Minister recognises regional and community achievers

The exceptional work of organisations, groups and individuals from across rural and regional Queensland were recognised in a gala ceremony in Mackay last night.

Local Government Minister Warren Pitt last night acknowledged the best rural and regional achievers at the 2008 Queensland Regional Achievement and Community Awards.

Mr Pitt also presented the Minister’s Special Commendation Award at the event, an additional accolade presented to one of the night’s seven category winners.

Mr Pitt said the awards recognised the “smart, enthusiastic and hard-working people” who made an outstanding contribution to their communities.

“It was an honour to be able to recognise all of the winners, but in particular to present one with a special commendation for their work in regional and rural Queensland,” he said.

Merino Bakery in Longreach were presented with the Ministers Special Commendation Award for their work in providing traineeships, apprenticeships and employment programs in the region.

They had taken out the Business and Employment category earlier in the evening.

“Owners Ben and Alice Roughan relocated from urban South-East Queensland to Longreach and are living proof of the wonderful business opportunities that await people in the bush,” he said.

Other category winners from the night included:

·Australian Camp Oven Festival – Milmerran (Events and Tourism)

·Dominic Johns – Machans Beach (Arts and Culture)

·Scott Alman – Mackay (Regional Service)

·Pittsworth Landcare Group – Mount Tyson (Environment and Landcare)

·Cunnamulla Youth Health Committee (Youth Leadership)

·Food Bank - Townsville (Community of the Year)

Mr Pitt said the awards recognised those Queenslanders who had gone above and beyond the call of duty to make rural and regional Queensland a better place to live and work.

“I congratulate all of those involved with the awards, as well as all award recipients, for the outstanding contribution they are making to their local communities.

“It is these groups and individuals that are helping the Bligh Government deliver its Blueprint for the Bush strategy for building a sustainable, liveable and prosperous rural Queensland.”

Prizes for the category winners included a share in $12,500 in Commonwealth Bank AwardSaver accounts as well as Southern Cross Television airtime packages.

Media contact: Minister Pitt’s Office 3227 8819.