‘Biddy Bags’ – an inter-generational social enterprise that fuses craft, business and community to produce one-off hand made products. Her light bulb solution was to find a way to connect these crafting seniors with some fashionistas who could provide advice with regards to what’s hot and in the process, increase social connections across generations, provide income for seniors and increase appreciation for their traditional hand craft skills. Printed on the inside pocket of every unique Biddy Bag is the story of its maker – connecting the purchaser with the creator.
Deborah Lovely
Deborah is recognised for her sporting abilities in athletics and weightlifting. She is currently the Commonwealth Games Gold Medallist for 75kg weightlifting and Olympian for Athens 2004. After an ankle injury which set Deborah back for six months, she has set new Australian records in weightlifting and is striving to become the first female weightlifter woman to represent Australia at two Olympic Games. While Deborah has been achieving these results on the sporting arena, she has also been a high achiever in her Double Law degree while striving towards selection for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.
Anton Szilasi
After completing a Diploma in Renewable Energies at TAFE, Anton Szilasi has volunteered his time to assist disadvantaged communities to improve their quality of life through education and the implementation of sustainable engineering projects. Anton’s recent project was in Jharkhand, India, creating and installing solar energy to ensure adequate and reliable power supplies to a health clinic. Anton fully funded this project from his savings for university. Anton is living proof that a teenager can make tangible and lasting difference to others. Anton hopes that he can inspire other to do worthwhile work in the community.
Premier Anna Bligh made the announcement at the Awards ceremony held at Parliament House today.
“Graeme Wood revolutionised the travel industry in Australia when he created the concept for, and co-founded, Wotif.com and he is a very deserving of this State honour,” Ms Bligh said.
“From his simple and innovative idea, Graeme has grown Wotif.com into a global company with a team of over 160 employees worldwide, but its his community generosity that is truly remarkable,” she said.
Ms Bligh said Mr Wood had donated more than 10 percent of his net worth to the Queensland community through his foundation – the Graeme Wood Foundation.
“Some of the biggest beneficiaries of Graeme’s generosity are young Queenslanders,” Ms Bligh said.
“Wot Opera, which is a program developed in conjunction with Opera Australia to encourage high school students to create and perform opera is just one of the arts projects to benefit from the Foundation.
“Graeme also supports a program called Fresh Ink, developed by the Australian Theatre for Young People to encourage and supports young playwrights.
“In the academic world, Graeme established the University of Queensland Endowment Fund (UQef) with fellow colleague Andrew Brice to support academic initiatives such as scholarships and research programs in areas of particular social need.
“His business success and his philanthropy for the benefit of young Queenslanders is a real inpriation and I congratulate of being awarded this high honour,” she said.
Ms Bligh said two other deserving Queenslanders were also honoured today - Homa Forotan was named 2008 Young Queenslander of the Year and Karen Bartlett the 2008 Suncorp Community Spirit winner.
“Since arriving in Queensland as a refugee from Afghanistan, 21 year old Homa Forotan has been an inspirational example of a driven and successful young Queenslander.
“Despite the limited education she received in Afghanistan, Homa has achieved remarkable academic results at Yeronga State High School achieving an OP1.
“Homa regularly speaks at schools around Queensland to encourage tolerance and acceptance, tutors refugee students and is currently studying at the University of Queensland.
“Her personal strength and determination make her an outstanding young Queenslander, and I congratulate Homa on her award.
“Karen Bartlett is another amazing Queenslander making a significant contribution to improving the lives of mothers and their children suffering the consequences of substance abuse.
“Karen founded the rehabilitation centre Fresh Hope with the aim of creating a live-in, family oriented rehabilitation centre that allows mothers and their children to live together during rehabilitation.
“Karen’s focus on keeping families together in such difficult circumstance is to be commended and I’m pleased we have had the opportunity to honour her work with the award today,” she said.
Suncorp chief executive John Mulcahy congratulated the 2008 award recipients.
"Suncorp is proud to support an awards program that recognises and celebrates the drive, determination and commitment of some of our exceptional Queenslanders," Mr Mulcahy said.
"These awards serve as a reminder of the important work many Queenslanders carry out each and every day and, on behalf of all Queenslanders, we thank them for their extraordinary contribution to the State."
Ms Bligh said while there could only be one winner in each category, all nominees were deserving of recognition.
“One of Queensland’s greatest attributes is its people. Extraordinary Queenslanders like those here today are what makes this State such a great place to live and they deserve our gratitude,” she said.
The awards are part of Queensland Week celebrations (June 1 – 8), which recognise Queensland's heritage, diversity and its achievements.
For the full range of events across the State, visit www.queenslandweek.qld.gov.au
Full list of nominees attached.
Sunday, 1 June 2008
Media: 3224 4500
2008 Suncorp Queenslander of the Year Finalist
Professor Paula Barrett
Professor Paula Barrett is internationally recognised as a pre-eminent scholar and groundbreaking researcher in child psychology and has a distinguished international reputation as a keynote presenter. Professor Barrett developed a scientifically validated, preventative, cognitive behavioural therapy treatment called FRIENDS for Life that can be used by teachers and psychologists with children from the age of four. FRIENDS aims to increase social, emotional and developmental intelligence to give children skills to cope with life challenges.
Hetty Johnston
Hetty Johnston is the Executive Director and Founder of Bravehearts Inc, an organisation whose purpose is to provide therapeutic, support and advocacy services to survivors of child sexual assault. Hetty is passionate about giving children a voice and her protection extends to all children from every walk of life. When there is a need, in whatever community, Hetty strives to deliver services.
Professor Roy Kimble
Professor Roy Kimble is a paediatric surgeon and burns specialist at the Royal Children’s Hospital, researcher and teacher. He has treated thousands of children with burn injuries. He has pioneered research into burn healing and scarring and is always working to develop the optimum treatments for his patients. Professor Kimble also a charity worker donates his spare time and surgical expertise to cases from low income countries. He is always willing to take these cases on and finds ways to fit them into his hectic clinical schedule without fanfare.
Emeritus Professor Ian Lowe AO
Emeritus Professor Ian Lowe AO is an internationally recognised environmental expert and has played a pivotal role in creating awareness of the need for environmental sustainability in Queensland and around the world. Over the past 26 years, Emeritus 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 the School of Science and Director of the Commission of the Future. Emeritus Professor Lowe has been an active participant on a wide range of science education advisory boards, regular columnist for New Scientist Magazine, and has written numerous books and articles on science and environmental issues. He is currently an Emeritus Professor at Griffith University.
Graeme Wood
Graeme Wood is the co-founder and Executive Director of Australia’s leading accommodation website Wotif.com (www.wotif.com). Graeme revolutionised the travel industry in Australia when he created the concept for, and co-founded, Wotif.com in 2000. Wotif.com is a Brisbane-based company that allows hoteliers to promote and sell accommodation online. The unique user interface allows customers to quickly and easily compare prices at all available properties for the region where they want to stay. Graeme’s contribution to the Queensland Community far outweighs the financial benefits of the company’s growth. Graeme has donated more than 10 percent of his net worth to charity. Twenty million dollars of his money has gone into the Graeme Wood Foundation and with fellow Wotif.com director, Graeme has established the University of Queensland Endowment Fund which supports academic initiatives such as scholarships and research of particular need.
2008 Suncorp Young Queenslander of the Year Finalists
Homa Forotan
Since arriving in Queensland as a refugee from Afghanistan in 2005, Homa has been an inspirational example of a driven and successful young Queenslander. Despite the limited education she received in Afghanistan, Homa has achieved remarkable academic results at Yeronga State High School. Homa achieved an OP1, believed to be the first OP1 gained by a refugee in Queensland. She regularly speaks at schools around Queensland to encourage tolerance and acceptance, and tutors refugee students. Homa now 21, is currently studying a Bachelor of Biotechnology at The University of Queensland.
Otis Gowa
North Queensland athlete Otis Gowa, recently recovered from treatment for cancer and many psychological and emotional challenges posed by a diagnosis of cancer. Recently Otis stunned Australian athletics by winning the national 100m final, less than two years after being diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma. Otis is a key member of Athletics Australia’s Jump Start to London Olympics 2012 squad and is an excellent role mode for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous youth of Far North Queensland.
Samantha Jockel
Samantha Jockel is the brains behind ‘Biddy Bags’ – an inter-generational social enterprise that fuses craft, business and community to produce one-off hand made products. Her light bulb solution was to find a way to connect these crafting seniors with some fashionistas who could provide advice with regards to what’s hot and in the process, increase social connections across generations, provide income for seniors and increase appreciation for their traditional hand craft skills. Printed on the inside pocket of every unique Biddy Bag is the story of its maker – connecting the purchaser with the creator.
Deborah Lovely
Deborah is recognised for her sporting abilities in athletics and weightlifting. She is currently the Commonwealth Games Gold Medallist for 75kg weightlifting and Olympian for Athens 2004. After an ankle injury which set Deborah back for six months, she has set new Australian records in weightlifting and is striving to become the first female weightlifter woman to represent Australia at two Olympic Games. While Deborah has been achieving these results on the sporting arena, she has also been a high achiever in her Double Law degree while striving towards selection for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.
Anton Szilasi
After completing a Diploma in Renewable Energies at TAFE, Anton Szilasi has volunteered his time to assist disadvantaged communities to improve their quality of life through education and the implementation of sustainable engineering projects. Anton’s recent project was in Jharkhand, India, creating and installing solar energy to ensure adequate and reliable power supplies to a health clinic. Anton fully funded this project from his savings for university. Anton is living proof that a teenager can make tangible and lasting difference to others. Anton hopes that he can inspire other to do worthwhile work in the community.