Proserpine born Andrew Fraser puts his political achievements down to the quality education he received at Proserpine High School.
Mr Fraser, who at just 35-years-old was last week sworn in as deputy premier to Anna Bligh, said very few people could name five academy award winners, while many would remember this number of their most inspirational teachers.
“The education I received in Proserpine has enabled me to go on and pursue my ambitions – giving me the opportunity to represent the people of Queensland,” he said.
Mr Fraser, who remembers “reading the Guardian when it came out on a Thursday and was only 25cents”, said he has always considered the sense of community in Proserpine to be one of the original motivators behind his career.
“To work as a community, not as an individual, underpins why I stood for parliament in the first place,” he said.
Whitsunday MP Jan Jarratt, who describes Andrew as “one of the brightest and most talented people in Queensland’s political landscape,” says the appointment is a proud moment for the region.
“Andrew has always been a great supporter of the Whitsundays, and given his intimate knowledge of this area and its needs, he has also been a great ally for me in Parliament.
“It’s fantastic to see a small town boy who attended a state school attain this enormous honour and I hope Andrew’s success will inspire local students to believe that anything is possible,” Ms Jarratt said.
Meanwhile on a family level, Andrew’s parents Peter and Jeanne said they are very proud of their son, attributing his success to “sheer hard work”.
“With Andrew anything could happen. He’s a determined sort of a bloke and if he puts his mind to something he’ll achieve it,” Peter Fraser said.
Mr Fraser (Senior) said Andrew had never lost sight of his Proserpine roots.
“When he comes home to the family at Midge Point he’s just a normal bloke who likes a cold stubby on a hot day.”
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