June 6, 2014
One of the South Burnett’s own “everyday heroes” was named as a finalist last night in the inaugural Queensland Police Credit Union “Everyday Heroes” awards program in Brisbane.
Kingaroy SES Group Leader Peter Verbakel was presented with a certificate for being a finalist in the “Everyday Hero Award for Working Together” category in the statewide awards.
Awards were presented in five categories.
QPCU CEO Grant Devine said the awards were designed to recognise people who had made an outstanding contribution in the community or given meritorious service to their association.
“For five decades we have provided dedicated banking to the people who protect and serve Queenslanders, and as we celebrate this special milestone we want to shine a light on the heroes of our community and highlight their vital contributions,” Mr Devine said.
“This is our way of showing how grateful we are to those who have made a difference, achieve their best and serve others through their selfless contribution to the Queensland community.”
Mr Verbakel told southburnett.com.au he was very proud to have been named a finalist in the awards.
* * *
Everyday Hero Award for Dedication
- Finalist – Edward Bennet, Queensland Police Service
- Finalist – Chris Childs, Queensland Ambulance Service
- Award Recipient – Ken Martin, Crime Stoppers Queensland
Everyday Hero Award for Working Together
- Finalist – Amit Singh, Queensland Police Service
- Finalist – Peter Verbakel, State Emergency Service
- Award Recipient – Annette Hartfiel, Queensland Rural Fire Service and State Emergency Service
Everyday Hero Award for Excellence
- Finalist – John Fillingham, Queensland Police Service (retired)
- Finalist – Howard Kemp, Queensland Police Service
- Award Recipient – Steve Wilson, Queensland Police Service
Everyday Hero Award for Ownership
- Finalist – Dimitrios Bellos APM, Queensland Police Service
- Finalist – Alan Lovejoy, Prison Chaplain (retired)
- Award Recipient – Andy Pratt, Queensland Police Service
Everyday Hero Award for Achievement
- Finalist – Charlotte Hood, Queensland Ambulance Service
- Finalist – Sue Pinkney, Education Queensland
- Award Recipient – Chi Kim Wong, Queensland Police Service
Congratulations Pete. You really deserve recognition. You are such a gentle and considerate man you must be a delight to work with.