Please accept my apology  - I was just so surprised when my name was called out (I even forgot to put on my gorgeous jacket!).

Firstly, I would like to acknowledge my fellow Award nominees, Sue Carson and Steve Farnsworth.    

To my mind, both these two people show true community leadership and are an inspiration to others in their ongoing dedication and passion for their particular community group.   

Personally, I felt incredibly humbled to be named along with those two people.

I would like to thank Jennifer Toth of Andy Mihay Events for sponsoring this particular category of Award.  

Just as in any workplace with sound respectful relationships, a good manager acknowledges the staff member doing something ‘right’.  

This Award works the same way in community, and I am an appreciative recipient.

 In my experience, there are many people who contribute their time, effort and money as  volunteers, either individually, or as members of a group, or group of businesses.  

That is the ‘glue’ (social capital) which builds and keeps communities together.  

From 1959, when those inspired businessmen utilised Rotary as a community service to put on an event for the community which united the mining industry with town businesses, families and rural communities, to the $11.7 million circulated through Mount Isa as a result of the 2018 Glencore Mount Isa Diamond Rodeo,  Mount Isa is a great community in which to live because of our dedicated volunteers and community groups.

As a volunteer history researcher for the proposed Isa Rodeo Museum, I started off thinking that I could put my social research skills and love of history to use in my ‘spare time’. 

 However, I gained so much more in terms of friendships, broader networks, cultural and professional development.  

Thank you, Ros Loveday and Danielle Pittis, along with the terrific Isa Rodeo Team of Natalie Flecker, Di Atkins and Sarah Hanson;  Cliff McIntyre, Barry Merrick and Darren Campi (President MIRRI).

Being a member of Rotary has given me the opportunity for personal development and to build new friendships with those of similar values, as well as to be of service to people right around the world. 

 However, my participation is only possible with the active support of my husband Terry Dowling (who spends more time in our Hertz Mount Isa business than I do).

Alison Dowling,

Mount Isa

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On the news that the Inquiry into regional air fares has been delayed again.

Russ Debuss I remember when there was options, milk run to Townsville stopping at the curry, Julia creek or the direct flight to brisbane with Ansett or TAA.The isa was a fuel stop as the planes couldn't do Darwin-Brisbane non stop. But the planes are more fuel efficient and just fly on by.

Glenda Shaw The whole industry needs an inquiry the inconvenience of rescheduling of flights to the delays of flights. People I know who regularly fly say they now fly a day earlier just so they can cover late arrivals .. What kind of world are we living in when things are getting more expensive and the quality of service is that poor you can't rely on anything

Gary Osman It needs Royal Commission but politicians too gutless. State govt can easily solve by premier regulating airlines by order and set adult fares ,$200 each way $100 for children and they still make money. Qantas just made again record profits