Jemma Manwaring voted as most influential person in Gladstone

After a close vote, Jemma Manwaring has been announced as the most influential figure in the Gladstone region. Here’s what she had to say. VIDEO

Save Gladstone Maternity Ward advocate, Jemma Manwaring at a protest held outside local MP, Glenn Butcher's office. Picture: Nilsson Jones

Jemma Manwaring on being voted as Gladstone's most influential figure of 2023.
In a tight vote, results from the poll for Gladstone’s most influential person have revealed maternity advocate Jemma Manwaring as the community’s most influential figure, finishing only one vote ahead of entrepreneur and philanthropist Bob McCosker.

Most well-known for her advocacy for the reinstatement of the Gladstone maternity ward, Ms Manwaring said she had not acted out of a desire for acknowledgment.

“It’s amazing to see that advocacy is valued,” Ms Manwaring said.

Motivated by her own incredibly positive experiences with the maternity ward at Gladstone Hospital, Ms Manwaring was prompted to advocate when Gladstone’s ward was put on bypass, so other families could share that experience.

“The campaign and the advocacy that I undertook was never about me, it was about families and mothers in the community needing this service.”

Save Gladstone Maternity Ward advocate Jemma Manwaring at a protest held outside local MP, Glenn Butcher's office. Picture: Nilsson Jones

The former educator’s job is not over, as she turns her attention to the maternity ward at Biloela.

“The advocacy continues. We’re continuing to fight for Biloela’s services, and if mums can get behind that cause and support that cause, as well... we know what it’s like to not have that service.

“This also serves as a reminder that we now have a maternity ward that is capable of handling emergencies here in Gladstone.”

Gladstone businessman and environmentalist champion Bob McCosker finished in a close second, with his list of accolades stemming from his contracting business, the McCosker Gladstone Speedway, and his work at Quoin Island Turtle Rehabilitation Centre.

Ms Manwaring was nominated to the top spot, with 20 percent of total votes, and Mr McCosker finished at 19 percent.

Amanda the loggerhead turtle, held by Bob McCosker, was released mid-April after months of care at Quoin Island Turtle Rehabilitation Centre. Photo: Contributed

Taking out third and fourth place were Mick Daly, with 11 percent, and Dr Gaston Boulanger, with nine percent.

Congratulations to the full list of 30 of Gladstone’s most influential people:

Dr Gaston Boulanger

Jemma Manwaring

Bob McCosker

Natalya Diehm

Murray Chapman

Brett Muggeridge

Tash Kocks

Mick Daly

Dr Ali Young

Olivia Lester

Bianca Duong

Wezley Pitt

Ping Carlyon

Archie Tennant

Matthew Cooke

Aaron Schultz

Peter Hawkins

Natalia Muszkat

Jack Smith

Cat Rotondo

Michael Comley

Lyndal Hansen

David Nunn

Craig Watson

Nicole Allison

Mark Brookes

Leanne Patrick

Bill Webb

Jason Hoad

Mellissa Holzeimer