YOUNG CITIZEN OF YEAR

For outstanding achievement and leadership in the local community in any field by a young person under 27.

WINNER

Hilary Tapper: Film-maker and actress Hilary Tapper narrated at last year’s Redland Spring Festival, stressing the importance of caring for the Redland environment in this and in the multi-media presentation she produced. In the past two years she has received accolades in five film-maker awards and was a presenter and performer at an international drama and education association world conference in Hong Kong.

OTHER NOMINEES

Taryn Hodgson: A teacher’s aide at Mount Cotton State School, Taryn has travelled to all Australian states as well as New Zealand and Hong Kong to promote the Jump Rope for Heart Program. She’s a talented skipper, competing in regional, state and national competitions and, later this year, will compete in the World Rope Skipping Titles in South Africa.

Rebecca Ringma: In the face of great adversity, following the death of her friend Matthew Stanley, Bec has shown compassion, strength and persistence as she works within the community to educate people about preventing youth violence. Through her involvement in the Matthew Stanley Foundation, she has given generously of her time in attending functions and participating in anti-violence projects.

Alicia Williams: As the media and publicity representative of Y-Talk (the Redlands youth forum for people aged 13-18), Alicia was a key organiser of such events as the Youth Day Out. Following participation in the Youth Speakout Conference, she has led debate locally on many topics, including Travelsmart and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. She was nominated for the Lions International Melvin Jones Award.

COMMUNITY ORGANISATION AWARD

For significant contribution to the wellbeing of Redland Shire with over 10 or more years of continuous service.

WINNER

The Moreton Bay District Scouts: Since 1910, Scouts have joined in many community activities including Clean up Australia Day, Bushcare and Anzac Day, as well as initiating events that also involve other youth organisations.

OTHER NOMINEES

Cottonhoppers, Capalaba: The Cottonhoppers Jump Rope for Heart demonstration team is part of the National Heart Foundation’s Jump Rope for Heart program. Based at Mt Cotton State School, the Cottonhoppers present skipping displays at schools, shopping centres and special events.

The Healthy Slimmers’ Fellowship Support Group: The group has expanded to more than 200 members and helps people get healthier through creating a sense of unified purpose.

The 26ers Club: The Twenty Sixers Club promotes Australia Day fellowship by offering membership to those that are born on this date.

COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD

For outstanding contribution in the field of community service.

JOINT WINNERS

Kay Howick and Patricia Snoddy:

Kay’s great interest in music has resulted in 10 years of voluntary work at the Bayside Community Radio Association. Her work extends over 15 hours a week and includes a large part in administration and as music director and coordinator for the music library. She has also helped assist with organising several rock ‘n’ roll events, such as charity concerts, dance championships and assisting at the Wintersun Gold Coast Festival.

For over a decade, Patricia Snoddy has been Fundraising Coordinator for the Redlands Branch of the Cancer Council of Queensland. Her role has led her to organise many fundraising events and activities including Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea, the Terry Fox Fun Run, Run for a Cure, Relay for Life, Daffodil Day and street stalls and raffles.

OTHER NOMINEES

Joy Allardyce: Joy, who is 78, has lived in the Redlands most of her life, giving the community a great deal of her time and energy. She has been a part of many committees, such as the Celtic Society, RSL Women’s Auxiliary and the 26ers Club of Queensland and has been an administrator for the National Heart Week Walk. Her efforts also include making many rugs each year for various organisations and running raffles.

Margaret Bean: Margaret has been volunteering for 28 years at Birkdale State School.

Glenys Berry: Glenys has been recognised for her tireless efforts for many charities and the community in general.

Rita Wilson: Rita is an important member of the Bottles of Hope, a project run by breast cancer survivors who volunteer their time in making bottles filled with various goods.

Rhonda Bryce: Rhonda is a strong advocate for eliminating litter pollution, not only regularly cleaning up in her neighbourhood, bushes and foreshores of Moreton Bay, but also pushing for stronger laws on people dispensing rubbish.

Alice Corcoran: In 1992, Alice formed the Redlands Autism and Aspergers Support Group, which meets once a month to support others whose children have the same special needs.

Kathy Elms: For 20 years Kathy was the coordinator for the Cleveland Stroke and Carers Support Group.

Kyle Gould: Police Sergeant Gould is highly involved with young people’s interaction with the police force and dealing with the prevention of drug and alcohol abuse through organising camps. For the past six years he has also played a crucial role in setting up the Wynnum District Police Charity Golf Day for Police Legacy which has helped to raise about $100,000 to support families who have lost loved ones in the line of duty.

Jennifer Hawley: Jennifer is an active member of the community who assists in the Anglican Parish of Waterloo and for various groups of all ages. Her time is spent in coordinating the Young Mothers’ group, leading Bible study sessions and helping coordinate the internal weekly church newsletter The Tidings. She also started a newspaper for the community, The Voice.

Dr Craig McCombe: Craig is a young doctor who has received much praise for the extensive level of energy that he puts into his working profession in providing support and care for those who are ill. Craig also has a great desire to help children within the community, dedicating one day out of his week at the Children’s Hospital.

Frank Meads: Frank plays an active role for the senior citizens of the Redlands. He is President of the Redland Bay Senior Citizens Group to which he has dedicated endless amount of work for the past 12 years, orgainsing various activities.

Bob and Dawn Radley: Bob and Dawn have been involved in numerous community organisations and events since their move from Western Australia five years ago. They are part of their local Neighbourhood Watch committee, for which Dawn is secretary and treasurer. She also volunteers as a secretary of the National Seniors at the local Redlands branch, in which Bob is also a committee member. They are members of the Queensland Philatelic Association, with Bob being awarded life membership. Dawn has helped the new Redlands RSL Library by cataloguing books and Bob gives his time up to the Redlands RAAF Association in his role as deputy president. He is also a foundation member of the Cleveland Older Men’s Group.

CULTURAL AWARD:

For noteworthy achievement and/or contribution in the field of the arts.

WINNER

Rosemarie Arthars: Popular soprano Rosemarie has played many opera and musical stage roles over the years, from princesses and witches to beggars and gypsies. A graduate of the Queensland Conservatorium, she is now a veteran in the world of opera and has been highly awarded for her work throughout her career.

OTHER NOMINEES

Kieran Ewald: Kieran, a talented vocalist, recently qualified for a prestigious talent development workshop. This led to him being selected to perform as a featured guest in “Our Creative Generation”, a QPAC variety event celebrating State Education Week. He won a Vocal Championship at the Redland Eisteddfod and is also a member of and performer with Vocal Manoeuvers.

David Jonathan: At just 21, David has realised his lifetime dream of joining the Royal Ballet of Flanders in Belgium after receiving many other offers for appointments. This position will see him travel all over the world sharing his craft with those fortunate enough to see him perform.

Redlands Eisteddfod: For seven years the Redlands Eisteddfod has encouraged the development of our local artists through healthy competition, while showcasing the wide variety of talent in the Shire.

Jaime Wells: Young singer/songwriter Jaime won the Q Song 2007 Awards with an original piece and was one of four finalists in the gospel/ spiritual category. She was also shortlisted in the 2007 Australian National Songwriting Contest. Jaime is a performer in the piano/vocal duo Serendipity.

ENVIRONMENTAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

For outstanding environmental contribution in the Redland Shire…either an individual or a group.

WINNER

Debbie Pointing: Debbie is president of the Koala Action Group (KAG) and participates in many environmental organisations in the Shire. She has contributed her time to the Coolnwynpin School’s environmental group, where she helped arrange and plant a significant area of the school grounds with koala food trees. She has been involved in such activities as the annual phone-in Koala Survey, planting native vegetation, enhancing bush walks and participating with KAG in the Clean Up Australia day.

OTHER NOMINEES

Mary Preston: Mary has had many years of leadership and strong involvement with the Coochiemudlo Bushcare Group whose mission is to protect the foreshores and the flora and fauna of the island. Mary’s association with the group has resulted in many local and state awards. In December 2007, for the eighth year in a row, the Coochiemudlo Bushcare Group won a state Keep Australia Beautiful Clean Beach Endeavour award.

SPORTS AWARD

For noteworthy achievement and/or contribution to sport.

WINNER

Bede Durbidge: International surfing success Bede Durbidge is now ranked number 5 in the world. He has just returned from Hawaii where he walked away with the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing, a first for an Australian in ten years. Another major win for Bede was the Billabong Pipeline Masters, giving him his second Association of Surfing Professionals World Tour win. Point Lookout Boardriders made Bede a life member, acknowledging not only his achievements but his being a great role model for the kids.

OTHER NOMINEES

Cameron Lambourne: Last year 16-year-old Cameron received the Pierre de Coubertine Award, an award that recognises high school students who demonstrate an Olympic Games spirit. He has participated in triathlons with a 1500m swim, 40km bike ride, finishing with a 10km run.

Scott Wintle: Disabled sports star Scott won his first world title in 2007 at the World Disabled Water Ski Championships. He has won numerous medals and broken many Australian records. Scott was in a motorbike accident 11 years ago. His story of recovery and determination is an inspirational one, being a great example of overcoming the odds – a true Aussie battler.

Todd Waite: At the age of 16, karate star Todd has climbed the ladder of belts, in which he has received the highest rank. Now, he is passing on his skills as second in command in his karate classes.

SPECIAL SPORTING RECOGNITION AWARD

The judges decided to award this special extra award to disabled water skier Scott Wintle for his sporting achievements in the face of adversity.

“They wish to recognise his courage and strength in overcoming many of his injuries and he continues to inspire others along the way,” Council CEO Susan Rankin said.