Category Archives: Awards

Local heroes honoured at Redlands Coast Australia Day Awards

January 22, 2021

A community leader who has been influential within her North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah) community for more than 40 years was named Citizen of the Year at the Redlands Coast Australia Day Awards 2021.

Mayor Karen Williams said Aunty Lyn Shipway was a passionate advocate for her community.

“Aunty Lyn is CEO of North Stradbroke Island Aboriginal and Island Housing Co-operative and was active in establishing Minjerribah Day Respite Centre, Myora Caravan Park and Nareeba Moopi Pa Aged Care,” Cr Williams said.

“She is also chair of both Yulu-Burri-Ba Aboriginal Corporation for Community Health and the Institute of Urban Indigenous Health and was formerly on the board of Minjerribah Moorgumpin Elders in Council.

“She is always humble and approachable and really does epitomise the Redlands Coast community spirit.

“It was a great pleasure to honour her with this year’s Citizen of the Year award.”

Aunty Lyn Shipway – Redlands Coast Citizen of the Year

Young Citizen of the Year was awarded to Jenali Collier for her work with young people through her YouTube channel “Miss Collier explains”, leading the Livewire Kids Club at Mount Cotton, and as a youth leader with C4 Youth Fellowship.

Senior Citizen of the Year is Graham Hinson who is a Legacy volunteer, a Military Welfare Advocate for the RSL and Community Link Coordinator for Redlands RSL.

Cr Williams said selecting winners across the nine categories of the awards was always a tough challenge as all nominees were deserving of recognition.

“Every nominee is a winner and it has been a privilege and an honour to meet and acknowledge these dedicated and passionate people who give so generously to help make Redlands Coast such a great place to live.

“I thank all nominees and winners and assure them that what they do matters and Redlands Coast is proud of them all for their outstanding contributions to our community.”

The full list of Redlands Coast Australia Day Awards winners are:

Citizen of the Year Award – Lynette Shipway (Aunty Lyn)
Young Citizen of the Year Award (30 years and under) – Jenali Collier
Senior Citizen of the Year Award (60 years and over) – Graham Hinson
Local Hero Award – Rebecca Young
Local Hero Award – COVID-19 Response – Steve Zyka
Community Organisation Award – Special Olympics Redlands
Cultural Award – Maxwell (Max) Bissett
Environment and Sustainability Award (joint winners) – Kieron Douglass and Layne Utz
Sports Award – Lara Walker
Reconciliation Award – Adam Williams

Nominations close soon for Redlands Coast Australia Day Awards

November 3, 2020

If you know someone doing extraordinary things on Redlands Coast, Council wants to hear from you.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said nominations were sought for the annual Australia Day Awards, which recognise the initiative, contribution and hard work of Redlands Coast residents and community groups.

“There may be a work colleague, family member or friend doing something naturally wonderful and who you feel deserves recognition,” she said.

“It could be someone who gives their time and heart to others, who pushes themselves to achieve at elite levels or who shows great innovation in their social, environmental and cultural projects.

“2020 has been a unique and challenging year for many in our community and these awards are an opportunity to acknowledge and recognise people who inspire us by example, bring us together and set us apart.”

Residents are urged to get in quick, however, as nominations for the 2021 awards close at 4pm on Friday 27 November 2020.

Online nominations are open for these award categories:

Citizen of the Year
Young Citizen of the Year (30 years and under)
Senior Citizen of the Year (60 years and over)
Local Hero
Community Organisation
Cultural
Environment and Sustainability
Sports
Reconciliation

To make a nomination, visit Council’s Redlands Coast Australia Day Awards web page.

The awards presentation for finalists will be held in January 2021.

Nominations open for Redlands Coast Australia Day awards

October 9, 2020

It’s time to recognise inspirational Redlands Coast residents who generously give their time to make our region the best it can be.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said nominations were now open for the 2021 Australia Day Awards, which recognise the outstanding contributions made by people of all ages to our city.

“Every year we are amazed at the efforts of those who make the lives of others in our community better,” she said.

“This year has provided many challenges but Redlands Coast residents have demonstrated their resilience.

“They have shown that even a global pandemic can bring out the best in people, many of whom have stepped up to help and support neighbours and others in the community.

“These awards aim to recognise these local heroes and all they have done to make Redlands Coast an even better place to live.

“Whether they’re a tireless community advocate or long-serving volunteer, their dedication and sense of civic pride deserves to be recognised.

“I encourage anyone who knows someone who is deserving of recognition through an Australia Day award to nominate them so we can celebrate and recognise their contribution.”

Online nominations are open for these award categories:

Citizen of the Year Award
Young Citizen of the Year Award (30 years and under)
Senior Citizen of the Year Award (60 years and over)
Local Hero Award
Community Organisation Award
Cultural Award
Environment and Sustainability Award
Sports Award
Reconciliation Award

To make a nomination, visit Redland.qld.gov.au/awards.

Nominations close at 4pm on Friday 27 November 2020 and the Redlands Coast Australia Day Awards presentation for finalists will be held in January 2021.

Redland Art Award Cancellation Advice

May 6, 2020

As a result of the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, Redland City Council and Redland Art Gallery (RAG) have made the difficult decision to cancel the upcoming Redland Art Awards 2020.

Redlands City Mayor Karen Williams said although the biennial award exhibition was scheduled for later in the year, organisers felt it was important to make a decision now.

“Circumstances beyond our control mean there is continuing uncertainty around the gallery reopening date and the capacity of artists to enter and freight their works,” Cr Williams said.

“The Redland Art Awards are a highlight of the gallery’s exhibition calendar so it’s very disappointing to have to cancel them this year.

“But we can still look forward to the 2022 awards.

“The health and wellbeing of our artists, the general public and team of RAG staff and volunteers is our highest priority”.

First held in 1981, Redland Art Awards was established by the Redland Yurara Art Society, which is among Queensland’s oldest art associations. The highly coveted national competition attracts entries from emerging and established artists nationwide.

Redland Art Gallery Director Emma Bain thanked Redland Art Awards 2020 sponsors for their generosity and support, including Redland Yurara Art Society, Stark Creations and Redland City Council.

“Our thanks also goes out to everyone who has supported past awards,” Ms Bain said.

“We look forward to working with partners and artists for Redland Art Awards 2022.”

Artists who have already submitted an entry for Redland Art Awards 2020 competition will receive a full refund on their entry fees paid.

For more information about RAG exhibitions or programs during the temporary closure visit http://artgallery.redland.qld.gov.au.

Local heroes acknowledged at Redlands Coast Australia Day Awards

January 24, 2020

A community leader who has been working to help local residents for more than 20 years was named Citizen of the Year at the Redlands Coast Australia Day Awards 2020.

John Simpson’s passion to help improve the lives of others started when he joined the Rotary Club of Cleveland in 1997.

Mayor Karen Williams said the people and community groups John has helped were too numerous to mention.

“Some of them include the Circle of Men fellowship group, Wynnum-Redlands Canoe Club, Men’s Shed, local schools, international visitors, Redlands Relay for Life and many others,” she said.

“He really does epitomise the Redlands Coast community spirit and it was a great pleasure to present him with the honour of being our Citizen of the Year.”

Young Citizen of the Year was awarded jointly to Anna Sideris and Dayna Wilson, who together transformed a shipping container into emergency accommodation for families affected by domestic violence.

A special Highly Commended Award went to Layne Utz in the same category for his dedication to the environment and regularly removing rubbish from Redlands Coast streets.

Senior Citizen of the Year is Janelle Pritchard, who works tirelessly to support women with breast cancer through the dragon boat racing group Dragons Abreast Australia.

Cr Williams said choosing winners across the awards’ nine categories was a tough challenge for the judges as all nominees deserved recognition.

“I would like to acknowledge our judges, Dr Robert Anderson OAM, Dr Lyn Bishop OAM and Col Sutcliffe OAM, and thank them for their careful consideration of the nominees,” she said.

“Every nominee is a winner and Redlands Coast is proud of them all for their outstanding contributions to the community.

“It has been a privilege to meet and acknowledge so many dedicated and passionate people who give so much of themselves to help others.

“I want to thank all nominees and winners and assure them that what they do matters and contributes to making Redlands Coast such a great place to live.”

The full list of Redlands Coast Australia Day Awards winners are:

• Citizen of the Year Award – John Simpson
• Young Citizen of the Year Award (30 years and under) – Anna Sideris and Dayna Wilson
• Senior Citizen of the Year Award (60 years and over) – Janelle Pritchard
• Local Hero Award – Jason Boon
• Community Organisation Award – Bayside Volunteers in Policing
• Cultural Award – Rotary Club of Capalaba (Bayside Blues Festival)
• Environment and Sustainability Award – Peter Tunstall
• Sports Award – Paige Leonhardt (Individual Award) – Redlands Rugby Union U15 Touring Team (Team Award)
• Reconciliation Award – Cooee Indigenous Family and Community Education Centre

Nominate a Redlands Coast Inspiring Senior today

May 21, 2019

Do you know an inspiring senior who has made a significant contribution to our community over the years? Why not nominate someone deserving for a Redlands Coast Inspiring Seniors Award?

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said nominations for Blue Care’s Redlands Coast Inspiring Seniors Awards were open and it was a perfect opportunity to acknowledge the dedication of some of our senior citizens in the lead up to Queensland Seniors Week.

“Council is once again proud to support this annual Blue Care initiative, now in its eleventh year of operation,” she said.

“Just like the rest of Queensland, Redlands Coast has an ageing population and that comes with a lot of positives.

“Many of our seniors are opting to stay in the workforce for longer than previous generations and others choose to share their wisdom and experience giving back to the community in other ways.

“Countless unpaid hours of volunteer work are racked up by Redlands Coast seniors every year, often filling the gaps by providing services relied on by many people.”

Blue Care’s Inspiring Seniors Coordinator Breanne Tukavkin said the awards were a way of recognising those who gave selflessly, all year round.

“We time our Inspiring Seniors Awards so that nominations are open to the public in the lead up to Seniors Week,” Ms Tukavkin said.

“The announcement of successful recipients will be made during Seniors Week celebrations, at a special morning tea with Mayor Williams and Redland City Councillors.

“Of course there are so many worthy recipients out there, which is why I am urging members of the public to nominate someone they know by 28 June 2019.

“We hate our heroes to go unsung!”

To nominate someone for a 2019 Blue Care Redlands Coast Inspiring Seniors Award, fill out the online nomination form or email B.tukavkin@bluecare.org.au for a nomination form.

Terms and conditions, including selection criteria and the judging process are included on the nomination form. Nominations close at 5pm, Friday 28 June 2019. For more information, phone Breeanne Tukavkin on 0411 738 159.

Redlands Coast experiences named among state’s best

April 18, 2019

An extraordinary 16 Redlands Coast enterprises have been listed on Tourism and Events Queensland’s 2019 Best of Queensland Experiences.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the result was exceptional and underscored the benefits of Council’s tourism strategy and the growing value of the city’s new brand: Redlands Coast – naturally wonderful.

“Being named among the Best of Queensland Experiences is quite a feather in the caps of those businesses which make it on to the list, and to have 16 of them in Redlands Coast is a great achievement,” Cr Williams said.

“These businesses have shown they can deliver exceptional customer experiences up there with the best in the state, which will help attract more visitors to Redlands Coast, boost our economy and ultimately create more local jobs.

“We now have a clear identity which local residents and businesses helped to create and it is paying dividends in a number of ways – more potential visitors now know what we stand for and the naturally wonderful things we have to offer, while businesses are embracing it with enthusiasm to promote themselves and our city.

“To now have such great representation on Tourism and Events Queensland’s Best of Queensland Experiences list, which recognises the high-quality experiences that best bring the Queensland story to life, is icing on the cake.

“With so many little local treasures now getting the exposure they deserve – from the great spots to visit to top-class eco, adventure and culinary experiences – we hope Redlands Coast’s representations on the list will continue to develop.”

Inclusion on the annual Best of Queensland Experiences is based on independent criteria that incorporates online customer reviews, responses to consumer expectations and reflects industry best practice.

The Redlands Coast businesses named are:
• Allure Resort, North Stradbroke Island
• Alexandra Hills Hotel Suites and Conference Centre
• Aria Cruises
• Bacchus Brewing Co
• Cleveland Motor Inn
• Colour My Pot
• Mt Cotton Retreat
• Redland Performing Arts Centre
• Redland Museum
• Redlands IndigiScapes Centre
• Redlands Kayak Tours
• Samarinda Jewel by the Sea, North Stradbroke Island
• Sanctuary by Sirromet
• The Lighthouse Restaurant
• Stradbroke Ferries
• Straddie Adventures

All operators in the program receive a personalised bench-marking report, allowing them to celebrate their successes and continually deliver exceptional experiences.

Citizenship ceremony celebrates cultural diversity

March 19, 2019

Redlands Coast was enriched by 77 new Australians during last night’s citizenship ceremony at the Redland Performing Arts Centre.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the city’s newest Australian citizens, originating from 14 different countries, have enhanced the rich heritage of Redlands Coast.

“Census figures show that almost half of our residents identify with another culture,” Cr Williams said.

“Our increasingly diverse community has become one of our greatest assets and it is the differences and contributions of our new Australian citizens that help make Redlands Coast the great place it is.

“Many people are attracted to Redlands Coast because of its breathtaking natural scenery and bayside location, but what makes the Coast an exceptional place to live is our community.

“We have bountiful opportunities here for our community to learn in exceptional educational facilities, work close to home and raise our children in a safe environment.

“These opportunities make Redlands Coast the best place to live, work and play, along with our city of unique villages, islands, and about 335kms of coastline providing naturally wonderful experiences for residents and visitors.”

Last night’s Master of Ceremonies was Division 3 Councillor Paul Golle, with Division 8 Councillor Tracey Huges assisting in the presentation of certificates to the new citizens, whose origins included China, Denmark, England, Fiji, Germany, India, Iraq, Nepal, New Zealand, Northern Ireland, South Africa, Sri Lanka, and the United Kingdom.

Photos of last night’s citizenship ceremony:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/redlandcity/sets/72157707656876964

Redlands Coast honours local heroes

January 23, 2019

Redlands Coast residents who have dedicated their time and talents to helping their community were celebrated at the 2019 Redlands Coast Australia Day Awards at the Alexandra Hills Hotel Function Centre on 22 January.

Mayor Karen Williams said the annual awards were a fitting way to thank those community members who continually go “above and beyond” to make Redlands Coast a better place to live, work and play.

“The selflessness, dedication and achievements shown by these community members reflects the community spirit of Redlands Coast,’’ Cr Williams said.

“We are blessed to have so many community members who demonstrate such generosity of spirit and a desire to help others, as well as those who are great role models and excelling in their chosen pursuits.

“These awards are an opportunity for us, as a community, to acknowledge their efforts and give them a collective pat on the back for what they do.

“Our Citizen of the Year, Maryann Talia Pau, is a truly amazing person who has worked tirelessly to bring awareness to the destructive effects of violence.

Mayor Karen Williams with Citizen of the Year Maryann Talia Pau.

“Maryann started the One Million Stars to End Violence Campaign, which encouraged people to help weave one million stars to pledge an end to violence in our society.

“Partnering with the Queensland Government from 2016, Maryann worked to create an installation of these stars in the Museum of Brisbane in the lead up to the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games in 2018, with many other installations showcased across the State.

“Rita Morris, our Senior Citizen of the Year, was the driving force behind the establishment of Myhorizon Inc.

“Since this organisation began in 1981, Myhorizon has expanded to what is now one of Queensland’s leading not-for-profit disability services organisations, empowering more than 2000 people to reach their potential each year.

Mayor Karen Williams with Senior Citizen of the Year Rita Morris.

“Madina Mohmood is a worthy winner of our Young Citizen of the Year Award, supporting and promoting cultural diversity within the community.”

Cr Williams said Lamb Island Fire Brigade first officer Noel Walker was a deserving recipient of the Local Hero Award.

“Noel expanded the brigade’s volunteer base from none to 30 and was instrumental in seeing the brigade taken into the folds of the Queensland Ambulance Service and able to provide support to paramedics travelling to the island.

“Our Community Organisation Award went to Running Wild – Youth Conservation Culture Inc., which works to provide opportunity and island-based community programs and traineeships to local, disadvantaged people”

Mayor Karen Williams with Reconciliation Award winner Joshua Walker.

Cr Williams said Quandamooka man Joshua Walker was a highly deserving recipient of the Reconciliation Award.

“Joshua willingly shares his cultural knowledge through talks, song and dance,” she said.

“He also contributes to restoring Jandai – the language of Quandamooka Country – through these and other cultural pursuits.

“This year, two winners received the Environment and Sustainability Award.

“Redlands After-hours Wildlife Ambulance provides a vital, 24/7 response to calls about sick, injured or orphaned wildlife across Redlands Coast, while Amy Glade advocates tirelessly for the welfare of the local community and the protection of the local environment.

“Local production company and educational institution ROCKIT Productions is integral to fostering young, aspiring performers on Redlands Coast and is a fitting recipient of the Cultural Award.

“Adam Pryde and Cleveland Air Magic – Gold Fire Team were both Sports Award recipients.

“Adam is a sporting powerhouse who also mentors young sports talent on Redlands Coast, while Cleveland Air Magic team consistently puts Redlands Coast on the international rope skipping map, having achieved world championship status multiple times.”

Cr Williams said Council received 37 nominations across the nine categories.

“These nominations show the amazing community spirit that flows across Redlands Coast,” she said.

“I congratulate everyone who was nominated as well as those who took the time to nominate their fellow community members.”

The winners at a glance:

Citizen of the Year: Maryann Talia Pau
Young Citizen of the Year: Madina Mohmood
Senior Citizen of the Year: Rita Morris
Local Hero Award: Noel Walker
Community Organisation Award: Running Wild – Youth Conservation Culture Inc.
Cultural Award: ROCKIT Productions
Reconciliation Award: Joshua Walker
Environment and Sustainability Award: Amy Glade and Redlands After-hours Wildlife Ambulance
Sports Award: Adam Pryde and Cleveland Air Magic – Gold Fire Team

Mayor Karen Williams celebrates with recipients of Redlands Coast Australia Day awards.

Redlands Coast Australia Day Awards nominations open

October 26, 2018

If you know someone working to make great things happen on Redlands Coast, Redland City Council wants to hear from you.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said nominations were now open for the annual Australia Day Awards, recognising the everyday and extraordinary contributions of remarkable people and community groups on Redlands Coast.

“So much of what makes Redlands Coast special is its people – those who give their time and heart to others, those who push themselves to achieve at elite levels and those who show great innovation in their social, environmental and cultural projects,” Cr Williams said.

“They are the people who inspire us by example, bring us together and set us apart.

“We are calling on the eyes and ears of community nominators to help us seek out the many humble individuals who quietly go about their great works without any expectation of reward.

“If you know of a person, group or community organisation that has made an outstanding contribution to our City this year, I strongly encourage you to nominate them for a Redlands Coast Australia Day Award.

“Together we can ensure our Australia Day Awards are an opportunity for these community members to be recognised and acknowledged- by those who take the time to nominate them and by the wider Redlands Coast community.”

Online nominations are now open for these award categories:

Citizen of the Year Award
Young Citizen of the Year Award (30 years and under)
Senior Citizen of the Year Award (60 years and over)
Local Hero Award
Community Organisation Award
Cultural Award
Environment and Sustainability Award
Sports Award
Reconciliation Award

To check eligibility or make a nomination, visit the Your Say Redlands Coast website.

Nominations close 4pm, Friday 30 November 2018. The Redlands Coast Australia Day Awards presentation for finalists will be held in January 2019.

For more information please contact Council’s events team at events@redland.qld.gov.au.

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