CQUniversity Rockhampton hosted a function in early November to recognise the achievements of 77-year-old community worker Shirley Shannon, who recently received the 2008 Premier's Award for Queensland Seniors.

The function attracted plenty of well-wishers, including all 5 of Shirley's proud daughters.

Shirley thanks her well-wishers

The University nominated Shirley for the Premier's Award for her untiring local work over the past 20-plus years. Her life has been dedicated to implementing initiatives to support and improve the lives of others, with extraordinary dedication, determination and kindness.

CQUniversity Community Liaison Coordinator Glenys Kirkwood said that, as an organisation committed to supporting its communities, the University was "pleased to be able to promote recognition of mature-aged people who contribute so selflessly to improving the quality of life in Rockhampton".

"Senior volunteers play an important role in the well-being of our entire community and Shirley is an exemplary representative of this group."

Shirley was widowed in 1987 when her husband passed away from cancer. Since then, the Rockhampton Branch of the Cancer Council, St Luke's Anglican Church, the Rockhampton Show Society and the Rockhampton Gentle Arts Society have been the major beneficiaries of Shirley's seemingly inexhaustible supply of selflessness.

Deputy VC Professor Angela Delves with Shirley at the function

"Many thousands of dollars have been raised through her initiatives.  There are also many other organisations and individuals who have been assisted by Shirley in so many ways," Ms Kirkwood said.

As part of her letter of support for the award application, Helen Williams, the Central Queensland Regional Fundraising Coordinator for Cancer Council Queensland said:

 "It's hard to put a dollar amount on the work Shirley has done .... So much of it has been in the support of cancer patients and the support of other volunteers.  This is a priceless contribution as it means others feel supported, recognised, welcomed and encouraged to do all they can.  Shirley is the type of volunteer who grows and enhances the volunteer group we have, and the quality of the work they do."

Shirley with her proud daughters 
Professor Delves addresses the function 
Shirley Shannon with daughter Sue deWard, who accompanied her to the award presentation at Parliament House