Queensland’s most inspirational frontline workers and volunteers who go above and beyond for their communities from the top end to the Gold Coast have been named Everyday Heroes.
A Central Queensland Police and Ambulance team who performed a life-saving rescue, a Redlands paramedic who saved families from a deadly fire and a North Queensland Police Officer creating opportunities for youth, were all recognised for their efforts stepping up in their communities.
Other winners were dedicated volunteers, a Gold Coast humanitarian nurse who assists in disaster zones, a Brisbane North volunteer helping people complete community service placements and learn new skills, and a Brisbane youth mental health advocate.
22 finalists were recognised at the annual awards lunch at the W Hotel Brisbane on October 27. Winners were selected by a panel of highly respected judges and received $2000 and an additional $2000 donated to a charity of their choice.
QBANK CEO Byron Fuller said it was an honour to recognise some of Queensland’s most dedicated frontline workers and volunteers. “From police officers and paramedics to volunteers doing their part across Queensland, our Everyday Heroes work tirelessly to serve, protect and heal their communities,” he said. “QBANK is proud to recognise their efforts and say thank you to the people who go above and beyond the line of duty every day. These awards are such a special way to shine a light on the unsung heroes in our state and recognise their hard work and dedication, even when they think no one is watching.”
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QBANK Everyday Heroes Awards Winners per category:
WORKING TOGETHER: Wylie Steel and Callam Moriarty, QPS, and Vaughan Mason, QAS, Baralaba
Wylie, Callam and Vaughan were integral in a community effort to rescue a Baralaba man who became trapped in a grain silo. Using their equipment and quick thinking, the trio were able to combine their emergency service skills to perform a lifesaving extraction.
DEDICATION: Byron Tyrer, QAS, Russell Island
Advanced Care Paramedic Byron Tyrer was the first on scene at a Russell Island house fire on August 6 where a father and his five young boys were killed. He was able to assess the risk and assist neighbouring properties, saving lives in the 11 minutes until emergency services arrived.
ACHIEVEMENT: Laurie Bateman, QPS, Palm Island
Laurie is a third-generation sheep shearer turned police officer who works in his small Palm Island community creating opportunities for local Indigenous youth and increasing cultural awareness for the wider Indigenous community. He runs learn-to-drive and amateur shearing programs to help participants gain confidence and learn new skills.
EXCELLENCE: Helen Zahos, Volunteer, Gold Coast
Helen is a humanitarian aid volunteer who has taken her passion for helping others through nursing into some of the most dangerous areas in the world for more than 20 years. Entering active disaster zones and third-world countries she uses her skills as a registered nurse to provide medical assistance to underprivileged communities, asylum seekers and refugees.
OWNERSHIP: Margaret Langdon, QCS Volunteer, Brisbane North
Margaret is a dedicated volunteer who helps community service participants complete their hours with a needle and thread. Through her Quest for Quilts program, participants create quilts from recycled QCS uniforms. In learning a new skill, they also help people in need through donations of their quilts.
YOUNG HERO: Tom Price, Volunteer, Brisbane
When Tom Price noticed a dip in the mental health of himself and his peers, he decided to take action. His not-for-profit organisation, You Are Not Alone, is raising awareness for youth mental health through videos content, social media and presentations in Queensland schools to connect young people with support services.
