Ms McElhinney joined other 2010 Premier's Awards for Queensland Seniors winners at the award ceremony held at Parliament House in Brisbane on Wednesday, August 18.

Member for Barron River Steve Wettenhall said the inspirational group of volunteers dedicated their time to helping others and making Queensland a more caring place.

"Carmel has contributed to the community since the 1950's," Mr Wettenhall said.

"During that time, she's held a number of volunteering post across Queensland including with the Lions Club, the Catholic Women's League and Meals on Wheels. 

"Carmel also established the St Vincent de Paul society for the Northern Beaches and currently helps elderly residents settle into a serviced apartment village in Kewarra.

Member for Barron River Steve Wettenhall has advised local residents needing to report non-urgent policing matters to access a new and dedicated service, Policelink on 131 444.

Mr Wettenhall said the new service would allow for a better direction of police resources in the local community.

"The Bligh Government has invested $54 million to establish Policelink to focus on those incidents which are not threatening or immediately occurring," Mr Wettenhall said.

The Barron Gorge hydro power station is Australia's first underground power station and the most northern generation site on Queensland's electricity grid.

"It's an historic hydro power station and it's been delivering clean, green power since the 1960's" Mr Wettenhall said.

"This upgrade looks beyond the horizon by planning for cleaner, greener energy for the future generations in the far north.

The government owned corporation Stanwell is spending $9 million to rewind two generator units at Barron Gorge Hydro to make the station more reliable and efficient.

Queensland's half-a-million seniors will have a reason to celebrate during Seniors Week from August 14-22.  Member for Barron River Steve Wettenhall said 3 organisations in Barron River would share in $3,000 to support activities that dispelled common myths and stereotypes about older people and instead celebrated their positive contributions.