Youth workers recognised with Fisher Australia Day Award

A couple who have cut back on their paid employment to devote more time to helping Sunshine Coast youth, have been recognised for their service with a prestigious award by Member for Fisher Peter Slipper.

Mr Jesse and Mrs Marie O’Neil, who are the key drivers of Fusion Australia, at Buderim, were presented with the “Wortley Youth Encouragement Award” at the Fisher Community Australia Day Awards today.

“This is important, and very much deserved, recognition for Jesse and Marie, who are incredibly committed to local youth ad families and are making a big difference to many lives,” Mr Slipper said.

Fusion Australia offers programmes for high schoolers and youth groups, providing a friendly and safe environment, and helping build a sense of meaning and understanding, and develop self-esteem.

Over the past four years, the couple have scaled back their hours at their paid jobs, so as to be able to spend more time developing this important community youth support facility - with wonderful results.

Fusion helps the homeless, organises fun days and barbecues for families, youth adventure trips, outdoor education events and craft activities, conducts parenting courses for single mums, mentoring for troubled students and provides employment training.  

Through these initiatives, Fusion Australia now makes a positive difference in the lives of some 170 youths each year, seeding wonderful outcomes for the community.

The “Wortley Youth Encouragement Award” aims to recognise and encourage a citizen or citizens who have demonstrated considerable dedication and commitment to the youth in the community.

The award is sponsored by Mrs Cherie Wortley and her sons Michael and James, in recognition of their late husband and father Trevor, who was himself a recipient of a Fisher Australia Day Award for his dedication to the community.

Trevor appreciated the fact that there is great potential in all young people and there is great value in giving them support and encouragement.

Mr and Mrs O’Neil were among 42 local voluntary community workers and groups who were recognised for their efforts by Mr Slipper and the “Fisher Australia Day Committee” at the 13th annual Fisher Community Australia Day Awards.

The annual Fisher Community Australia Day Awards were established by Member for Fisher Peter Slipper in 2000, to recognise those who volunteer their own time to make their community a better place to live.

“These dedicated and hard-working residents don’t seek recognition for what they do, but Australia Day gives us an opportunity to say thanks publicly and to let them know that we do recognise their contributions, which are very much appreciated,” Mr Slipper said.

“Each year, the Fisher Community Australia Day Awards provide a great opportunity to give public recognition to these individuals and organisations that dedicate themselves to the community,” Mr Slipper said.

Recipients are recognised for their contributions in the areas of community service, industry and commerce, the arts, sport and recreation, and for their work with seniors’ groups, sporting clubs, youth organisations and the like.

Nomination forms for 2013 are available from Mr Slipper’s office.

26 January 2012
Youth workers recognised with Fisher Australia Day Award

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Publish Date: 27 Jan 12

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