REDLAND city paid homage to its top achievers and philanthropists at its annual Australia Day awards on Friday night.
Mayor Karen Williams presented awards in eight categories including Citizen of the Year, which went to Bentham Foundation principal Mick Bentham, who owns a roofing company.
He was chosen for his selfless dedication for more than a decade helping underprivileged Nepalese children and community work across the city.
“Mick epitomises the community spirit of the Redlands, raising money to help set up a hostel in Nepal to house, clothe, feed and educate children,” Cr Williams told the crowd at the Sheldon College ceremony.
“His work in Nepal came from an epiphany he had while visiting the country and seeing what real poverty was.
“He has also done a great deal for the Redland community including providing roofing for local organisations.”
Council received 43 nominations and finalists in each category were named for the first time.
Senior Citizen of the Year was awarded to Peter Neale, a tireless fundraiser and contributor to the community through his role with the National Seniors.
Mr Neale has been a member of National Seniors for 26 years serving on the executive committee for 21 years, 18 as president.
His work includes arranging weekly coach tours to clubs, theatres and shows at Twin Towns and Jupiter’s Casino, plus barbecues and picnics.
At the other end of the age bracket, the Young Citizen of the Year award went to Luke Spalding, who has dedicated his life to raising money for sick children after being diagnosed with cancer.
Cleveland songstress Alexa Curtis received the cultural award after winning The Voice Kids last year and starring in the Redlands Christmas by Starlight.
Other top citizens included Ken Dickson, who won the Local Hero Award for his role as a volunteer policeman with the local District Crime Prevention Coordination Unit of the Queensland Police Service.
He joined in 2008 and has performed more than 5500 hours of volunteer service based at Cleveland Police Station.
Community Organisation Award went to Redland Community Centre Inc for its work delivering emergency relief, parenting programs, family and individual support services, crisis counselling and even financial support with no interest loans.
The Environment and Sustainability Award went to Allan Prestwood, a Russell Island resident for 10 years, who has worked tirelessly as the convenor of the island's Bushcare group.
His work has concentrated on the Whistling Kite wetlands and Cavendish Street Reserve.
Sports Award went to Ian Smits for his role as president of Redland Bay's Southern Bay Cyclones rugby union club.
Citizen of the Year Award
Mick Bentham; Ross Bower; Stephanie Crick; Graham Leishman
Young Citizen of the Year Award
Emma Clinnick; Jordan Duffy; Luke Spalding
Senior Citizen of the Year Award
Joan Brennan; Peter Neale; Audrey Twining
Local Hero Award
Olivia Coop; Ken Dickson; Lachlan Howland; Kerrie Keepa; Sandra Middleton
Community Organisation Award
Redland Community Centre Inc; Redland Organic Growers Inc; Redland SES
Cultural Award
Alexa Curtis; Gillian Rich; Neil and Cilla Wills
Environment and Sustainability Award
Kindilan Outdoor Education Centre; Allan Prestwood
Sports Award
Luke Boon; Emily Edmunds; Daniel Fox; Lillian Jones; Ian Smits
