Australia Day Achievers 2008
Each year Australia celebrates its outstanding achievers; people who make a real difference through their work and efforts.
Main Roads is custodian of Queensland's largest physical community asset, the state-controlled road network. Roads are the lifeblood of communities, connecting people and places across our vast state.
Main Roads is proud of its staff. Their dedication to their jobs and to the community is exemplary.
Many staff have worked for the department for a number of years, testament to their dedication and willingness to serve Queenslanders. Their work contributes to a road system that connects all Queensland.
Our staff live and work in local communities across Queensland and give their time on a voluntary basis for worthwhile community causes.
Each year, as part of Australia Day celebrations, Main Roads awards its achievers for their contributions to making Australia a great place to live.
This year's nine recipients have made a unique contribution to the department and Queenslanders. They epitomise what it means to be an Australian, by volunteering their time and expertise to the wider community, mentoring others, teaching young people new skills and raising substantial funds for humanitarian initiatives and charities.
2008 Australia Day Achievement Awards were presented to…
Ed Baran, Principal Engineer
Ed has worked for Main Roads for over 40 years. His expert knowledge and research on pavement skid resistance, methods of new pavement testing and evaluation of design concepts and techniques benefit Queenslanders and all Australians. His innovative research has improved systems and enhanced road safety in Queensland and his leadership in educating colleagues on his area of expertise has spanned Australia. He takes tremendous pride in his work, and is considered a mentor amongst employees, a coach to colleagues, and a leader in his field.
Eric Shipley, Volunteer (Main Roads Heritage)
Eric worked for Main Roads all his working life. Following his retirement in 1986, his passion for Main Roads continues. Eric dedicates his retirement years to coordinating the Brisbane-based volunteers for the Main Roads Heritage Unit. In this role, Eric juggles an amazing number of responsibilities in a voluntary capacity to preserve the history of Queensland roads for all Queenslanders. Through his passion for all things road, he brings the history of Queensland’s roads alive in the minds of Queenslanders, young and old alike, in the restoration of heritage machinery and in his story-telling.
Ian Edwards, Principal Advisor to the Director-General and Principal Manager, Corporate Office Support
Ian has given long and loyal service to the Queensland public service for over 40 years. At Main Roads, Ian has made a significant contribution to the changing management structure as Principal Advisor to four successive Directors-General. His knowledge of the department has been an invaluable support to newly appointed Director-Generals and Ministers. Ian epitomises the best attributes of a public servant, is dedicated to serving Queenslanders, and is a respected mentor amongst fellow employees. Outside of work, Ian dedicates his time to numerous community committees and associations.
Jack Donaghey, Manager, Transport Planning
Jack Donaghey joined Main Roads in 1972 as a Main Roads scholarship holder and has since progressed to the role of Manager, Transport Planning. In this role he has achieved many successful outcomes for Queensland communities, including the Coomera Town Centre structure plan, new Gold Coast Hospital and planning work in the rapidly growing Beaudesert Shire community. Jack is a member of his community’s tennis club and a regular participant in Rock and Roll events, including the Coolangatta Wintersun festival. Jack is an inspiration, demonstrating an outstanding ability to mentor employees.
Jo Patterson, Assistant Project and Events Coordinator
Jo has a wealth of experience in public relations, corporate communications, events and displays. Jo works on many significant community events, such as the RNA, Brisbane International Motor Show and the Caravan and Camping Show, ensuring Queenslanders are kept up-to-date with what is happening on the state’s roads. Jo is a tireless worker for humanitarian initiatives and a number of charities. She was recognised in 2007 by the Cancer Council Queensland for her fundraising efforts, raising over $16,000 as part of the annual Challenge for Cancer Campaign.
Melita Goff, Principal Property Advisor
Melita Goff has worked for Main Roads for 30 years. A dedicated and well respected employee, she provides an excellent level of service to clients and colleagues. Melita is committed to making a difference in young Queenslander's lives. She has been a volunteer member of the scout movement for 29 years, holding various roles from Cub Leader to Branch Commissioner, Youth Activities. Testament to her commitment, Melita has received a number of awards for her scouting involvement, the most recent presented by the Governor in September 2007.
Mike Nenes, Principal Advisor (Road Reserve Management)
Mike has dedicated his entire professional life to Main Roads. His colleagues believe his passion, dedication and diligence set his effort and achievements apart. He is the Main Roads' and Queensland Government's representative on key national forums on road reserve management, ensuring Queensland's roads are managed well for the future. He has fostered solid working relationships with Telstra and Energex, organisations which use road reserves to provide services to communities. Mike willingly takes on a mentoring and coaching role for employees in his team and across Main Roads, helping them to understand what road reserve management is all about and to improve their skills and knowledge to benefit Queenslanders.
Peter McCarthy, Works Manager (Asset Services North)
Peter McCarthy has worked within the road and construction industry in various regional communities for more than 39 years. He is passionate about serving Queenslanders and providing constantly improved access and quality of life. Peter recently created and presented a concept called the Relationship Management Learning Session — an excellent initiative focusing on the importance of relationships and effective behavioural approaches to enhance working relationships. On a volunteer basis, Peter is known in his local community for lending a hand. He provided his construction expertise in the building of the Cricket Club House in Maryborough and volunteered to get the recreation Tiaro Shire cricket pitch into working condition.
Ray Hildreth, Supervisor (Traffic Information Services)
Ray has worked in Main Roads for 38 years. His contributions to Queensland roads include better ways of collecting and analysing data to improve road outcomes. He is a valuable contributor to his local community as a member of the Mackay Volunteer Marine Rescue service, a Training Officer and Rescue Boat Crew Member for the past eight years, president of various sailing clubs for seven years and an Australia Yachting Federation sailing instructor. Through his volunteer efforts he has instilled a passion for sailing in many young Queenslanders.
Last updated: 01 June 2009
