Leo
06-08-2003, 11:08 AM
ACHIEVERS . . . Queenslander of the Year Alan Mackay-Sim and Young Queenslander of the Year Alice Chang at Parliament House yesterday. Picture: Glenn Barnes
Smart State takes pride in two bright lights
Cath Hart
09jun03
BRAINS triumphed over brawn in the Smart State yesterday when a scientist and a medical student were named Queenslander of the Year and Young Queenslander of the Year respectively.
Professor Alan Mackay-Sim, 52, was named Queenslander of the Year for his research into the formation of sensory nerves from nasal tissue. The technique may eventually be used to repair damaged spinal cords to help paralysed people walk again.
Townsville medical student Alice Chang, 22, was named Young Queenslander of the Year for her efforts to highlight issues confronting young people.
The awards were presented at a ceremony at Parliament House by Premier Peter Beattie, Queensland Governor Major-General Peter Arnison and John Story, chairman of sponsor Suncorp.
Professor Mackay-Sim said he was a "one in 3.7 million" chance of being chosen for the award.
"It's absolutely wonderful and quite surprising to find myself standing here as Queenslander of the Year, as someone who has spent his working life delving around in the deep, dark recesses of the nose. It's not something that I ever dreamed of," he said.
Ms Chang, the daughter of a Taiwanese migrant, has held positions on the National Youth Roundtable, Queensland Heritage Council and Townsville Youth Council.
Health and youth issues were her areas of interest, she said.
Ms Chang said she hoped the award would allow her to "empower young people to be brave about the things they wanted to pursue".
"Although there's still a lot of barriers (to) young people in the community trying to set up their own projects, I think hopefully I'll be an example to let them know to just stick to their dreams," she said.
Mr Beattie said the presentation of the state's highest honour to a scientist showed Queenslanders' talents extended beyond sports.
"We are great sports but . . . we are more than that, and we've got to look at a richer, deeper society," Mr Beattie said.
"That's why recognising our scientists, our cultural leaders - that completes the picture."
Smart State takes pride in two bright lights
Cath Hart
09jun03
BRAINS triumphed over brawn in the Smart State yesterday when a scientist and a medical student were named Queenslander of the Year and Young Queenslander of the Year respectively.
Professor Alan Mackay-Sim, 52, was named Queenslander of the Year for his research into the formation of sensory nerves from nasal tissue. The technique may eventually be used to repair damaged spinal cords to help paralysed people walk again.
Townsville medical student Alice Chang, 22, was named Young Queenslander of the Year for her efforts to highlight issues confronting young people.
The awards were presented at a ceremony at Parliament House by Premier Peter Beattie, Queensland Governor Major-General Peter Arnison and John Story, chairman of sponsor Suncorp.
Professor Mackay-Sim said he was a "one in 3.7 million" chance of being chosen for the award.
"It's absolutely wonderful and quite surprising to find myself standing here as Queenslander of the Year, as someone who has spent his working life delving around in the deep, dark recesses of the nose. It's not something that I ever dreamed of," he said.
Ms Chang, the daughter of a Taiwanese migrant, has held positions on the National Youth Roundtable, Queensland Heritage Council and Townsville Youth Council.
Health and youth issues were her areas of interest, she said.
Ms Chang said she hoped the award would allow her to "empower young people to be brave about the things they wanted to pursue".
"Although there's still a lot of barriers (to) young people in the community trying to set up their own projects, I think hopefully I'll be an example to let them know to just stick to their dreams," she said.
Mr Beattie said the presentation of the state's highest honour to a scientist showed Queenslanders' talents extended beyond sports.
"We are great sports but . . . we are more than that, and we've got to look at a richer, deeper society," Mr Beattie said.
"That's why recognising our scientists, our cultural leaders - that completes the picture."