By Jane Flett, Awards Office, Queensland Regional Achievers Awards Tina Preston of Ipswich is one of ten finalists selected in the 2002 Queensland Regional Achievers Awards.
Following the stillborn loss of her first child in 1999, Tina discovered the support of the Bonnie Babes Foundation – a counselling service aimed at assisting those who have lost a baby in the prenatal or postnatal period of pregnancy.
Determined to help others cope with their grief, Tina instigated an Ipswich Branch of the Foundation and has been the first to achieve independent recognition within her area. She is passionate in volunteering her time as a counsellor, mentor and confidant to many.
Tina offers a 24-hour phone counselling service, home visits, educational information to mothers and families as well as to medical professionals and other support organisation representatives. She continually provides up-to-date information on pregnancy loss and ways a family unit can heal following such a loss.
Tina conducts monthly support meetings and grief courses in the Ipswich area for grieving families and their friends. She has also organised and set up alongside the team at Melbourne’s Bonnie Babes Foundation, a Queensland Grief Counselling Training Course.
Tina has implemented many successful fundraising ventures and applied for community grants to help fund the not-for-profit Foundation. She is a regular guest speaker at hospitals, health clinics, neighbourhood centres, and university, baby shows and at the opening of National Babies Day each October.
Currently completing a Diploma in Counselling, Tina aims to further her studies with a degree in Social Science. In addition, she finds time for personal development projects with Lifeline, Grief Counselling Courses, Women’s Development Projects and the Drug Arm Street Van program helping youth with drug and alcohol issues. She was also instrumental in organising a Work for the Dole Program in her region. In January 2000, Tina gave birth to a healthy and happy son named Koby. |