Epilepsy Queensland 2011 Awards – And the winners are...

Congratulations and thank you to all Nominees who have been recognised for the outstanding support they provide to people with epilepsy in their various fields and ways. Award winners were announced at our ceremony in conjunction with the TEA Party launch and our AGM. They include:

Health Award – Professor Reutens

Clinical neurologist, Professor David Reutens has been recognised for his significant contribution to the medical care of people with epilepsy.

Professor Reutens received the 2011 Health Award for his professionalism, compassion and care of patients with epilepsy. Professor Reutens is a senior staff specialist at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital. He is well known for ‘going the extra mile’ for many of his patients. He also plays an important role in research and is the Director, Centre for Advanced Imaging and Foundation Professor of Experimental Neurology at the University of Queensland, St Lucia.

Education Award – Queensland Education Nurses

Education Queensland nurses have won the 2011 Education Award in recognition of their valuable and broad support for students with epilepsy.

Education Queensland Nurses develop and provide management plans for individual students, both for seizure first aid and emergency medication administration. They also provide advocacy, and often liaise with other health.

Youth Award - Kiera and Liam Bryne

Brother and sister, Liam and Kiera Byrne are the joint winners of the 2011 Youth Award recognising the role model they present to other young people.
Liam and Kiera have actively raised awareness about epilepsy, as well as much needed funds for Epilepsy Queensland (EQI). Liam recently nominated EQI as the beneficiary of a ‘Tradies Lunch’ that he organised as part of his TAFE event management course, while Kiera was involved in both the 2010 and 2011 ‘Purple Day’ fundraising initiative.

The inspiration for this involvement is Liam and Kiera’s younger brother, Sean, who has epilepsy.
Carers Award – Michelle King

Michelle King has won the 2011 Carers Award in recognition of her support for step-daughter Daelle.
Michelle is Daelle’s primary carer, looking after all her day-to-day needs, dealing with school and medical challenges, and providing the emotional support Daelle requires to lead a fulfilling life in spite of her worsening health problems in recent years.

Role Model Award – Aaron Taylor

Aaron Taylor has been recognised for setting an outstanding example to other young people with epilepsy. Aaron is the winner of this year’s Role Model Award.

Aaron knows first-hand the challenges of living with epilepsy, yet he gives his time generously to assist others to meet similar challenges. Aaron’s positive attitude allows him to enjoy a range of sporting interests including surfing, cycling and triathlons – and he is currently pursuing his career goals to become a paramedic.

Pam Wellings Award – Gus Smith and Trent Long

Guy Smith and Trent Long are two friends who decided to volunteer their time to help others. They were named joint winners of the 2011 Pam Wellings Memorial Award, to recognise the outstanding support they provide to people with epilepsy.

Guy and Trent give their time every week, working in Epilepsy Queensland’s office on general administrative duties or assisting at events that aim to raise awareness about epilepsy. Both are reliable and cheerful; and their willing efforts are greatly appreciated.

Flame Award – St. Vincent’s Brisbane Hospital

St Vincent’s Brisbane Hospital has been awarded the Flame Award 2011 for its contribution to improving the lives of people with epilepsy.

Thanks to the commitment of Cheryle Royle (General Manager of St Vincent’s Brisbane), Dr John Corbett and Professor Harry McConnell, the hospital now offers a neuroscience service. The unit comprises an EEG monitoring unit (used to test the electrical activity of a brain) and the Epilepsy Inpatient, Outpatient and Day Patient services. The initiative represents a major advance in the treatment and care of Queenslanders with epilepsy.