Hinchinbrook library peoplescape

	Dan Sheahan Dan Sheahan arrived in Australia from Ireland in 1905. He worked for an uncle in Melbourne for a time until "with an eye on green waving woods, broad plains and the blue skies above, I says to myself - she's the goods - she's truly a land I could love!" He worked throughout NSW and when war started he enlisted from Coonabarabran and sailed for France and the Somme. On his return he worked his way north to Qld and finally selected a property on that reach of the Herbert River known as Elphinstone Pocket. Dan cleared it with axe, crowbar and shovel. He planted, tended and cut his cane by hand. He had a gift for writing verse - his most famous being A Pub Without Beer made internationally famous by Slim Dusty's song A Pub With No Beer. Australia's social history is written in his verses.	Nominated by Josie Sheahan

	Doug Ladner Doug has been an active volunteer in the Hinchinbrook area since 1968. His involvement includes the air training corps and local SES. Doug has worked in the timber industry since 1945. His vast knowledge in this area is widely known throughout the N.Qld area and quite often he is called upon for advice and assistance. He joined the Air Training Corps in 1968 and retired in 1992. Doug participated as a leader of number 3 flights and also cadet instructor. After retiring he still played an active role for a number of years, offering advice when asked. From 1976 to present, Doug has been involved with the local SES. He was the initiator of the SES cadets in 1995. He is also local controller which puts him at the forefront when an emergency occurs such as a cyclone or flood, and is always available to man radios, co-ordinate rescues and deliver supplies if required. He is held in high regard by his fellow members.	Nominated by Rose-Maree West

	Dr Gordon Morrissey During his lifetime Dr. Morrissey was selfless. He devoted his attention to service, which was unobtrusive and not the kind which sought recognition or commendation. His influence for the betterment of the community was enormous - and especially so during the district's most troubled times. Dr. Morrissey was well known in the community as a guide, philosopher and friend, particularly to people of non-British extraction. The successful assimilation of these people into the Australian community is attributed in no small degree to his guidance work for the immigrants who arrived in the district. Dr. Morrissey served a very long period as a part-time superintendent of the Ingham District Hospital and had direct and continuing associations with the great majority of local families. He retired as hosptial superintendent in 1962 and continued in his private practice from 1962 until his death on the 9th March, 1970. He also took a great interest in the problems of tropical health from the time of his arrival in Ingham and his work in the field also received recognition in the citation accompanying his award of the OBE. He made the first diagnosis of leptospirosis in Australia in 1933 during an epidemic in the Ingham District.	Nominated by Hinchinbrook Shire Council

[Image to come]	Virginia McGrath Mrs McGrath has spent many years of her life helping many injured animals which are part of my local community. From baby wallabies whose mothers have been killed to birds which have broken a wing, she has been there to help them and give them a second chance at life. She has also taken her knowledge to schools around the area by taking time and teaching the younger students how to care for and recognise many animals which are part of the native wildlife. I believe she deserves recognition for her efforts because she does those kind things out of her heart.	[Image to come] Nominated by Terese Mastrippolito, The Cathedral School Enrichment Class

	Mrs Irene Maskell She has done work shops for Mental Health with the ethnic community in Ingham - re migrant resource centre in Townsville training as a mental health facilitator with young people. (Depression, drugs, schizophrenia). How to drug proof your kids program; facilitator on the James Cook University Advisory Committee dealing with young people; the Youth Steering Committee with young and old (in Ingham). Retired registered teacher, primary, secondary and pre-school (in Ingham). Visits homes and hospital and conducts funerals. Patron of Ingham Arts Festival; representative for the Suicide National Forum in Canberra. She does public speaking on rural suicide at rotary, schools and churches. On 6th April she flew down to attend the National Suicide Prevention Conference at Darling Harbour Convention Centre where she spoke on 'Christian morality - is it relevant today?' Irene has directed and produced 40 productions - musical, annual pantomimes, Shakespeare drama and comedy involving adults and children throughout the district. Organised annual aboriginal/islander cultural events involving Palm Island, Ingham, high schools etc. Irene Emanuel Maskell retired Deputy Principal Ingham State High School. A lifetime of distinguished service to the youth of the district	Nominated by Theodosia Giffard and Josie Vecchio Irene Maskell with her Peoplescape figure

	Fr. David O'Meara Italians were among the peoples of many nationalities who were attracted to the northern sugar cane growing districts. These migrants proved to be hardworking and successful. Thus began a 'chain migration' effect over a period of 30 years. Father O'Meara was concerned that a large majority of Italian Catholics had not received Sacraments or attended to their faith development since leaving Italy. It was through the persistence of Father O'Meara, with Bishop Ryan's agreement that the Canossian Daughters of Charity (an Italian order) came to set up a school in Trebonne. Fr. O'Meara was confident that at least 70-80 children would get a Catholic education as well as a general sphere of influence amongst the 4000 Italians and those of Italian descent. In 1949 O'Meara acquired a house in Trebonne for 1200 pounds and a hall next door for 700 pounds. Finally on January 20 1951 the founding sisters arrived. School commenced on February 5th 1951.	Canossa Catholic Primary School School Leader 2001 Nominated by Belinda Moran, Principal, and Canossa Catholic Primary School community