Primary Industries and Fisheries Minister Henry Palaszczuk today announced Mr Charlie Earp OAM, as winner of the Father of the Year Award 2004.

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Primary Industries & Fisheries, Henry Palaszczuk
prim...@cabinet.qld.gov.au
--====----====----====----====----====----====--

03/09/04

"Charlie's involvement with Junior Golf goes back a long way, and he has encouraged and coached thousands of youngsters in the game over the years," Mr Palaszczuk said.

"This year's Father of the Year is commended by world famous golfer, Greg Norman."

A letter from Mr Norman was read out after the announcement. An extract from the letter states that Charlie "instilled values about life, people, ethics and morality.... Although he is regarded as one of the world's foremost golf coaches and his name is synonymous with many outstanding professionals, Charlie never lost his empathy with beginners or aver ageplayersstrugglingtoimprove.

"Of all that Charlie has accomplished, it is the love, wisdom and compassion he showed [his children] that is undeniably his greatest achievement."

Mr Earp was presented with the Award at the Queensland Father of the Year lunch, coordinated by the Queensland Fathers' Day Council.

Also announced was Queensland's Grandfather of the Year, Mr Bob Dunlop.

"Mr Dunlop's furniture creations can be seen around the world and in many Government buildings. A rocking chair he fashioned was acquired by the Queensland Art Gallery," Mr Palaszczuk said.

Media contact:
Kirby Anderson 3239 3004 or 0418 197 350