Seniors from every council division were recognised for their inspiring works at a ceremony held at Nandeebie Centre of Care, Alexandra Hills on August 17.
They were John Simpson (division 1), Phil Robinson (division 2), Laurie Vella (division 3), Ian Grey (division 4), Robert Hurren (division 5), Adrienne Verco (division 6), Stephen Homewood (division 7), Ross Rippingdale (division 8), Carol Kennedy (division 9), Helen Murray (division 10) Peter Read, Dan Holzapfel and two more community recipients.
In presenting the awards, deputy mayor Wendy Boglary applauded their efforts.
“Many of these people have been doing community work for 30 years and the fact that they continue to do these things is truly inspirational. I am honoured and in awe of their energy and dedication and passion,” she said.
“These awards are a way of showing how much we value their contribution. I don’t like to think about where we would be without these volunteers.”
The awards were an initiative of Blue Care Bayside Integrated Services.
A Redland pioneer, Dan Holzagpfel spent most of his life farming at Mount Cotton and Capalaba. He is a former councillor (1964-1973) and president of the Cleveland Rotary Club and has served on Redland Ambulance, Birkdale National Seniors and Shoreline Probus Club committees. He has long been a financial contributor to charitable causes including the eradication of polio.
John Simpson is a member of the Cleveland Rotary Club and a Paul Harris fellow. He has been chairman of the Redlands City Relay for Life for the past three years and is president of the Wynnum Redlands Canoe Club.
Phil Robinson was chosen for his work with the Old Schoolhouse Gallery and with the Redlands Museum. He is also a member of the Redland City Council Tourist sub committee and a member of the Cleveland Uniting Men’s shed. He is a former Rotarian and passionate photographer.
“I feel very proud that the work I am doing is appreciated and we are being recognised for it. It’s a good feeling. It’s not necessary, but it’s nice to have it happen,” Mr Robinson said.
Laurie Vella has been president of the Redland Bay Senior Citizens for the past eight years, is a member of the U3A and Donald Simpson Leisure Centre and volunteers at the Victoria Point Meals on Wheels.
Ian Grey is the Cleveland RSL Deputy President, providing support to ex-service people. Robert Hurren is an SES and bay islands conservation volunteer.
“Blue Care is incredible and the few people I have met are awesome. The receipt of this inviation and because someone special has seen fit to dob me in is recognition enough,” Mr Hurren said.
Adrienne Verco has worked in many voluntary positions including Red Cross secretary, at a community playgroup, LNP Women’s Redland branch, Blue Care as a diversional therapist, Save the Children youth worker, administrator for Bay FM.
Since retiring last year, Stephen Homewood has devoted time to the Wildlife Preservation Society of Queenslnad, community bushcare and the Redlands environment, through the Greater Glider group’s Bay Brigade program which he has captained for 10 years.
Carol Kennedy contributes to the community thourh making jams and pickles, donating all proceeds to the Capalaba Sports Club annual cancer fund raiser.
Ross Rippingdale is an active member of the Redlands Church of Christ, Alexandra Hills and has established it’s Bay Brigade group. In 1994, he established the Atkinson Dam camp which is now used for conferences., training and school holidays.
Helen Murray poineered the Ormiston Koala Action group. As a former councillor, she is a remembered for her bush care initiatives including Vic Arthur Park at Fisher Road, Thorneside.
