Brookstead district cotton grower Bobbie (Roberta) Brazil has received an Officer in the general division of the Order of Australia (AO), in the Australia Day honours.
Ms Brazil was recognised for distinguished service to tertiary education governance, to agricultural environmental and resource management organisations, and to women in rural and regional areas.
When Queensland country Life spoke with Mr Brazil she said ‘to receive such recognition was a nice feeling’.
“Of course it was a surprise, and I have to say there are some very generous people out there in the community,” Ms Brazil said.
And now quite happily retired and enjoying life on the banks of the Condamine River with husband Lyn, her service includes Chancellor, University of Southern Queensland 2006-14, and Deputy Chancellor from 1995 to 2001.
Ms Brazil has also been heavily involved and chairman of Land and Water Australia, which focuses on sustainable farming enterprises and resource management from 2001 to 2009.
She was chairman of the Australian Landcare Council from 2005 to 2008, director of Heritage Building Society, and director of Condamine Catchment Management Association, and member of 12 various organisations.
Together with Lyn, the couple had made a range of philanthropic contributions to community organisations including the AEIOU Foundation that supports children with autism, Salvation Army, Anglicare Women’s Refuge and the Wesley Hospital Foundation and Medical Research.