CONSTITUENCY STATEMENTS
Ms LANDRY (Capricornia—Chief Nationals Whip) (16:18): I rise today to honour the life of an extraordinary Central Queenslander, Raymond Young OAM, who passed away on 22 August this year. Born on 18 September 1932, Ray's life was marked from an early age by passion, generosity and a deep commitment to serving others. His love for sport, and for gymnastics in particular, began when he was only five, watching travelling Chinese acrobats rehearse in Rockhampton.
Encouraged by teachers and mentors, that early spark grew into a lifelong mission not simply to excel in the sport himself but to share its joy and discipline with generations of young people across Central Queensland. Through these efforts he offered thousands of children a positive alternative to the streets, a challenge to strive towards and a welcoming place to belong.
Over his lifetime more than 65,000 gymnasts across the state passed through his coaching, with thousands going on to become leaders, coaches and judges themselves. Beyond sport, his dedication to the community was boundless. After becoming a justice of the peace in 1984, he dedicated more than four decades to serving his community and strengthening the JP network across Queensland.
His tireless commitment earned him life membership—a reflection of his integrity, leadership and passion for public service. Through his efforts to expand JP education and support services, countless volunteers across the region have been empowered to better serve their communities. His work has ensured that vital JP services remain accessible, trusted and reliable for people right across Central Queensland and beyond.
For almost 40 years he was a proud Rotarian, twice serving as club president and mentoring countless young people through the Rotary exchange program. He received Rotary's highest accolades, including the Paul Harris Fellowship and the Four Avenue of Service Award. He gave generously of his time to the Glenmore State High School Parents and Friends Association, and the Rockhampton Chinese Citizens Association, and in 1982 proudly welcomed the Singapore Army to Rockhampton, receiving the 'golden lion' award in recognition of his efforts.
Ray's extraordinary service was recognised with numerous honours, including a Gymnastics Queensland life membership in 1996, the Rockhampton Citizen of the Year in 1999, the Australian Sports Medal in 2000, and the Medal of the Order of Australia in 2001. Above all of his incredible community work, Ray was a devoted family man. He was a dearly loved husband to Laures, father to Diane, Julie, Trudy and David, and a cherished grandfather and great-grandfather.
Central Queensland has lost a giant of community spirit. His legacy will endure not only in the clubs he founded, the organisations he strengthened and the awards he received but also in the countless lives he touched through his kindness, encouragement and unwavering commitment to service. Ray Young's life reminds us that true greatness is measured not by what we achieve for ourselves but what we give to others.