Redland City Council is proudly celebrating Chappy Week, which acknowledges and celebrates the wonderful work of Redlands Coast School chaplains and the vital part they play in the lives of students, families and school communities.
Mayor Karen Williams said Council put a high priority on recognising the incredible commitment and sacrifice made by school chaplains, who now worked in most state schools across Redlands Coast.
“The work of chaplains is vital in our schools and they provide important guidance, advice, comfort and support across every school in which they have a presence,” said Cr Williams.
“I’m delighted to announce that as part of council’s recognition of chaplains, nominations are now open for the pre-eminent award for our chaplains, the Pastor Glen Gray Award.
”The award recognises an outstanding chaplain on Redlands Coast who has demonstrated significant social, emotional and spiritual support to students, parents and school staff.
“Pastor Glen Gray, who passed away in 2020, was a passionate Redlands Coast resident who did outstanding community work and who played an integral role in founding some of Redlands Coast’s best loved community events.
“He was much loved and was a generous and selfless man who touched the lives of countless residents through many local causes which included food banks and events such as the Redlands Easter Family Festival.
“I would encourage you to nominate your school chaplain for the award to help recognise the outstanding work that chaplains do each and every day on Redlands Coast. The Award winner will be announced at our Mayoral Prayer Breakfast.”
The Redland City Mayoral Prayer Breakfast, which celebrates its 20th anniversary, will this year be held on Thursday 18 August. The event is widely supported by the Redlands Coast community and has raised more than $150,000 since its inception.
All the money we raise through the breakfasts helps fund the work of chaplains across the Redlands Coast.
Pastor Glen Gray Award 2021 recipient Terry Keen (chaplain at Alexandra Hills State School) and Mayor Karen Williams.
Past winners of the Pastor Glen Gray Award were:
- 2020 – Grant Lea for his work supporting students at Dunwich State School and The Sycamore School.
- 2021 – Terry Keen for his inspirational and selfless work in his role as chaplain at Alexandra Hills State School since 2006
Terry Keen is renowned for his work in helping at-risk children at Alexandra Hills State School overcome their personal battles and re-engage with school, their life, and with their families, through his Lizard Lounge, which has five reptiles as its star attraction.
The Lounge is home to two blue-tongued lizards, two long necked freshwater turtles, and one bearded dragon. Terry’s Lizard Lounge, which he established with the school’s support in 2014, has become a sanctuary for students at Alexandra Hills State School.
“The room is a safe place for children to come and deal with behaviour and anger management issues,” said Terry.
“It has an amazing effect on the students – it’s a calming environment with a connection to lovable creatures and it’s a great way to engage and relax students who might be troubled, at-risk or disengaged.”
Terry, who has also been a pastor since 1974, knew and worked with Pastor Glen in the local Redlands Coast community – so for him to receive the award last year was a complete surprise and great honour.
“It was moving and humbling and I look forward to seeing other chaplains receive this slice of recognition for the work they do in their own communities,” said Terry.
The Pastor Glen Gray Award Nomination Guidelines outlines award criteria, eligibility information and Award Terms and Conditions. To nominate, please complete the online form and ensure you have your supporting materials ready to upload. Nominations close Friday 22 July 2022.
The recipient of the 2022 award will be announced at the 20th annual Redland City Mayoral Prayer Breakfast on Thursday 18 August 2022.
For more information please contact the events team by email events@redland.qld.gov.au or visit the website.