Steve Wettenhall, Member for Barron River and Parliamentary Secretary for Tourism, presented Les, and 16of the 18 nominees, certificates and a book titled "Tracks of Triumph" - a tribute to the pioneers who built the Kuranda Scenic Railway, in front of 100 family members, friends and work colleagues at the 3rd Annual Barron River 2009 Queensland Day Awards.

Mr Wettenhall said the morning tea awards, held at the Holloway's Beach Environmental Centre on Sunday, May 31 recognised outstanding volunteers in the community.

"Since I commenced these awards in 2007, I have been amazed by the tireless efforts community minded people put in day after day, year after year."

"The aim of these awards is to raise awareness about the benefits of volunteering and provide an opportunity to recognise the individual contribution of people at a local level."

Award winners thanked their supporters for assisting them in doing what they do best, and encouraged the crowd to become involved with volunteer work.

"Yesterday was a fine way to kick-off Queensland Week on June 6-13, by saying thank you to the people who make the community a better place," Mr Wettenhall said.

Queensland Day, on June 6, commemorates 150 years to the day that Queen Victoria signed Letters Patent separating Queensland from the colony of New South Wales. Queensland Week, derived from the celebration of Queensland Day provides opportunities to celebrate our State's people, places and achievements.

Large Cairns community Q150 Celebrations coming up include the Q150 Shed June 12-14 and the Q150 Steam Train June 25 and 26. See www.q150.qld.gov.au for more.

Recipients:
• Jax Bergersen of Kuranda, conservationist as founder of Envirocare and secretary to Kuranda Conservation Nursery.
• Nicki Davis of Machans Beach, volunteer, Machans Beach Primary School for 10 years.
• Sue Fineman of Palm Cove, volunteer group leader of Buchans Point SES and cadet leader.
• Jackie Wilson of Brinsmead, taught Highland and Irish dancing for 35 years, will adjudicate at a Scotland competition in August.
• Les Medlik of Whitfield, current Cairns Bands kit drummer and marched in more than 50 ANZAC day band parades.
• Angela Murphy of Freshwater, driving force behind Freshwater Heritage Trail which opens on June 20.
• Vern Gabriel of Whitfield, Member of Cairns Flotilla of the Australian Coast Guard Assoc for over 20 years, and Meals on Wheels volunteer.
• Colyn May of Yorkeys Knob, Marlin Coast Meals on Wheels cook for 14 years.
• Rob Campbell of Earlville, Lee and Barb Crawford of Brinsmead all involved in Treeforce Association planting trees every fortnight and held various committee positions.
• Jan Coulter of Kuranda, treasurer of Speewah Rural Fire Brigade.assists with tennis club , bookings for local productions, hydroponic garden teacher
• John Della of Machans Beach, recruits and maintains 20 SES volunteers in Machans Beach, received two meritorious awards.
• Margrieta Schusselbauer of Edge Hill, longest serving volunteer at the Cairns Regional Gallery for 8 years.
• Patti Burnheim of Kuranda, created "Cycas Circus" positive kids circus workshops .
• Ricky Fazldeen of Trinity Beach, co-ordinator of Family Day Care Smithfield, lead team in Relay for Life for 7 years who raised $10,000 walking the Kokoda Track last year.
• Stella Della Bosca of Westcourt, North QLD Amateur Gem Cutters and Jewellers Association member ranked 19th in the World competition.
• Beryl Coulson of Lake Placid, CBH volunteer makes keepsake memory blankets for parents who have lost a baby.