You are Uneek

Extraordinary women of Queensland

Do you know an extraordinary Queensland woman?  Give her the recognition she deserves by sharing her story online at www.women.qld.gov.au 

Maria Tanos is just one of several women featured on the tribute gallery for her achievements and contribution to the Greek Australian community of south-eastern Brisbane.

You could describe Maria’s contribution as ’simply delicious’. She has spent many years preparing culinary delights for fundraising events including those for people in need.

As well as being known for her cooking skills, Maria has served in honorary positions in various philanthropic organisations.

Her longest standing voluntary contribution has been to the Greek Ladies Philoptochos Society of St George, which she joined as a founding member in 1959. Maria has been an executive committee member for the past 14 years, a role which involves cooking for the organisation’s various fundraising lunches.

Maria also wears the hat of executive committee member of the Greek Welfare Trust of the Community of St George, the organisation that raises funds for the Greek Orthodox Community Welfare Centre. Maria helps prepare morning tea for parishioners, cooking meals and sweets for the annual Christmas dinner and assisting with aged care respite activities.

Maria has also volunteered for the Cypriot Community of Queensland, including two years as vice president of the Hellenic RSL Women’s Committee at St Nicholas Hostel for the Aged, and at World Expo ‘88.

In response to the recent floods, Maria assisted the community by preparing sandwiches for the many victims and volunteers assisting in the recovery.

Maria is a hard-working, warm and caring person, who is always willing to help out, and is admired by all she comes into contact with.

Margaret Baison is just one of several women featured on the tribute gallery for her extraordinary efforts in fostering cultural understanding throughout her many years volunteering in the Townsville area.

Originally from Papua New Guinea, Margaret established the Townsville Papua Nuigini Logohou Association in 1980 to provide support for visitors and immigrants from PNG..

Margaret played an instrumental role in forging Townsville’s sister-city relationship with Port Moresby in 1983 and in making Papua New Guinean cultural events, such as Independence Day celebrations, important dates on Townsville’s community calendar.

Margaret was a Townsville Migrant Resource Centre committee member for 11 years and is still involved with the centre as a member of the International Women’s Group. Through this group she has helped women who have migrated from different parts of the world to settle more easily into the Townsville community.

Margaret accommodates people who have to travel for treatment at Townsville Hospital. She also works to promote Papua New Guinean culture through dance performances and art and craft displays at the annual Townville Cultural Festival. Margaret’s Hiri Dancers perform along with her granddaughter’s group, the Pacific Tamure Dances, at many community celebrations.

By volunteering her time and boundless energy, Margaret has been successful in passing on traditional knowledge to the younger generation of the local Papua New Guinean population, as well as the wider Townsville community.

Visit the Everyday women, extraordinary lives tribute gallery now at www.women.qld.gov.au, where you’ll find full details of the eligibility criteria and how to nominate.

Posted in Feature