2008 Queensland Greats Award

Premier Anna Bligh has announced the 2008 Queensland Greats, acknowledging five extraordinary Queenslanders and an iconic organisation for their significant role in the history and development of the State.

Ms Bligh presented the awards at a ceremony at Roma Street Parkland.

The 2008 Queensland Greats are Ian Brusasco AM, Pearl Duncan, Matthew Hayden, Professor Ross Homel AO and Dr Thancoupie, Gloria Fletcher James AO.

The Royal Flying Doctor Service was awarded the Queensland Greats institution award.

Ms Bligh said the 2008 line-up was an impressive one.

"Each of our winners are extremely deserving ones, having demonstrated dedication and commitment to their cause and their State," Ms Bligh said.

For information on the awards contact Events Coordination on 07 3405 5215 or email events coordination.

2008 Queensland Greats

	Ian Brusasco AM Ian Brusasco has extensive experience as a chairman and director across a range of industries. He is currently Chairman of WorkCover Queensland, Gladstone Port Corporation and Foodbank, as well as a Director of Queensland Investment Corporation and QBF. Ian is a former Chairman of Port of Brisbane Corporation, Brisbane Strikers, 4TAB and 4KQ and served as an alderman on the Brisbane City Council for 14 years. Through these positions Ian has made a significant contribution to Queensland.
	Pearl Duncan Pearl Duncan has dedicated her life to help increase Aboriginal participation in education. Pearl's outstanding contribution to education, Indigenous issues and academic research over a period of 55 years is unparalleled. Pearl has made acclaimed contributions to research in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander studies, and has represented her community at the highest government levels.
	Matthew Hayden Celebrated as one of the greatest players of all time, cricketer Matthew Hayden has shown persistence, determination and dedication throughout his career both on and off the field. Matthew has not only made a name for himself as a champion of the sport nationally and internationally, he has also shown remarkable community spirit through his very public fundraising efforts for the National Breast Cancer Foundation and his visitations to children's hospitals.
	Professor Ross Homel AO Professor Ross Homel is Foundation Professor of Criminology and Criminal Justice at Griffith University in Brisbane, Australia, and Director of the University's Strategic Research Program on Social Change and Wellbeing. Professor Homel's research and community leadership has made a significant contribution to Queensland's reputation for research excellence, the development of social policy and justice reform and the lives of families in Queensland's disadvantaged communities.
	Dr Thancoupie, Gloria Fletcher James AO Dr Thancoupie has played a vital role in promoting and enhancing the image of Aboriginal culture through art and education. Her ceramic artworks have been exhibited nationally and abroad, receiving great praise. Dr Thancoupie has established a range of educational facilities and programs for children and continues to be an ambassador for her people.
	Royal Flying Doctor Service For eighty years, the Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia (RFDS) has saved thousands of lives and provided a mantle of safety for those working, travelling or living in outback Queensland. The RFDS was established in Cloncurry, Queensland by the Reverend John Flynn in 1928. The RFDS in Queensland today is more than just an emergency medical service. The Queensland service has over 300 staff and 14 aircraft which provide a broad range of medical services to rural, remote and regional locations. The RFDS maintains a fleet of 49 aircraft and provided services to more than 242,000 patients Australia wide last year.

Other Queensland Greats

2007
Surf Life Saving Queensland
Ashley Cooper AO
Leneen Forde AC
Doug Hall AM
Professor John Hay AC
Sir Leo Hielscher AC

2006
Mater Misericordiae Health Services
Professor Ian Frazer
Dr Jim Kennedy AO CBE
Greg Norman
Margaret Olley AO
Geoffrey Rush

2005
Mr Bill Brown OAM
Dr Tony Gould AM
Dr Aila Keto AO
Mr Terry Jackman AM
Mr Rod Laver MBE

2004
Professor Julie H Campbell
Mr Hugh Cornish AM
Dr Richard Lewandowski
Mr William Robinson
Mr Nick Xynias AO BEM

2003
Professor Peter Doherty AC
Mr David Malouf AO
Mr Reginald Murray Williams AO
Mr Angelo Puglisi
Dr Evelyn Scott AO

2002
Mr Wayne Bennett OAM
Dr Clem Jones AO
Ms Olga Miller
Professor Lawrie Powell AC
Professor David Tudehope AM

2001
Dr Robert Anderson OAM
Dr Joe Baker OBE
Ms Diane Cilento
Sister Angela Mary Doyle AO
Mr Ted Smout OAM