Benny\’s Beat
I DON’T know about you but, gee, I am proud to be an Australian and each year I admire all the volunteers and organisers who help us celebrate.
Sure, every area in the country has its own way of enjoying everything good about being an Aussie but the end result is the same, pride.
I was delighted to see the wide diversity of local recipients of the Australia Day honours.
Multiple title-holding lifesaver Kristy Ellis, charity and indigenous champion lawyer Glenn Ferguson, Captain James Armstrong long time aged welfare advocacy supporter, state RSL leader Terry Meehan, long time veterans advocate Ray Rouhan, service to sport and healthy living exponent Olympic gymnast Brennon Dowrick, Meals on Wheels leader Philip Worthy and former Tewantin policeman now Superintendent Dale Pointon were all named after years of service.
These eight people were selected for the work they have and are doing on the Sunshine Coast.
Every one of them has done something or helped someone across the Coast and not just in where they live.
Take Philip Worthy, for example, based primarily out of the Coolum Meals on Wheels where he sits on the management committee.
He is also a volunteer and service adviser for the Maroochydore, Gympie and Pomona MOW Branches.
Before settling in Coolum, Mr Worthy was cook and administration officer for the Gympie branch and in his spare time is a volunteer with the Veteran Rural Fire Brigade.
Most of the people named, like most of us, would have spent the day celebrating knowing what they have achieved, hasn’t gone un-noticed.
I had the pleasure of presenting the Sport and Recreation Medal at the Sunshine Coast Council Awards ceremony.
It was no surprise that long time Coast Riding for the Disabled core member Julie Templeton took the honour.
The Yandina-based organisation is structured to ensure all achieve a safe, fun and encouraging lesson – to provide opportunities for those with a disability to engage in horse-related activities.
Julie also spends time mentoring other volunteers who wish to get their coaching accreditations.
It sure is a terrific list of people who just want to help others and don’t care what street or suburb they live in.
They just want to help the population of the Sunshine Coast to enjoy life.
I and my family have been National Party, now LNP supporters for life. But our national and state leaders are really making it hard for people other than true blue Liberals to support them.
Tony Abbott’s decision to give Prince Phillip a knighthood is simply stupid, and especially for not consulting with at least his senior colleagues.
The Queen’s husband has more than enough titles, and at 91 I don’t think he would even care.
Premier Newman faces the acid test in Saturday’s election. I am pretty confident the LNP will win with reduced seats in the House.
But Can Do may become a one term wonder losing his seat of Ashgrove to Kate Jones.
And, sadly, the main reason for his capitulation is he won’t consult. Should be an interesting day.
Until next time.
