Barcoo shire mayor, Bruce Scott, has devoted 23 years to improving life for people in Queensland’s central west, and that has now been recognised with the awarding of a Medal (OAM) in the General Division of the Order of Australia in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List.
Awarded “for service to local government and his community”, Bruce said the honour had come as a “bit of a shock”.
Serving on the council from 1994 to 2012 and then again from 2016 to the current day, as well as a short stint on the Central West Hospital and Health Service board and at the helm of Desert Channels Queensland, Bruce said he hadn’t joined anything for recognition but because there were people to help everywhere.
“I want to ensure there is equity to a point, particularly around the areas of health and education,” he said. “The 16 years of work in bringing better communications to our towns helped make that happen.”
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk acknowledged the instrumental position Bruce played in driving high-speed internet to the region.
“It’s great to see this community champion recognised,” she said.
Bruce described the work as very fulfilling.
“Modern governments are focused on cost benefits but we’ve got to keep them focused on need,” he said. “Good government is focused on providing opportunities for people.
Some 108 Queenslanders were recognised in the Queen’s Birthday 2017 Honours List on Monday.
Ms Palaszczuk said it was an opportunity to recognise and congratulate outstanding Australians who have made a real difference in their communities.
“These 108 great Queensland men and women are from all walks of life, but they all share the same outstanding quality – they have all worked tirelessly in their respective fields to enrich our community,” the Premier said.
“From extraordinary commitment to their profession, or dedication to community service, we are proud of them for always striving to make Queensland and Australia a better place to live and for giving back to our communities.”
A full list of the Queen’s Birthday 2017 Honours List is available here.
Sally Gall
Based at Blackall, CW Qld, where I've raised a family, run Merino sheep and beef cattle, and helped develop a region - its history, tourism, education and communications. Get in touch at 0427 575 955 if you've got a story idea for me.
Based at Blackall, CW Qld, where I've raised a family, run Merino sheep and beef cattle, and helped develop a region - its history, tourism, education and communications. Get in touch at 0427 575 955 if you've got a story idea for me.
