Honour for volunteer
IT’S a proud day for the Toowoomba region with many residents receiving awards for their selfless contributions and dedicated commitments.
The Governor-General has recognised 1190 Australians on this year’s Queen’s Birthday Honours List – eight of which reside in the Toowoomba region.
Rhonda Joyce Weston from Middle Ridge was appointed as a Member of the Order of Australia (AM).
Ms Weston received the well-deserved title for her significant service to aged persons’ education and the community.
“It’s such a huge honour to win this prestigious award,” Ms Weston said.
“I’m the president of the University of the Third Age (U3A) Toowoomba and have been now for 11 years.”
Providing retirees throughout the Toowoomba region with an opportunity for lifelong learning, Ms Weston said the Toowoomba group currently has 2000 members.
“This is particularly important for our generation because when we were growing up university education wasn’t available to just anybody … most people left school at 15 or 16 and went straight to work,” she said.
“We are a not-for-profit community group that runs on the hard work of its volunteers.”
Offering a variety of classes for participants to enjoy from technology and Australian history to tai chi and tennis, U3A provides physical, mental and social benefits.
In addition to Ms Weston’s U3A role, she also volunteers at the Empire Theatre, Wellcamp Airport and the Toowoomba Visitor Information Centre.
The Governor-General David Hurley congratulated the award recipients and thanked them for their huge contributions.
“On behalf of all Australians, congratulations to all recipients … each of these individuals are unique and their story deserves to be shared widely and celebrated,” the Governor-General said.
“Collectively they speak to who we are as a nation – there are countless examples of selflessness, commitment and dedication … there is diversity and there are examples of exceptional achievement in almost every field imaginable.”
And with 44% of award recipients being female this year, the Governor-General said he is pleased to see the list includes the highest percentage of women to date.
“It is important that the Order of Australia represents the diversity and strength of Australia – for this to happen we need to ensure outstanding women, members of our multicultural community and First Nations people are nominated by their peers in the community,” he said.
“I am prioritising increasing awareness of and engagement with the Order of Australia among groups that have been historically underrepresented … we are seeing positive progress and I am determined that it continues.”
The Governor-General said he encourages all Australians to consider nominating someone outstanding in their communities.
“To the individuals being recognised today, many of whom Linda and I look forward to meeting over the coming year, thank you for your service and congratulations on being recognised by your peers and your nation,” he said.
“The great strength of our system is that it is bottom-up – everyone recognised through the Order of Australia has been nominated by someone else, considered through an independent process and today celebrated by our nation.”
Of the 1190 Australians, 947 are recipients of the General Division of the Order of Australia and 33 received awards in the Military Division of the Order of Australia.
A total of 139 meritorious awards were distributed as well as 71 gallantry, distinguished and conspicuous awards while 63 people were recognised for their contribution in supporting the nation’s response to Covid-19.
These awards will also be included in an ongoing and permanent Covid-19 honour roll.
Ms Weston’s key contributions include:
University of the Third Age (U3A)
• Since 2011: President and newsletter editor U3A Toowoomba.
• Since 2009: Management committee member.
• Since 2019: Governing Board Member – International Association of University of the Third Age.
• 2011-2015: President – U3A Network Queensland.
• 2014-2015: President – U3A Alliance, Australia.
• 2015-2018: Chairman – U3A Asia Pacific Alliance. Toowoomba Community
• Since 2018: Member – Volunteer Ambassador Program – Wellcamp Airport.
• 2004-2007: Volunteer usher – Empire Theatre.
• Since 2008: Volunteer – Toowoomba Visitor Information Centre.
Rose Societies
• Since 2008: Assistant secretary – Darling Downs Rose Society.
• Current: Member – Toowoomba Heritage Rose Society.
Hunter Valley Community
• 2000-2004: Secretary – Muswellbrook branch – Australian Red Cross.
• 1990s: Commissioner – Hunter Valley Region – Girl Guides New South Wales.
• Former volunteer with a range of community organisations including Meals On Wheels and the Red Cross.
• Former elder – Muswellbrook Uniting Church. Awards
• 2019: Toowoomba Citizen of the Year (joint).
• 2019: Toowoomba District Citizens of the Year (joint).