Rol Oxenham is a true pioneer who has worked tirelessly throughout his life for the betterment of the communities he has served.

Rol Oxenham accepts his honorary award

Rol has made a huge contribution to the development of regional Queensland as an outstanding engineer and manager in both a ‘hands on' and strategic manner.  As an electrical engineer, he was an innovator at the cutting edge of new developments helping to facilitate the introduction of new and improved technologies that enabled the centralisation of electricity generation and widespread transmission of electricity, including to isolated parts of Queensland.  As well as bolstering rural industry and bringing about dramatic lifestyle improvements, this also laid the groundwork for the advent of other important industries that provided the backbone for the prosperity that many parts of regional Queensland, and indeed Australia, now enjoy.

Rol's outstanding management abilities were evident with the direction he gave to the health sector in his roles as a board member, Deputy Chair and Chair of Mercy Health Services.  Under his guidance Mercy Health expanded its services with the acquisition, redevelopment and construction of new hospitals and aged care facilities that served to position the service as the dominant private provider in these areas in regional Queensland.

In the educational sector and in his role as Secretary of the Rockhampton branch of the Institute of Engineers Australia, Rol worked towards the establishment of the Queensland Institute of Technology Capricornia.  As a CREB Engineer and Manager, he supported the QIT Capricornia by providing work opportunities for local students.  He continued this support as the Institute transitioned into CQUniversity.  Rol also contributed to primary and secondary education as a member and Chair of Catholic Primary and Secondary Diocesan Schools Planning and Finance Committees and as a board member of the Rockhampton Grammar School.

Rol has contributed to many of the important services in our communities including the provision of widespread and reliable power, high quality medical care and education at secondary and tertiary levels in Central Queensland and beyond.  He played a significant role in the establishment of CQUniversity Australia and continues to be a strong supporter of the University. 

Rol is a truly worthy and deserving candidate for this award.