By Jane Flett, Awards Office, Queensland Regional Achievers Awards Gabriela Corridore of Hervey Bay is one of ten finalists selected in the 2002 Queensland Regional Achievers Awards.
For the past ten years, Gabriela has worked tirelessly for the Wide Bay multicultural community, particularly the Italian community. She has encouraged their participation in Australian society by volunteering her time in providing cultural and linguistic services.
In addition to this goal, she is a member of the Yag’ubi Festivals Association and is working with the committee to organise a cultural carnival to showcase the richness and diversity of the ethnic community in the Wide Bay area.
Gabriela pioneered a general information service for the multicultural community offering meetings, social interactions and home visits. She has voluntarily travelled extensively throughout the region including Maryborough, Bundaberg and surrounding districts to achieve this goal.
Her voluntary efforts have greatly alleviated the situations encountered by many Italian/Australians, especially the elderly. She has helped them with assistance in a wide range of information relating to every service available and when required, has provided a free interpreter and translating service.
Gabriela is president of the Wide Bay Multicultural Community and Tourist Information Centre, vice president of the Wide Bay Women’s Health Centre, vice president of the Ethnic Cultural Development Bureau in Bundaberg and coordinator of the Wide Bay Italian/Australian Welfare.
Her other community involvement includes representing women on various committees, boards and authorities and working with the Ethnic Affairs Bureau Neighbourhood Centre in Maroochydore and the Ethnic Communities Council of Queensland.
Gabriela was awarded the 2001 Queensland Premiers International Year of Volunteers Award and the 2001 Queensland International Year of Volunteers Award for the Wide Bay region. |