Minister for Communities, Disability Services, ATSIP, Multicultural Affairs, Seniors and Youth
The Honourable Lindy Nelson-Carr

Thursday, April 10, 2008

Twelve super seniors chosen to represent peers

A group of 12 community–minded older Queenslanders will play a key role in helping to shape State Government policies and programs relating to seniors.

Communities and Seniors Minister Lindy Nelson-Carr today announced the members of the Queensland Seniors Council, who have been appointed for a one-year term.

“The Queensland Seniors Council will represent the interests of older people by providing an important forum for the exchange of information and views between them and the Queensland Government,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.

"The council members will play an important role in providing advice and information on Queensland Government policies, programs and services to improve the lives of older people.

"I will look to them to advise me on current and emerging issues at state, local and regional levels, and to support and monitor the development and implementation of policies related to older people.”

Ms Nelson-Carr said one person had been appointed from each of the Department of Communities’ 10 regions to ensure the whole state was well-represented.

“An Aboriginal representative and a Torres Strait Islander representative have also been appointed to the ensure interests of older Indigenous people are given proper consideration and we will be appointing a female Indigenous representative in the near future,” she said.

“In particular, I welcome the appointment of Uncle Kevin Bond as chair of the council who will be able to champion the cause of older people and bring to the council concerns that are especially relevant to Indigenous older people.

"I am confident the combined knowledge, skills and experience of the chosen representatives will deliver quality advice on issues affecting older people, and how the government goes about dealing with those issues.

“I would also like to take this opportunity to congratulate the outgoing members of the Queensland Seniors Council for their achievements and input into a range of government programs and policies during their term.”

For more information on how the Department of Communities is building safe, valued and empowered communities, visit www.communities.qld.gov.au


Media Contact: Minister Nelson-Carr’s office 3237 0993

Seniors Council members are:

• Kevin Bond – Chair and Male Aboriginal representative (Inala)
• Jeffrey Timor – Torres Strait Islander representative (Mackay)
• Robert Stemp – Far North Queensland (Kuranda)
• Virginia Hall – North Queensland (Rosslea)
• Lynn Smart – Mackay/Whitsunday (Paget, Mackay)
• Myra Pincott AO – Fitzroy/Central West Queensland -Deputy Chair- (Emu Park)
• Barbara Paterson – Wide-Bay/Burnett (Gunalda)
• Christopher Yeates – Darling Downs/South West Queensland (Crows Nest)
• Vione Jorgensen – Moreton (Barellan Point)
• Robyn Marshall – Sunshine Coast (Kawana Island)
• Richard Swindell – Greater Brisbane (Hawthorne)
• Marianne Gevers – Gold Coast (Southport)

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