Queenslanders making our state a better place to live...
Janeth Deen
Award winner
Volunteer Janeth Deen received a 2011 Premier’s Award for Queensland Seniors for her community, multicultural and social welfare work.
Dr Mustafa Ally who nominated Janeth says she has made a significant contribution to the community and is a true example of an unsung hero.
Janeth works tirelessly to develop multi-faith relations and peace between non-Muslim and Muslim communities and is committed to welfare and charity work.
Since retiring, she has worked to improve the lives of people who are vulnerable and disadvantaged. She founded a Queensland welfare association and has helped many destitute families and individuals.
Janeth has organised shipments of clothing to Africa, taught English, and provided support and fund-raising for flood victims — while also helping her extended family.
www.communityservices.qld.gov.au/seniors
Chris Devon and Felisha Crawford
Kinship carers
Townsville couple Chris Devon and Felisha Crawford are north Queensland’s award-winning kinship carers.
They opened their home to a child with severe disabilities and care for the child in the same way as their own two children.
They first got to know the child a number of years ago while the child was in hospital. “When the opportunity came to bring him into our lives, it was something we couldn’t let pass us by,” says Chris, a part-time chaplain at the Good Shepherd Catholic Community School.
Chris and Felisha, who works as a special needs teacher’s aide at Oonoonba State School, provide a “team effort” to nurture the child, who has complex health needs and requires 24-hour care.”
The couple received their award at Parliament House in Brisbane along with six other winners.
www.communities.qld.gov.au/childsafety
Gitie House
Festival organiser
The Toowoomba Languages and Cultures Festival continues to flourish thanks to an energetic organising committee chaired by Gitie House.
This year’s festival in August was just the sixth held, but again provided a great day
of family fun.
Gitie is president of the event’s main sponsor, the Toowoomba International Multicultural Society, which celebrates events like the Chinese New Year and organises international cooking classes, a health expo and information evenings.
“I think it is absolutely wonderful and a tribute to the Australian people, that we are able to create an inclusive environment which respects peoples’ backgrounds and celebrates their cultural heritage in a safe and friendly environment, regardless of their race, religion or nationality,” says Gitie.
"I’m very proud to be an Australian.”
Vicky Jarvis
Tiler and Girls in Hard Hats ambassador
Vicky Jarvis is a tiler from Slacks Creek in Brisbane who works with her two brothers and father in the family business, Chris Jarvis Plumbing & Bathroom Renovations.
Vicky recently completed a four-year apprenticeship in floor and wall tiling and was the only girl in all her classes. She is passionate about encouraging more women into trades.
“The Girls in Hard Hats program is fantastic as it inspires girls to look at other job options,” says Vicky.
“When I started working I was really nervous about going to TAFE. It took a long time for me to pluck up the courage but it wasn’t as scary as I thought it would be … the boys were really supportive.”
Vicki says it’s important in any industry that both sexes are represented as “we all bring something different to a job”.
Nancy Nicholls
Support worker
Taking on a demanding caring role for people with spinal injuries and war veterans represented a challenging career change for Brisbane woman Nancy Nicholls.
Nancy worked in property management in Canberra before moving to Brisbane in 2007.
She is a part-time personal support worker for the Spinal Injuries Association and for the Department of Veterans’ Affairs Veterans’ Home Care service.
“The best part of my work is that every day is different,” Nancy says.
A few months ago, for example, Nancy spent a day supporting a client while he was being filmed at the Spinal Injuries Association for a story for ABC current affairs program Stateline.
“Then the next day I was at a veteran’s home assisting them with some household chores. I really do enjoy the variety,” she adds.
Jade Purcell
Teacher’s aide
Jade Purcell describes herself as a high school dropout. Now she wants to become
a teacher.
After spending time as a prep room volunteer at Cherbourg State School where her son Alonzo attends classes, the Murgon woman is now a paid teacher’s aide.
She has been mentored by prep teacher Vanessa Sansby, who says the Indigenous mother is very good with children.
“With a little encouragement and determination I’m sure she’ll reach her goal,” says Vanessa.
Jade says it would be good for more young mothers to take up work and the school was in need of volunteers.
“It would be good for them and their kids when they grow older to see their parents working and enjoying their job,” she says.
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