Quiet achievers and unsung heroes of the Scenic Rim have been nominated for Council’s 2022 Australia Day Awards.
Community Event
Turning Canungra Pink: Now in its 10th year, the Turning Canungra Pink community event in October raised over $60,000.
Fundraising to provide financial, emotional and physical support to community members impacted by cancer brings the Canungra community together annually in a celebration of community spirit.
Other nominees: Carols in Jubilee Park; Peak Crossing State School 150th anniversary.
Citizen (16 to 30)
Cameron Mansfield’s involvement with the Canungra Owls began as a six-year-old in the Under 11s team, which won the soccer club’s first-ever grand final. Since taking on the role of Club President in 2020, Cameron has inspired others to step up and volunteer. Leading by example, he has brought older members back to the club and brought new members into the fold.
Award Nominees Bren Dalby and Cameron Mansfield.
Other Nominees: Clea Pratt.
Citizen (31 to 65)
Brend Dalby’s contribution through numerous groups has put her at the heart of the Canungra community and she is known as someone always ready to lend a hand.
She has been President of Moriarty Park Community Sporting Centre for the past 5 years.
She has also been a volunteer for the Canungra Owls Soccer Club, running fundraising events, and supports others by baking for families impacted by trauma or illness.
Bren’s playing of the bagpipes adds a special note to Canungra’s ANZAC Day services and, as a wildlife carer, she is on call 24/7 to help members of the community with wildlife rescues.
Jon Durand is a national and world hanggliding champion who has set multiple world records.
His spirit and passion for his sport has inspired many in the community and he has helped countless people to become better pilots, not only in hanggliding but also in paragliding.
Jonny’s focus is on safety and for all members of the flying community to be respectful of each other.
Other nominees: Suzanne Bauer, Andrew Buchanan, Susie Fenton, Jamie Ferrar, Shaun Kemp, Linda Mahaffy, Graham Stumer, Rhonda Thorpe
Citizen (65+)
Susan Cully has inspired community members to get involved in caring for the environment.
Since taking on the role of President of the Beechmont District Landcare Association in 2018, the organisation has grown from 13 to 40 members.
During this time, she has almost single handedly sourced and administered grants to revegetate Beechmont Pioneer Reserve, Gwingana Reserve, Windabout Reserve and Arkoona Timbarra Reserve.
Susan has been recognised by her efforts at a time when the local community faced the challenges of drought, bushfire and COVID-19.
Barbara Proudman was a member of several dance companies that toured with the New South Wales Regional Arts Council.
She toured Europe with a United Kingdom-based dance troupe before moving to Tamborine Mountain, where she ran the Tamborine Mountain Dance School from 1986 to 2001.
Since 2001, she has been the owner and manager of the Tamborine Times newspaper and is a keen supporter of the arts, festivals and community events.
In 2021, Barbara received a Lions Club Community Volunteer Award.
Ross and Beryl Martin are regarded as highly valued members of their community who go above and beyond to help others.
For many years they have volunteered their services, as proprietors of a public address system business, to ensure the success of community events.
Their contribution to the Rodeo Association, and other local organisations, is appreciated by many in the Scenic Rim community.
Other nominees: Sandra Evans, Janice Heit, Wilson Neuendorf, Maxine Platell, Judith Roland, Ailsa Rolley, Valerie Wiseman.
Awards Ceremony Postponed
Scenic Rim Regional Council’s Australia Day Awards presentation planned for Wednesday 26 January 2022 has been postponed to a date to be determined.
A Council spokesperson said the decision had been made in consideration of the current increase in COVID-19 cases in South-East Queensland.
Scenic Rim Mayor Cr Greg Christensen said while disappointing, the postponement will help keep the Scenic Rim community safe and help prevent the further spread of the virus in the community.
Council will advise the new date when available.
