CLEVELAND Rotary Club treasurer John Simpson was named citizen of the year at the Redlands Coast Australia Day Awards.
A total of 45 nominations were received this year across nine categories, with 22 shortlisted as finalists for the awards dinner held at the Alexandra Hills Hotel on Thursday.
Redlands mayor Karen Williams said choosing winners was a tough job for the judges as all nominees deserved recognition.
"Every nominee is a winner and Redlands Coast is proud of them all for their outstanding contributions to the community," she said.
"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."
Cr Williams said the community groups and people that Mr Simpson had 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 presented to former Sheldon College students Anna Sideris and Dayna Wilson for their work transforming an old shipping container into emergency accommodation for families affected by domestic violence.
Senior citizen of the year went to Janelle Pritchard, who supports women with breast cancer through boat racing group Dragons Abreast Australia.
The local hero award went to Jason Boon, community organisation of the year to Bayside Volunteers in Policing and the cultural award to Capalaba Rotary Club.
Peter Tunstall won the environment and sustainability award, Paige Leonhardt and Redlands Rugby Union Club's under 15 team the sports award and Cooee Indigenous Family and Community Education Centre the reconciliation award.
Layne Utz was also presented a highly commended award for removing rubbish from Redlands streets.
Read more local news here.
