Moreton Bay Regional Council announces Australia Day award winners
A rising BMX superstar, disability advocate, dedicated volunteer and environmentalist are just some of the people awarded top honours ahead of Australia Day.
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A rising BMX superstar, disability advocate, dedicated volunteer and environmentalist are just some of the people awarded top honours in the Moreton Bay Regional Council’s Australia Day awards.
Citizen of year
Elisha Wright’s impact on the everyday lives of people living in the Moreton Bay Region cannot be understated.
The disability advocate’s work in helping the council develop its first Disability Access and Inclusion Plan has been recognised with the 2019 Citizen of The Year award.
Ms Wright, from Murrumba Downs, was quick to acknowledge others who worked on the plan and was proud their work had been recognised.
“When I was told why I’d won this award, it meant a lot — that what I did just wasn’t for me, that it changed the whole community,” she said.
“It was not only about changing the physical environment, it was about changing attitudes.”
Ms Wright said she had already noticed improvements since the plan was rolled out.
“You might see a whole street getting a footpath done that is user-friendly for everyone, not just people with a disability,” she said.
“Or you might see an event get posted that already has details about disability access so you don’t have to make further inquiries.
“It’s those little behaviours that make people with a disability feel more included.”
Council Lifestyle and Amenity spokeswoman Cr Denise Sims said Ms Wright was a powerful and effective advocate for inclusivity.
Sports award
Special Olympian tennis player Mitchell James, who is ranked No. 2 in Australia, has earned the Moreton Bay Regional Council 2019 Australia Day Sports Award.
The Burpengary East resident will represent Australia at the 2019 Special Olympics World Games in March this year.
Moreton Bay Regional Council Mayor Allan Sutherland said Mitchell was an outstanding sportsman and a role model to the region’s youth.
“Mitchell was a recent recipient of our Next Gen Athlete Grant and the Australia Day Award for Sports is an extension of that recognition for his achievements,” Cr Sutherland said.
Councillor for Division 2, Peter Flannery, said Mitchell’s sporting achievements helped inspire other young athletes in the region.
“Mitchell has worked hard for his rankings and his success sets an inspirational example for the next generation of tennis stars,” Cr Flannery said.
Volunteer award
It would be almost impossible to count the number of lives Des Dewar has improved during his 35 years volunteering with Deception Bay Meals on Wheels.
The Margate man is known for going above and beyond the call of duty, often changing light bulbs, checking up on clients and posting letters.
Mr Dewar’s efforts earned him the 2019 Volunteer of the Year award.
Environmental Award
John Oxley Reserve has flourished under the tender loving care of local conservationists Richard and Carole Green.
The Whiteside couple (pictured) will today be awarded the Moreton Bay Regional Council 2019 Australia Day Award for Environment.
They have dedicated the past 30 or so years to restoring habitat and advocating for the interests of native species.
Mr Green has also been a valued member of the Pine Koala Care Association since the 1990s, providing rescue, education and advocacy services.
He also lends a hand to wildlife carers, supplying leaves for koalas in their care.
Mrs Green co-ordinates volunteer activities at John Oxley Reserve.
Thousands of native plants are now thriving in the reserve thanks to her stewardship.
She has created a legacy that locals and visitors to the area will continue to enjoy for decades to come.
Arts and Culture
Historian and volunteer Carmel Bond has been awarded the Moreton Bay Regional Council 2019 Australia Day Award for Arts and Culture for her tireless efforts to preserve the history of Dayboro.
Mrs Bond is the founding and current president of the Dayboro District Historical Society, which has been collecting, collating and preserving the history of the town since 2004.
She is also a steadfast volunteer at community events and initiatives such as the Dayboro Show Society.
“I think it’s good that more people realise that we are doing something about the history,” she said.
Mayor Allan Sutherland said Mrs Bond was an integral part of the fabric of the Dayboro community and congratulated her on the Australia Day Award win.
Cr Darren Grimwade (Div 11) said Mrs Bond’s contributions to her community were worthy of regional recognition.
“The history and cultural identity of Dayboro have been preserved for generations to come thanks to Carmel’s tireless efforts,” Cr Grimwade said.
Youth Sports
Nine-year-old world champion BMX racer Fraser Vaughan can add another trophy to his cabinet after being named recipient of the Moreton Bay Regional Council 2019 Australia Day Award for Youth Sports.
Last year was a massive year for the young racer from the Pine Rivers BMX Club. Fraser took out a swag of national and international titles — including the 2018 Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) BMX World Championship title for boys in his age category, at Azerbaijan.
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