By Jane Flett, Awards Office, Queensland Regional Achievers Awards Jill Loane of Biloela is one of ten finalists selected in the 2002 Queensland Regional Achievers Awards.
For the past 20 years, Jill has voluntarily helped countless children and families in the region cope with a variety of medical conditions including cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, epilepsy, autism and muscular dystrophy to name a few. She provides support, encouragement, guidance, information, resources and training for parents and guardians.
Jill successfully facilitated the establishment of a Community Resource Centre in the Banana Shire region by securing fundraising and grants totalling $500,000. This project began in October 1999 and is due for completion in December 2002.
The multi-purpose community centre will serve as a gathering place for all families including those with children who have special needs. It will enable access to respite and services such as speech therapy, physiotherapy and assessment specialists.
Jill was instrumental in acquiring funding to purchase equipment for the Developmental Equipment and Rehabilitation Service (DEARS) – a community based toy, equipment, information and resource library for children with special needs. She provides guidance on how to use the toys and equipment and even delivers necessary equipment to the homes of those in need.
As a physiotherapist for Education Queensland, Jill provides support to students from birth onwards through their education. She gives guidance and support to the teachers at schools throughout the shire and has organised Special Needs Play Groups in isolated areas.
Jill has organised fundraising for individuals needing support and special equipment such as bathing chairs, eating utensils, walkers, prams, car seats, furniture and special bikes. She successfully gained funds to heat the local pool and purchase a chair lift into the pool so that people with disabilities and the elderly can easily access the water. She also organised funding for a Special Education Bike Riding Course and coordinates the annual Christmas Party for people with special needs. |