State Government recognises Wide Bay-Burnett Community Heroes

Emergency Services Minister Neil Roberts today recognised the exceptional contributions of five members of the Wide Bay-Burnett community with Blueprint for the Bush Community Hero Awards.

Mr Roberts, who was in Gayndah for today’s Ministerial Regional Community Forum for the Wide Bay region, 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 Roberts said.

He presented awards to Kingaroy’s Warren Cockburn and Nina Temperton, Gin Gin’s Jim Mullett, Tingoora’s Elaine Maddill and the family of the late Jim Stewart, of Monto.

“Warren Cockburn has made a significant contribution to social welfare in the Kingaroy community, especially through helping veterans and the elderly,” Mr Roberts said.

“He is the senior vice-president of the Kingaroy RSL sub-branch and also acts as the RSL welfare and pensions officer. Warren is also the president of the South Burnett Australian National Servicemen’s Association.

“Nina Temperton is heavily involved in working with young people and families in Kingaroy through her role as the chief executive of the South Burnett Community Training Centre.

“She is a member of the Wide Bay Burnett Area Consultative Committee, the Kingaroy Lions Club and has also volunteered her time to support the Kingaroy Private Hospital.

“Jim Mullett is a long-term member of the Ministerial Regional Community Forum, commencing with the initial forum in 1999 and serving through to last year, before retiring due to illness.

“He has long served in the role of chairman of the Bundaberg Base Hospital Consultative Committee and is also a member of the volunteer CARE organisation.

“Today, we also acknowledged Elaine Maddill, from Tingoora. Elaine is a member of the Country Women’s Association choir which regularly performs at functions throughout the region.

“To build social networks, she also organised a monthly 'ladies luncheon' for up to 40 women, including arranging transportation. Elaine also oversees the Wondai Art Gallery by volunteering as management committee president.

“Finally, we presented a posthumous award to the family of the late Jim Stewart, who hailed from Monto.

“Jim was a dedicated servant of the Monto and Eidsvold communities for most of his life as a well-known and respected farmer, musician, historian, community entrepreneur and author.

“He compiled a number of books on the history of the local area and devoted many hours of his time to support the Eidsvold and District Historical Society.

“We were honoured to have Jim’s wife Desley on hand to accept the award on behalf of her late husband.

“Warren, Nina, Jim Mullett, Elaine and the late Jim Stewart are shining members of the Wide Bay-Burnett community who make us all proud to be Queenslanders.”

Mr Roberts 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 Roberts’ office - 3247 8194