Volunteers win state award

BUNDABERG'S Annie Roe and Cliff Appo are among just 15 people statewide to have been recognised for their volunteer contribution to the community.

The two were presented with their Premier's Awards for Queensland Seniors at a special ceremony at Parliament House, which recognised volunteers aged over 60.

Mr Appo, 77, is an Aboriginal elder, a founding member of the Bundaberg Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Housing and Advancement Society (BATSIHAS) and a committee member for the Wandiny Home and Community Care program.

Since 1982, Ms Roe, 60, has devoted herself to community groups, including becoming the president of BATSIHAS.

A former president of Wandiny Home and Community Care and the Bundaberg Aboriginal Corporation for Women , “Aunty Annie” also volunteers for NAIDOC Week and the Cystic Fibrosis Queensland Bundaberg Thrift Shop.

Both seniors also regularly give speeches at local schools.