MEDIA RELEASE
101.09
19 November 2009
Dedicated mayor is Queensland’s Local Hero
The Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) tonight congratulated the Ipswich
Mayor, Paul Pisasale, for being honoured as Queensland’s Local Hero in the lead-up to
the 2010 Australian of the Year Awards.
DIAC is once again proud to sponsor Australia’s Local Hero Award and to celebrate the
extraordinary work of ordinary Australians who make their local community a better place.
Next year is the 50th anniversary of the Australian of the Year Awards.
Mayor Pisasale, from Ipswich, received the award for his dedication to improving the
community’s economic, social and environmental qualities.
“Mr Pisasale is an outstanding citizen who inspires us with the passion he has for this
country and its people,” a DIAC spokeswoman said.
“He also established the Ipswich and Moreton Regional Development Corporation, which
has contributed towards the region’s economic growth, and was instrumental in the
formation of the Young Unemployed People of Ipswich group, which helps young people
to develop skills and gain employment.”
Mayor Pisasale is also committed to protecting the region’s environment and created the
Ipswich Nature Centre where visitors can see rare and protected species of native fauna.
“Australia’s Local Hero Award acknowledges dedicated citizens such as Mayor Pisasale
who work tirelessly to make the lives of those around them that little bit better,” the
spokeswoman said.
“Our Local Heroes are extraordinary individuals whose passion and energy strengthen
our communities and encapsulate what it means to be Australian.”
The national Local Hero Award recipient will be announced on 25 January 2010 in
Canberra.
Media Enquiries: DIAC - National Communications 02 6264 2244
Australian of the Year Awards & National Australia Day Council Media Enquiries:
Nicole Browne 02 9954 7677 or 0414 673 762
QUEENSLAND’S LOCAL HERO
Mayor Paul Pisasale
Ipswich
Dedicated Mayor
As Mayor of Ipswich and president of the Urban Local Government Association, Paul
Pisasale has a deep loyalty to his city and Queensland. Mr Pisasale was elected mayor in
2004 and again in 2008 with an 82 per cent majority, demonstrating the community’s
support and respect towards him. Mayor Pisasale is a compassionate man who is always
ready to help not just the wider community but also individuals in need. He has always
served his community in one way or another and was the driving force behind the
formation of the Young Unemployed People of Ipswich, assisting unemployed people in
gaining skills and employment. Mayor Pisasale also established the Ipswich and Moreton
Regional Development Corporation which helps businesses develop and reshape the city.
He has worked tirelessly to protect existing parklands and create a new nature centre
where visitors can see rare and protected species. Under Mayor Pisasale’s leadership,
Ipswich can boast an award for the world’s most liveable mid-sized city and a World
Environment Day Award for excellence in environmental management.
NEWS 
