COMMUNITY
Commando drops in to keep Ipswich ‘HAPI’ Rotary Club recognises ‘Pride of Work’ Over the years the ‘Commando’ character has become an icon in the world of personal fitness. For Steve ‘The Commando’ Willis, it was a case of ‘drop and give me fifty’ when he dropped into Ipswich as part of the ‘Healthy Active People in Ipswich’ (HAPI) program. Kitted out in his trademark outfit, the star of TV’s ‘The Biggest Loser’ took over 30 participants through a workout which left many, including Councillors Andrew Antoniolli and David Morrison in a sweat by the end. HAPI was created to get more people in the community to get involved in exercise and improve healthy eating habits, and since it began has had a hand in the obesity levels of the city drop. Steve said that he loved doing events like this as it gives him a chance to do what he does best, and that’s make a difference in people’s lives. Ipswich Life asked what he thinks about people who watch The Biggest Loser and say ‘it’s easy for them to lose weight, they are in a ‘fat camp… its different in real life’. “To make a change it has to come from within… you have to take action and do it for yourself. It’s not easy, in any arena. It’s hard work, it’s a slog and its self discipline. It’s just about replacing excuses, making choices and habits that reinforce a positive lifestyle,” Steve said. “Start moving more and eating better, that’s the best advice I can give not just the people of Ipswich but the whole nation. “Eat protein, good fats and nutrients, and just remove the processed foods
from your diet because you WILL lose weight. Once that happens your self-esteem will lift and you will do things you didn’t think you could do.” Steve also agreed to settle an argument in the Ipswich Life office, and that is ‘is it better to train early in the morning, or at night?’ “I don’t believe that training at night or morning is any better than the other, it’s all about consistency. Simply get up and do more than what you’re doing now!” For information about other Ipswich health programs available in Ipswich visit ipswich.qld. gov.au. Right: Mayor Paul Pisasale checks out the ‘Commando’s’ strength during Steve Willis’ visit to Ipswich. Below: Volunteers for a workout with ‘Commando’ feel the pain of hard exercise.
The Rotary Club of Ipswich City’s ‘Pride of Work Award’s attracted a full house of 130 guests at Ipswich Girl’s Grammar School. The PoW awards are founded on Rotary International’s philosophy of “service above self”, and a commitment to Vocational Service in recognising people who go above and beyond for their community. This year, the Club’s theme focused on the valuable role of our education sector, with a keynote speaker address by Queensland’s Minister for Minister for Education, Training and Employment, the Honourable JohnPaul Langbroek. Organiser, Jan Gadsden said “Our POW awards have become a gala event in the region. We were really excited to showcase the vital role of education this year. Our Club presented awards to a cross-section
of dedicated professionals across public and private schools, TAFE and university sectors, the Department of Education, Training and Employment and private RTOS. We recognized 16 remarkable people and teams in our region, for outstanding contributions to their profession. Many of our recipients have made education their life’s work. The support we received from the community was fantastic, with employers and business leaders coming on board to acknowledge the contributions of their people”. All nominees received formal recognition, through a summary of their achievements and award presentations.
Below: Mayor Paul Pisasale and the Honourable John-Paul Langbroek with some of the ‘Pride of Work’ nominees.
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