Hervey Bay senior gets Premier's award for volunteering

Minister for Community Services and Housing and Minister for Women
The Honourable Karen Struthers
18/08/2009
Hervey Bay senior gets Premier's award for volunteering

Hervey Bay resident Ron Lonsdale has been rewarded today with a prestigious Premier's Award for Queensland Seniors as thanks for his outstanding volunteering efforts in the local community.

Premier Anna Bligh presented the awards at a ceremony at Parliament House in Brisbane today.

Community Services Minister Karen Struthers said the dedicated older Queenslander had spent many years donating his time to a range of local community organisations and worthy causes.

"I am delighted to pay tribute to the 15 super seniors today named as the winners of the Premier's Awards for Queensland Seniors, for the positive contribution they have made to their local communities," Ms Struthers said.

"Ron has dedicated years of voluntary service to the community and it is important that we recognise him for this exceptional achievement.

"At a time when there is growing pressure on individuals, families and communities, remarkable people like Ron serve as a great inspiration to us, and encompass the true meaning of community spirit."

Since Rod Lonsdale became president of the Hervey Bay 60 & Better Club a decade ago, he has increased the club membership from 70 members to more than 700.

He introduced activities such as computer tuition, digital photography, tai-chi, Reiki meditation, handcrafts, health lectures, card games, indoor bowls, square dancing and yoga.

Rod spends almost every day overseeing activities and attending meetings at the club, which provides a vital source of social interaction for club members, particularly those who live alone.

Ms Struthers said today's presentation had a significant place in Seniors Week (15-23 August).

"It is timely that we pay tribute to our senior volunteers during Seniors Week, which celebrates the contribution older people make to our communities," Ms Struthers said.

"Our theme for Seniors Week 2009 is Positively Ageless, in recognition of the enduring benefits of a positive attitude to life.

"The recipients of the Premier's Awards for Queensland Seniors embody that theme, with their incredible drive, energy and enthusiasm.

"Our volunteers play an important role in this government's vision for the future, Toward Q2: Tomorrow's Queensland.

"This vision recognises the vital work of volunteers and aims to lift volunteer numbers in Queensland by 50 per cent by 2020.

"Today's award winners are helping to make that vision a reality and I congratulate them for their achievements."

Ms Struthers congratulated this year's winners and encouraged more Queenslanders to consider volunteering.

For more information about volunteering, visit www.getinvolved.qld.gov.au

For more information about the Premier's Awards for Queensland Seniors and other events during Seniors Week, contact the Seniors Enquiry Line on 1300 135 500 or visit www.seniors.qld.gov.au

Permanent Link: Hervey Bay senior gets Premier's award for volunteering
Publish Date: 19 Aug 09