Scrap metal turns to gold
Guido Rizzalli and President of Ingham Parents Support Group San di Bartolo, left, amongst some of the batteries that has raised more than $300 000 for services for people with a disability.
Premier Anna Bligh and Minister for Communities, Seniors and Disability Services Lindy Nelson-Carr present Guido Rizzalli with his award.Guido Rizzalli admits he has the people of Ingham 'well trained'. The recent winner of a Premier's Award for Queensland Seniors collects scrap metal and old batteries, and has raised more than $300 000 to fund facilities for people with a disability in the north Queensland town.
"I have people pretty well trained," Guido says. "If an old car breaks down and the battery's had it, then people ring me up and donate it. In fact, even a mine out west sends me old batteries for me to sell on.''
Guido's service to the community began in 1976 when he and his wife, Coral, joined other parents of children with a disability to form the Ingham Parents Support Group. Guido and his son John, along with support from the Herbert River Rotary Group, started collecting money to provide better facilities in the area.
Guido says the 'battery money' has help to fund in-home respite care, supported accommodation options, a duplex for two residents and a mini-bus able to transport three wheelchairs. A purpose-built respite cottage is used by people as far away
as Mt Isa and Proserpine.
But the hard work doesn't end here, Guido says.
"This year I should make about $50 000 and last year more than $30 000, so every tin can helps."
Guido and his son John used to spend many weekends scouring country roads for scrap metal. "John was my inspiration," he says. "From when he was two or three years old, I used to pack him up in the truck and off we'd go.''
Wife Coral says the whole town has got behind the fundraising effort. "Even the ambulance guys in their smoko room put their cans aside and every now and then ring up and say 'we've got more for you Guido'," Coral says.
She says when their son was born in 1971 there were no services available. "We (in the parents group) were determined Ingham would have some sort of services … and as the years have gone on, we've just got stronger and stronger.''
Disability Services Minister Lindy Nelson-Carr says Guido's leadership and commitment are legendary in the north and despite losing John in 2001, he continues his valuable work for people with a disability and their families across the north.
Ms Nelson-Carr says the Premier's Award recipients - while only a fraction of Queensland's many wonderful senior volunteers - have shared their exceptional skills and wisdom with their communities. "The Premier's Awards for Queensland Seniors continues to attract a large number of nominations, with more than 220 received in this round," she says. "All the nominees have made a significant contribution to Queensland and are positive role models for Queenslanders young and old."
Last updated February 2009