Polio crusader awarded Rotary honour

For his tireless campaigning and education about polio, Everton Park’s Hugh Banney has been today (Wednesday, 5 August) named a Rotary Paul Harris Fellow in recognition of his service to the community.

Hugh’s affinity with educating the community about the dangers of the disease is personal – he was diagnosed with polio at the age of 14 in 1945.

Quarantined in a Brisbane hospital isolation ward for many months, the illness did not really feature in Hugh’s life again for many years, until he began experiencing the late effects of polio, and the subsequent condition of Post Polio Syndrome in the late 1980s.

Hugh was part of a founding group that established the Brisbane Post Polio Support Group in 1990. As convenor of the group, which meets monthly to discuss issues ranging from healthcare advice to accessibility issues in the community, Hugh has been integral in supporting other members with Post Polio Syndrome, and raising the profile of the condition in the community.

He has also worked intensively with Rotary clubs throughout south-east Queensland, to educate the public about the importance of vaccinating against polio.

Rotary International dignitary Brian Knowles AM and support group member and Rotarian Jenny Horton presented Hugh with his award in a surprise presentation, which was held as part of Post Polio Awareness Week celebrations.

Hugh said everything he had done during his quest to raise awareness about polio and Post Polio Syndrome, was to make the future easier for others.

“As a 14-year-old, it was shocking and painful to have polio, but I have no regrets in my life.

“Being named as a Paul Harris Fellow is an incredible achievement, and I’m extremely proud to be able to say I am part of that global club.”

Spinal Injuries Association CEO Mark Henley applauded the honour bestowed by Rotary.

“Personally, I have worked closely on many occasions with Hugh. His dedication to not only our organisation’s support group, but his passion for educating the community on polio vaccinations never ceases to amaze me,” Mr Henley said.

“Hugh is a highly-regarded member and volunteer of our Association and a well-deserved recipient of the Paul Harris Fellowship.”

The global Rotary movement was founded in 1905 by Paul Harris, a Chicago lawyer. Following his death in 1947, the Rotary Foundation launched the Paul Harris Fellowship in memory of the founder as an expression of appreciation for those who have contributed to the Foundation’s humanitarian and educational programs.

It is a reputable and prestigious honour for those fortunate enough to receive the award.

For more information on the Association’s Post Polio Support Groups, please visit www.spinal.com.au.

Issued 5 August.