Peter Slipper (Fisher, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I wish to inform the Main Committee of significant achievers in the electorate of Fisher who were recipients of the Fisher Community Australia Day Awards. This is an award system I set up in 2000 to honour and recognise those residents of Fisher who make significant contributions to the community and to their fellow citizens. This year, an award for Fisher Citizen of the Year was presented for the first time. In selecting who would be a fitting and deserving recipient of this prestigious award, the Fisher Australia Day committee members looked for traits like exceptional service, sacrifice, preparedness to do more and long-term commitment.

With that in mind, the committee decided this inaugural award would go not to one individual but to two men: Mr Ross Christie and Mr Barry Jones for their services to the community through the Kawana Waters Surf Life Saving Club. They have made an incredible effort and have contributed greatly to the lifestyle of club members. They have trained club members and they keep our beaches safe for tourists, visitors and locals alike.

Each year, the committee also presents an award, the Des Scanlan Memorial Shield, to a community group that has contributed greatly to their community. This award is presented in honour of the late Des Scanlan, who passed away in early 1999. He was one of the Sunshine Coast’s most respected citizens, a tireless worker and a supporter of many community organisations. He and his wife were the driving force behind the establishment of Australia’s first permanent helicopter rescue service in 1976, known as the Energex Community Rescue.

The award this year went to the Maroochydore RSL Sub Branch Women’s Auxiliary for excellence in service to the veteran community. Other recipients of the individual awards were: Mr Gregory Balfour for support and assistance to the disabled or disadvantaged; Mr Len Brewer for support to returned service men and women; Mrs Marina Bruce for service to the community; Mr Neil Eiby for services to the veterans community through Legacy advocacy; Mr Ted Hawkins for services to the veterans community through Legacy advocacy; Mr Eric Grace for service to the community; Mr Bill Hauritz for service to the arts, entertainment and culture; Mr Ken Hinds for service to the community; Mr Alfred ‘Jim’ Horsley for services to returned service men and women and education of children; Ms Judy Irvine for cancer awareness and support; Mrs Beryl Kennedy for the ongoing support and provision of palliative care services; Mrs Maureen Marschke for support for those over 60; Mrs Margaret Newton for services to the community; Mrs Noela May Oswin for services to the community; Mrs Betty Parker for support of returned servicemen, particularly the disabled; Mr Ken Peters for community service through Lions International; Mr Richard Roberts for service to the returned servicemen, particularly in funeral services, and educational liaison with schools; Mrs Lucy Rowson for cancer awareness and service provision; Mr Cedric Smith and Mrs Daphne Smith for services to the community; Mr David Smythe and Mrs Margaret Smythe for service to senior citizens; Mr Anthony Vincent for services to the community, particularly education; Joann Walker and Judy Walker for the establishment of palliative care in Kilcoy; Mrs Mary Watts for services to welfare; Mrs Lyn Winch for community service through excellence in education; and Mrs Cherie Wortley for prostate cancer awareness and support. The Lions Club of Mooloolaba was highly commended, and the Fisher Young Citizen of the Year was Miss Mia Schaumberg. We are pleased to have these awards. It is great to recognise wonderful Australians who are role models for their fellow citizens. (Time expired)