Whitsunday Regional Council financial services officer Sandra Black has been nominated for this year’s Everyday Heroes Awards for her tireless work supporting the community during Tropical Cyclone Debbie.
Sandra stepped up into the local recovery coordinator role without knowledge or experience, working with the team to ensure Whitsunday Regional Council and the Local Disaster Management Group provided effective support to the community.
Though disaster operations are complete Sandra’s work is ongoing. She continues to drive the recovery effort in the Whitsundays, connecting volunteer and state agencies with people in need to help supply services to the impacted communities of Bowen, Collinsville, Proserpine, Cannonvale, and the Whitsunday Islands.
Colleagues said Sandra was vital to the recovery efforts in the region.
“Sandra punches well above her weight and engages with internal and external stakeholders professionally and with passion for recovery,” her nomination reads.
“Sandra’s dedication inspires me, she is a single mum and had to ask family to take care of her daughter while she was working during TC Debbie.
“We are expecting ordinary people to do extraordinary things – Sandra's efforts should be acknowledged and rewarded.”
The 2017 QBANK Everyday Heroes Awards close on Friday 1 September and are open to all local government employees in Queensland. Winners will be announced on Friday, 20 October and will receive $1,000 plus an additional $1,000 for a charity of their choice.
To nominate and shine a light on the important contribution council staff make to the Queensland community, go to the QBANK Everyday Heroes Awards website.
Read more about Sandra’s story in the Whitsunday Coast Guardian.