ORMISTON local Betty Taylor has been added to the list of Queensland Greats in recognition of her contributions to preventing violence against women.
Ms Taylor, who has lived in the Redlands for six years, said she was surprised by her inclusion but felt humbled to have received the honour.
A total of nine inspiring community members received awards to celebrate Queensland Day earlier this month, with Ms Taylor inducted as a great alongside the likes of Bruce and Denise Morcombe.
- Also read: Redland women uphold plight of refugees
- Also read: Hundreds rally after killing of Qld family
- Also read: Cop steps aside over family murder remarks
She said her biggest passion outside of her family was working to put an end to violence against women.
She has held a number of positions in the field, including her current role as chief executive of the Red Rose Foundation, and has contributed to education and training in domestic violence responses.
Despite her hard work over the last 30 years, she said plenty still needed to be done to put an end to domestic violence.
"It is really hard because I think it has come out from behind closed doors," Ms Taylor said.
"We have greater reporting and I think there is more awareness now than ever before but at the same time what we are seeing is the level of intensity of the violence is pretty awful.
"I think we have got a fair way still to go to get the message out to those who use violence that it is not okay and you will be held accountable for your behaviour."
Ms Taylor said the Red Rose Foundation had gone from strength to strength since being launched in 2016.
"The amount of community support that we garnish is great for a not-for-profit organisation that doesn't get government funding," she said.
"I think we have done really well thanks to people that keep raising our profile like Mayor Karen Williams.
"I have always felt very honoured to be part of this and work with such amazing people."
Ms Taylor has also chaired the Ministerial Domestic and Family Violence Council and during that time initiated Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Week, which later became Domestic Violence Prevention Month.
Read more local news here.
