Since the launch of Q2 in September thousands of Queenslanders have shared their ideas about how to make tomorrow's Queensland all that it is today - only better.

The inspiring ideas submitted through the Q2 forums show the commitment that individuals, workplaces, businesses and communities have to building a strong, smart, healthy, green and fair Queensland.

I'm delighted to report that my Government has already acted on several of the ideas and I've listed some of these achievements below.  I look forward to giving you further progress reports on these and other initiatives as we head Toward Q2. 

Wishing you all a safe and happy holiday season and a prosperous New Year.

One of my Government's ambitions is to make Queenslanders Australia's healthiest people.  The future prosperity and wellbeing of our state relies on our people and that means we need healthy communities and a healthy workforce.

One of the ways we are encouraging people to be healthier is through the Healthy Queensland Awards, a statewide competition in partnership with Keep Australia Beautiful, to find Queensland's healthiest community, school and workplace. 

Download the guidelines or register your interest by visiting the Healthy Queensland Awards website.  Entries close on 27 March 2009.

One of our 2020 ambitions is to increase by 50 percent the proportion of Queenslanders involved in volunteer activities.  One of the Q2 forum ideas submitted about volunteering was the 'Golden Gurus' senior citizens mentoring program devised by Ernie Peralta.  We are now working to make this idea a reality.

Another concept, the 'Community Business Volunteer Register' proposed by Bendigo Bank encourages businesses to give up a few hours each week to offer their services for free in the local community or to donate their expertise where it is needed.

Businesses can register their details on the Volunteering Queensland website.  Regional staff from the Department of Local Government, Sport and Recreation will act as a point of contact between businesses and communities.  The Queensland Government will provide $30 000 to support these initiatives.

Young people encouraged to give volunteering a go

The statewide 'Experience Volunteering' campaign is aimed at encouraging more young people to experience the benefits of volunteering. Already, about one-third of young Queenslanders aged 18 to 24 are making a difference as volunteers.  However it would be wonderful to have more young people offer their skills, energy and ideas to benefit their communities. This is a great time to get involved with many organisations looking for help over the holiday period.  For more information visit the Get Involved website or to find local volunteering opportunities contact Volunteering Queensland on (07) 3002 7600.