It’s official, Clive is a Queensland Great
TOOWOOMBA philanthropist and former mayor Clive Berghofer has yet another award to add to his collection.
One of the region’s most famous citizens was one of just five people named a Queensland Great by Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk.
The awards were part of Queensland Day celebrations across the state on Tuesday night, with Mr Berghofer the only recipient from western Queensland named.
The 82-year-old said he was proud of the achievement, considering where he came from and how hard he worked for it.
“It’s quite an honour, there have only been 80 people over the years to be named (a Queensland Great),” Mr Berghofer said.
“I started right at the bottom, had no education. I never dreamt I could be able to give away $5 million a year.
“(But) I had willpower, I had determination and I worked very hard.”
Ms Palaszczuk said the prestigious awards acknowledged exceptional Queenslanders and their contributions to the state.
“It is important that we recognise the incredible people and institutions that have helped to shape and strengthen our state,” she said.
“This year’s award recipients have not only excelled in their chosen fields but have made a positive impact on the lives of many Queenslanders.”
Records put Mr Berghofer’s contributions to various charities, emergency services and causes at about $80 million, with his weekly giveaway valued at $90,000.
He was mayor of Toowoomba between 1986 and 1992, and also the MP for Toowoomba South during that time.
His wealth comes from his massive real estate portfolio, stretching across the Darling Downs and into Brisbane and the Gold Coast.
Several landmarks and buildings are named in his honour, including a stadium and a medical research centre.
❝I started right at the bottom, had no education. I never dreamt I could be able to give away $5 million a year. — Clive Berghofer
Mr Berghofer said he was possibly most proud of his contributions to the Queensland Institute of Medical Research, which has his named adorning the side of its building in Brisbane.
“QMR is doing research on every part of your human body,” he said.
“People came up to me last night and he said ‘we drive past your name every day’.
“Without research, I wouldn’t have two new knees and new hips so it was great to be a part of that.”
Other Queensland Greats included journalist Phil Dickie, neurosurgeon Professor Perry Bartlett, university leader Professor Peter Coaldrake and indigenous advocate Cindy Shannon.
Eddie Mabo, who rose to fame for his fight in the High Court of Australia 25 years ago with Aboriginal land rights, was also given the award posthumously.