Guido Rizzalli
- Location:
- Ingham
Guido Rizzalli’s service to the community began in 1976 when he and his wife Coral joined other parents of children with a disability to form the Ingham Parent Support Group. In those days there was little support available in the community and that was the beginning of Guido’s determination to find the funds necessary to provide services.
Guido was relentless in his drive to raise enough money to establish a facility for people with a disability where they could learn life skills such as swimming, cooking and craft. Guido and his son John scoured country roads in search of old batteries and scrap that they could sell to a recycler for cash. Over the years Guido raised a staggering $300 000 through his battery and scrap collections.
Apart from lobbying governments, Guido’s enthusiasm also got the Herbert River Rotary Club on board and they joined the fundraising initiative. The Parent Support Group opened the first day care centre for people with a disability in Ingham, and in 1981 a special education unit was established.
Not satisfied to stop there Guido continued fundraising for a special purpose minibus, a respite house and purpose-built complex. He even convinced a local businessman to donate land for a house where people with a disability could live independently.
Guido’s leadership and commitment are legendary in the north and despite losing John, his son with a disability, in 2001, he continues his valuable work for people with a disability and their families. Guido is an inspirational Queensland senior whose practical approach and ‘can do’ attitude make him an outstanding role model in his community.
Last updated: 19 August 2008.