Community Corners

October is internationally known as Breast Cancer month and on October 8 I had the pleasure of attending Brisbane North Chamber of Commerce’s annual Pink Ribbon Breakfast at the Kedron-Wavell Services Club. The BNCC does a wonderful job each year raising much needed funds for breast cancer research.

This year’s key-note speakers were mother and daughter -Sharyn Andersen and Renae Pearson. Renae suffered from Osteosarcoma, a very aggressive bone cancer in her leg, and a tumour on her lung. Both relayed a brief insight into what was a ‘fight for Renae’s life’ and it was obvious the great strength of these remarkable ladies.

Sharing with the group the latest developments in breast cancer research was Dr Chanel Smart, a Post Doctoral Research Scientist in Breast Pathology from the University of Queensland’s Centre for Clinical Research (UQCCR). Dr Smart explained some of the processes that are undertaken by the UQCCR at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital Campus.

For more information on how you can donate online to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, visit their website - http://www.nbcf.org.au/

This month, Member for Hinichinbrook and Shadow Minister for Disability Services and Multicultural Affairs, Andrew Cripps MP joined me on a visit to the Guide Dogs Queensland Breeding and Training Centre in Bald Hills.

Chris Laine, CEO of Guide Dogs Queensland, acted as our host for the day and took us on a tour of the Bald Hills facilities. We visited the Kennels, Income Stream departments and the Client Residence. Mr Cripps learned about the extensive catalogue of high-quality services offered by the Breeding and Training Centre, from Long Cane training, electronics and Guide Dog mobility to Children’s orientation and mobility training.

I am very proud to have the Head Office of Guide Dogs Queensland in the Aspley Electorate and Mr Cripps said he was impressed at the high level of professionalism and care offered at the Centre. He also said one of the main highlights of his trip was having a cheeky cuddle with the ‘K Litter’ puppies.

For more information on the services offered by the Bald Hills Guide Dogs Queensland Breeding and Training Centre, visit their website - http://www.guidedogsqld.com.au/

The value of volunteering is beyond measure and those who volunteer provide extraordinary benefits to the community.  Their selfless commitment to others and to our local area is to be commended.

That’s why I am delighted to launch the inaugural Aspley Achiever Awards to publicly recognise these hardworking local residents.

Anyone who embodies the spirit of volunteering can be nominated. They might be a neighbour, colleague, relative or friend – but we won’t know about them unless you nominate them.

In 2010 nominations are divided into seven categories and will be judged by an independent panel which includes representatives from our local businesses, community groups and local residents.

The 2010 categories are:

Neighbourhood/Local Citizenship Award
Contribution to Education Award
Contribution to Older Persons Award
Contribution to Environment and Wellbeing Award
Community and Business Partnership Award
Youth Development Award
Aspley Young Achiever Award

The 2010 Aspley Achiever of the Year will be selected by the Panel from the winners of each category and a Special Category, the State Member’s Award for Volunteering Excellence will be chosen by me.

Nominations close on October 15 and the winners will be announced at an Awards Presentation Ceremony and Afternoon Tea to be held at the Aspley Memorial Bowls Club on October 31.

Good luck with your nomination!

Click here to download the Aspley Achiever Awards Information Booklet

Click here to download the Aspley Achiever Awards Nomination Form 2010

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q. Do the nominees have to live in the Aspley electorate?
A. Yes.

Q. How do I check if my nominee lives in the Aspley electorate?
A. Contact the Aspley Electorate Office on (07) 3263 6703 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Q. What if I don’t know what category to select for my nominee?
A. Tick ‘Unsure’ on the nomination form. The Selection Panel will assign a category to your nominee.

Q. What is the difference between the Aspley Achiever of the Year and the State Member’s Award for Volunteering Excellence?
A. Aspley Achiever of the Year is chosen from the winners of each category by the Selection Panel, and the State Member’s Award for Volunteering Excellence is selected from the whole pool of nominations by the Member for Aspley.

Q. What is the age limit for the Aspley Young Achiever Award?

A.  Nominees must be 25 years of age or under to be nominated in this catergory.

Q.  What age of person does the nominee need to volunteer with to be eligible for the Contribution to Older Persons Award?

A.  Nominees in this catergory must volunteer with locals over the age of 50.

Q. What if I have any more questions?
A. Contact the Aspley Electorate Office on (07) 3263 6703 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
 

What a brilliant day to spend planting trees for National Tree Day last Sunday, particularly knowing that there were thousands of people Australia-wide also putting their time into tangible initiatives to help our environment.

I jumped at the chance to get down into Cabbage Tree Creek in the Bangalow Street Park area with the Northern Catchment Network (NCN) as we revegetated the banks.

Cabbage Tree Creek has been a focus for Brisbane City Council in the past months as erosion was encroaching into the park and adding to sediment loss.