The recipients were announced at the Queensland Australian of the Year Awards presentation yesterday evening in Brisbane.

The Queensland recipients will now join those from all other states and territories as finalists for the national awards, which will be announced on 25 January 2010 in Canberra.

Ron, who is currently president of Surf Life Saving Australia (SLSA) and a director of the International Life Saving Federation (ILS), paid tribute to the three other finalists in his category, singer/songwriter Kev Carmody, charity worker Ann Joan George and indigenous advocate Albert Holt.

“Although we come from diverse backgrounds and are involved in different areas of voluntary community service, we are all committed to helping make this country great,’ he said after the ceremony.

“I am humbled and honoured to accept this award, not on my own part, but on behalf of the millions of Australians who have contributed to the surf lifesaving movement over many years.

“Surf lifesavers play a huge part in providing enjoyable experiences on our beaches and are therefore an integral part of Queensland’s economic and social infrastructure.

“I am committed to using today’s award as a platform to ensure the sustainability of the surf lifesaving movement, not just in Queensland, but around the country.

“We continue to look to governments, the corporate sector and the public for additional support to fund our many lifesaving programs,” he concluded.

Tam Johnston, Program Director for the National Australia Day Council, said all the Queensland award recipients will travel to Canberra for the national awards and to take part in the 50th Anniversary of the Australian of the Year Awards program.

“All the State and Territory award recipients will attend a special celebration event on 24 January before the announcement on 25 January,” said Ms Johnston.

“It will be a very special occasion and we look forward to sharing it with these great Queenslanders.”

Ralph Norris, CEO Commonwealth Bank, offered his congratulations to the award recipients. The Commonwealth Bank has been the major sponsor of the Australian of the Year Awards for more than thirty years.

“On behalf of the Commonwealth Bank, I would like to congratulate all the recipients of the Queensland awards. Their hard work and achievements are an inspiration to the community,” said Mr Norris.

For more information on the Australian of the Year Awards visit www.australianoftheyear.org.au.

Ends.

Ron Rankin AM - Surf lifesaving leader – brief biography

Ron Rankin has been a volunteer member of Surf Life Saving Australia for over 46 years, on the Board of Directors for 25 years, and President since 2001. He makes a significant contribution to drowning prevention and lifesaving development in the international arena and is Director of the International Lifesaving Federation (ILS) and Vice President of the ILS Asia–Pacific region. Ron’s dedication and commitment to an Australian tradition has saved many thousands of lives.