Lorie wins tuckshop accolade
LORIE Robinson has devoted most of her working life to improving the health of Ipswich school children and now she has a trophy to prove it.
The Ipswich Girls' Grammar School tuckshop catering manager is the reigning Queensland P-12 Tuckshop Convenor of the Year but it took a long service leave break from the job for her to secure the award.
Despite 17 years managing tuckshops including 12 years at IGGS, the qualified nutritionist had always shied away from nominating herself for the individual honour instead focusing on the Tuckshop of the Year title.
But when she returned from her well-deserved break she found the staff had nominated her for the individual award.
"I've never put in for Convenor of the Year because for me tuckshops are a team effort," Ms Robinson said. "But while I was away, the lady who took over from me got together with one of the executives and they nominated me behind my back.
"I'm proud to have won the award but it's really a reflection of the work everyone here does."
The Raceview mum has put two daughters through the school, the second of whom will finish year 12 this year, and has seen plenty of changes to the menu during that time.
As a qualified nutritionist and dietician, Ms Robinson said she was proud to have been part of changing the culture of school lunches.
"When we first started we sold lollies, chocolates, and donuts although we never sold soft drinks here," Ms Robinson said.
"There are kids here now who have no knowledge that things like that were ever sold at school.
"That's a whole new generation of kids now that have a healthy outlook from school."
Executive Services manager for the Queensland Association of School Tuckshops Chris Ogden said it was unusual for a tuckshop convenor to have such high credentials.
Ms Odgen said Ms Robinson was a deserved winner and set a standard for others to follow.
"Lorie is extremely dedicated and has a wealth of experience so the award was certainly well deserved," Ms Odgen said.
"There are not as many Lories around as we would like."
THEN AND NOW
Lunch then: Sausage roll in a bread roll with tomato sauce
Lunch now: Chicken, mayo and salad wrap
Snack then: Mixed lolly bag
Snack now: Homebaked muffin or fresh fruit
Drink then: Coca-Cola or chocolate milk
Drink Now: 100% orange juice or plain milk
