"I
first met Lea Shaw towards the end of the 1970s, while working as Education Director
for the Family Planning Association of Queensland, a post I held from1974 until
1989. Until that time, sexuality education was not considered to be necessary
so was not sanctioned in state schools, yet many different kinds of problems existed
throughout society. This was a time when premarital sexual intercourse was becoming
the norm and when the 'baby boomer' generation were reaching maturity. Prevention
of unwanted pregnancy, especially in teenagers, was being seen as an urgent problem.
After
making our programs accessible we became overwhelmed with requests for help from
parents, teachers, youth leaders and others who were employed caring for sick
or for disabled people. Parents expressed a need for professional help so that
they would be able to raise their children responsibly and be better able to talk
to them about sexuality and prepare them for life. Others needed accurate information
about sexual relationships, contraceptives and sexually transmitted infections.
We were aware of the size of our state and the needs of country
people, and started to look for a suitable person to be an outreach worker in
a local community. This job would entail working from home and pioneering sexuality
education and Family Planning counselling in that area. While running a course
for professionals in Toowoomba we met Lea Shaw, who lived nearby with her husband
and three young children, and whom we identified as perfect for the job.
From
the beginning Lea displayed integrity, reliability, good communication skills
and sensitivity coupled with a sense of humour - all essentials when broaching
and discussing sensitive subjects. She worked in kindergartens and pre-schools
as well as with school groups, young parents groups, women's groups and youth.
She is a talented educator and was a great asset to the education staff at Family
Planning Queensland. In the ensuing years Lea has specialised in public health,
working in the South Pacific and Asia as well as Queensland. She remains a member
of the Board of Management of Family Planning Queensland."
