Published Monday, 01 September, 2008 at 02:30 AM
Minister for Main Roads and Local Government
The Honourable Warren Pitt
Queensland Government recognises Mackay’s community heroes
The Queensland Government today recognised the exceptional contribution of several members of the Mackay-Whitsunday community with Blueprint for the Bush Community Hero Awards.
Local Government Minister Warren Pitt presented the awards at a ceremony held in conjunction with the Community Cabinet meeting.
Member for Mackay Tim Mulherin said the awards recognised those Queenslanders who had gone above and beyond the call of duty to make their community a better place to live, work and raise a family.
“The Community Hero Awards are a Blueprint for the Bush initiative to honour and celebrate our fellow community members who continuously demonstrate tireless effort in making a difference to the lives of those around them,” Mr Mulherin said.
Mr Pitt presented awards to Ted Bussy, Jeffrey Timor, Pam Vit-Tomarra and Janette Birch.
“Ted Bussey from Mirani is heavily involved in working in the local community,” Mr Pitt said.
“He is the First Officer with his local Rural Fire Brigade, has had a long association with the Mirani Rotary Club, and represents local farmers as a Director on the State Canegrowers Board.
“Jeffrey Timor has been a tireless worker with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the region and is a board member on the Mackay District Health Council.
“He is a founding member of a range of Indigenous bodies, including the Mackay Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Health Service, the Mackay District Aboriginal and Islander Media Association, and the Mackay and District Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders Corporation for Legal Aid Services.
“Pam Viti-Tomarra from Eton has also had a significant involvement in working with Indigenous Queenslanders throughout the region.
“Pam has been involved in community development work with the Australian South Sea Islander community for many years and played a key role in establishing a relief centre for local Indigenous people following the Mackay floods earlier this year.
“Today, we were also very pleased to recognise Janette Birch, who has been a dedicated worker with Remote Area Family Services in outback Queensland for the past 12 years.
“In that time, Janette has consistently gone above and beyond the call of duty in caring for families across outback Queensland.
“These shining members of the Mackay-Whitsunday community are people who make us all proud to be Queenslanders.”
Mr Mulherin said the awards were an opportunity for the Queensland Government to thank and recognise community-minded Queenslanders, as well as demonstrate the government’s commitment to building stronger communities through increased liveability, sustainability and prosperity.
Media contact: Minister Pitt’s Office 3227 8819
Local Government Minister Warren Pitt presented the awards at a ceremony held in conjunction with the Community Cabinet meeting.
Member for Mackay Tim Mulherin said the awards recognised those Queenslanders who had gone above and beyond the call of duty to make their community a better place to live, work and raise a family.
“The Community Hero Awards are a Blueprint for the Bush initiative to honour and celebrate our fellow community members who continuously demonstrate tireless effort in making a difference to the lives of those around them,” Mr Mulherin said.
Mr Pitt presented awards to Ted Bussy, Jeffrey Timor, Pam Vit-Tomarra and Janette Birch.
“Ted Bussey from Mirani is heavily involved in working in the local community,” Mr Pitt said.
“He is the First Officer with his local Rural Fire Brigade, has had a long association with the Mirani Rotary Club, and represents local farmers as a Director on the State Canegrowers Board.
“Jeffrey Timor has been a tireless worker with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the region and is a board member on the Mackay District Health Council.
“He is a founding member of a range of Indigenous bodies, including the Mackay Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Health Service, the Mackay District Aboriginal and Islander Media Association, and the Mackay and District Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders Corporation for Legal Aid Services.
“Pam Viti-Tomarra from Eton has also had a significant involvement in working with Indigenous Queenslanders throughout the region.
“Pam has been involved in community development work with the Australian South Sea Islander community for many years and played a key role in establishing a relief centre for local Indigenous people following the Mackay floods earlier this year.
“Today, we were also very pleased to recognise Janette Birch, who has been a dedicated worker with Remote Area Family Services in outback Queensland for the past 12 years.
“In that time, Janette has consistently gone above and beyond the call of duty in caring for families across outback Queensland.
“These shining members of the Mackay-Whitsunday community are people who make us all proud to be Queenslanders.”
Mr Mulherin said the awards were an opportunity for the Queensland Government to thank and recognise community-minded Queenslanders, as well as demonstrate the government’s commitment to building stronger communities through increased liveability, sustainability and prosperity.
Media contact: Minister Pitt’s Office 3227 8819