JourneyOnline
Every 18 months UnitingCare Queensland recognises significant contributions to the community made by volunteers. Journey reports.
Twelve Queensland volunteers have been acknowledged for their outstanding contribution to the community by being awarded a 2014 Moderator’s Community Service Medal.
Seven of the 12 recipients were presented their medals by Queensland Uniting Church Moderator Rev David Baker and UnitingCare Queensland CEO Anne Cross at the 31st Synod meeting.
UnitingCare Queensland Director of Mission Colleen Geyer said the volunteers were usually people who saw a need and were driven to respond.
“They have quite often volunteered for years, sometimes three, four or five days a week, and are the kind of people who just get in there and help wherever they can.
“I am humbled each time the nominations are received,” said Ms Geyer.
The following people received 2014 Moderator’s Medal Community Service Medals:
Aunty Jean Phillips, Brisbane, for her work advocating for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and cultivating the next generation of Aboriginal Christian leaders.
Don Leckenby, Mackay, for his extensive work with people without a home.
Doreen Coker, Ipswich, for her work in Blue Care’s Auxiliary at Lauriston aged-care home.
Jane Frazer Cosgrove, Brisbane, for her work improving the lives and wellbeing of people experiencing mental health issues.
Joyce Cunningham, Cooroy, for her work with elderly people at Noosa Care Inc aged-care facility and the Endeavour Foundation.
The late Una Bryant, Cooroy, (received by sister-in-law Melva Bryant) for devoting much of her life to improving the wellbeing of people in her community.
Shirley Wyatt, Brisbane, for her work as a Wesley Hospital volunteer.
Darcy Howe, Brisbane, for his work supporting patients at St Andrew’s War Memorial Hospital.
Gail Morrison, Bundaberg, for her work with UnitingCare Community’s Crossroads program.
Isobel “Pixie” Annat MBE OAM, Brisbane, for her extensive volunteer efforts, especially at St Andrew’s War Memorial Hospital.
Mary Lowe AM, Brisbane, for always going the extra mile to care for people, especially the elderly.
Paul Kennedy, Rosewood, for being the driving force of the Rosewood District Protection Organisation.
