Peter Dutton (Dickson, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Health and Ageing) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I rise today, Mr Speaker, to acknowledge some very special members of our local Dickson community. Next Sunday at the Samford Historical Museum I will present the Dickson Community Awards and today I would like to mention some of the nominees—'local heroes' who never call for any attention or recognition but who command respect for their contributions above and beyond their normal activities.

Sharon Weber works tirelessly as a fundraiser, in particular for the annual Picnic in the Park raising funds for our local chaplains so that they can continue their vital work in our community. Shannon Yeardley, a former psychologist, has set up 'the flower project' on Brisbane's north side. In the last year, mostly at her expense, she has delivered surprise flower bouquets to over 300 elderly or isolated women, those recovering from illness and devoted carers. Shannon believes: 'The more that you give to other people, the better you feel in yourself.' May Willis has made a lifetime of contributions supporting her community, volunteering endless hours sewing and knitting for fundraisers, for babies in hospital nurseries and for charities like the Rainbow Connection. For the last decade she has been President of the Strathpine and District Senior Citizens Club.

Reverend Dr Paul Inglis is well known for his decade of service as Minister of the Dayboro Uniting Church. He has worked to bring all community churches together to support Dayboro and surrounding regions. During the January 2011 Dayboro Flood, he not only provided support but also organised a fundraising concert with others that help to raise $32,000. As Queensland's first breast care nurse, Patricia Creed OAM identified the need for specialised care for breast cancer patients, to follow their progress prior to and post surgery. This support enabled so many women a smoother journey through their illness. She was rightly recognised in the 2011 Queen's Birthday Honours List.

Sergeant Ken Robinson and Senior Constable Troy Nowitzki are two of many men and women who deserve to be recognised for the role they play in their jobs in our community. To undertake a policing career takes courage, integrity and a genuine concern for the wellbeing of others and, like so many in the emergency services, they go beyond the call of duty. They worked tirelessly in extreme conditions during the 2011 floods to ensure the safety of residents and of course this support and concern continued on after the danger had subsided. I want to congratulate Troy, who has just been promoted to sergeant, and is moving—to all places—St George next week. It is certainly a loss to our community. He will certainly have his work cut out for him in what are very difficult circumstances, and our thoughts and prayers go out to the people of St George and others affected by terrible floods in western Queensland this very day.

Long before the floods, Juliette Wright set about helping people in the community facing hardship. She developed the Givit direct giving network website, and charities and organisations can now request any item, goods or service they are currently unable to provide and this request is matched with those who can meet the request.

Getting kids active and involved in sport is very important. Thankfully, we have Stephen Koster or 'Coach Steve', who has given his time and energy to build the confidence of over 600 children and is a well-loved icon amongst many local young sports men and women. Lisa Davis, similarly, in her role as president of the Pine Rivers Swans AFL Club had to witness the devastation of her clubhouse during the 2011 floods and led the way to oversee its clean-up and resurrection

It is wonderful that we have so many young achievers in Dickson. Danielle McCarthy is the first and only student to receive a grade point average of seven in the Bachelor of Law degree at Queensland University of Technology. This was achieved while doing a double degree with perfect results in the Bachelor of Business (Accountancy) degree.

Sarah Harvey is a member of the BMX National Athlete Development Squad. She has been invited to train with the High Performance Australian BMX Team who are currently training for the 2012 Olympics. This year she has World Championships in England and the Australian Championships in April.

Erin Gold can be described as nothing less than an inspiration. Her efforts ensure that research into juvenile diabetes will continue to improve the lives of young people. A type 1 diabetic, she is a youth ambassador for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, raising awareness in the media and with politicians and promoting sponsorship from business. In 2010, she travelled to this place to raise awareness of type 1 diabetes and the importance of research to find a cure.

Four members of the 1st Samford Girls Brigade, led by Heather Adam, Simone Adam, Catherine Hughes, Shari Canagasurium and Laura Mitchell were recently presented with the annual Government House Girls' Brigade Queen's Award and are working towards their Duke of Edinburgh Award. They have committed the past three years to community service and between them have supported Lifeline, the Asthma foundation, Big Sister and aged care friendship groups.