Qld: Police officer named Queenslander of the Year
09 Jun 2009 6:52 PM
BRISBANE, June 9 AAP - Police officer Jim Bellos has been named Queenslander of the Year as the state marks its 150th year of independence.
Premier Anna Bligh presented the award to Sgt Bellos on Tuesday night for his work as a cross cultural liaison officer in the state's south.
Previous winners have been more high profile, including 2008 winner Graeme Wood, co-founder of Australia's leading accommodation website Wotif.com, and 2007 winner, renowned psychologist Professor Matthew Sanders.
Ms Bligh said there could only be one winner but she was impressed with the calibre of nominees.
"In a region with an increasing number of new residents, speaking over 150 different languages and practising over 130 different faiths, Sgt Bellos has built trust, understanding and harmony between the communities and the police," Ms Bligh said.
"This has been achieved through the establishment of community consultative groups, multi-faith dinners, information sessions and, most notably, the award-winning youth sporting program 'For the Love of the Game', which encourages interaction and improved understanding for more than 6,000 youths from diverse backgrounds."
She said there has been a noted decrease in youth crime since the program began.
The Suncorp Young Queenslander of the Year award was presented to Chiu-Hing Chan for being a spokesperson for Chinese youth.
Domestic and family violence social research expert Heather Nancarrow received the Community Spirit Award.
The awards, presented as part of Queensland Week celebrations, recognise and celebrate Queenslanders who have made a significant contribution to local communities in the arts, business, community, environment, sport, science, charity and education.
