In a long standing tradition as part of the Great Pyramid Race, Member for Mulgrave Curtis Pitt awarded two Gordonvale residents for their service to the local community.
Mr Pitt presented an award to Betty Lennox, saying she was a well-known community volunteer who went about her work quietly with no fanfare.
“There’s an old saying that a true measure of any society can be found in how it takes care of it’s most vulnerable people – Betty embodies that spirit,” Mr Pitt said.
“Betty visits with residents at the Pyramid Residential Care Centre who would otherwise not have regular visitors, as well as taking books from the Gordonvale Library to the residents.
“She is a regular helper with Mulgrave Landcare, participates in Clean Up Australia Day events in the Gordonvale area and is a volunteer with the Cerebral Palsy group.
“For many years she has worked as a teacher aide at Gordonvale State School and puts in many hours of her own time in the Permaculture Partnerships Garden, Festival Parade float display, Excelsior group, and assists on school excursions out of hours.
“Betty likes to take it upon herself to help people in need – and if someone is unwell she will turn up with food so they don’t have to worry about preparing meals.”
[singlepic id=597 w=320 h=240 float=left] Mr Pitt said the second award was presented posthumously to the late Bob Rossi to recognise a lifetime of service to the greater Mulgrave area community.
“Like many people, I thought Bob Rossi would have many more years of achievement and service to our community ahead of him – and such an award was possible in the future. Sadly, that was not to be,” he said.
“His passing was made even more sad by the loss of his father Robert Rossi Senior only two weeks earlier. Many knew Robert Rossi as a respected local councillor and patriarch of the Rossi family.
“Throughout his life Bob had a long and distinguished role in many industry and community groups,” Mr Pitt said.
“His service to Canegrowers was immense with 37 years continuous service as a Chairman and Director, only retiring last year. He is probably the longest serving director of the organisation.
“During his time, he saw an industry owned by local grower cooperatives transform to foreign multinational ownership, as well as many refinements and changes brought on by advances in science and technology.
“Bob was very active with the Parents and Citizens Association devoting 25 years at local, regional, state and national levels. He served on the executive of QCPCA as President and Vice President, was presented with an Outstanding Service Award and made a Life Member.
“Bob was involved in many other community groups and organisations including Farm Biz, Rural Training Australia, Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, Meerawa Community Group, Cairns Rod and Reel Club, Gordonvale RSL, Southern Suburbs Junior Rugby League and the Great Pyramid Race.”
The award was accepted by Mr Rossi’s wife Pam Rossi.
Mr Pitt said the Great Pyramid Race put the spotlight on a truly magnificent part of Australia.
“It’s a real credit to the organising committee and sponsors to have brought this great event together once again, and a special thanks to the local service organisations volunteering their time.
“Gordonvale is a beautiful place with a great sense of community thanks to people like Betty Lennox and Bob Rossi,” Mr Pitt said.
“I hope our younger generation will take a leaf out of their book and give of their time to make our local community a better place.”
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