There are so many people in our community who are doing great things and who are helping to make great things happen.

The list is only a sample and people are encouraged to suggest others.

Let’s acknowledge the people who help to make our community the great place it is.

4. ANDREW CATHCART

North Lakes Resort Golf Club announced on July 24 that it would close at the end of 2019 and be sold to a developer who planned to turn part of it into a retirement village and aged care facility. On July 29, Andrew Cathcart and a core group of North Lakes residents organised a “peaceful protest” attended by about 200 people including the local federal MP. Andrew became president of the Save North Lakes Golf Course (SNLGC) group and within days the group had several thousand followers on Facebook. While he has faced a steep learning curve, Andrew has played a fundamental role in waking up an entire suburb to the machinations of government and developers. He has given a voice to residents wanting to fight to preserve the golf course while local councillor Julie Greer was knocked out in the first round. Andrew and SNLGC have been extremely effective at marketing and lobbying and are unwavering in their fight to stop development on the golf course.

3. SHARON ARMSTRONG

Child health nurse, lactation consultant and businesswoman Sharon Armstrong has helped many Moreton Bay families cope with having a baby. She works with parents and babies on breastfeeding, sleep and behaviour to develop confident families. This year Ms Armstrong was named the Soroptimist International North Moreton Woman of the Year for her support of Soroptimist projects especially advocacy campaigns to improve continuity of midwifery care for all mothers and babies. As the former president of the North Lakes Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and a member of the Regional Development Australia Authority she has helped many local businesses.

2. MARIE NIEUWOUDT

The owner of North Lakes beauty salon B’Me, Marie Nieuwoudt does so much more than cut hair. She is always looking at ways to help those less fortunate at home and overseas. She holds an annual fundraiser for Hair Aid that teaches hair cutting skills to people living in poverty so they can open their own business. Some of Ms Nieuwoudt’s staff head overseas to be involved in this charity. In 2017 Ms Nieuwoudt organised a morning tea fundraiser in North Lakes which raised more than $10,000 for three Australian charities. Last year with help from her friend Silvia Stephens she collecting clothes to donate to homeless people and was swamped by donations. She supports cancer charities, the Starlight Foundation and Heart Kids. She also travels around the region cutting hair for homeless people for free.

1. LAURENCE CHRISTIE

A resident of Mango Hill for about 40 years and well before North Lakes was established, Laurence Christie lives and breaths Mango Hill village. He initiated formation of the Mango Hill Progress Association in 1986 and has been president since 1992. It is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in Mango Hill and surrounds. The group has advocated the needs of the community to all levels of government and the local business community resulting in the Mango Hill community hall and tennis and basketball courts. It is also active in raising potential issues that may affect the community and holds regular community events such as skate nights, Anzac Day observations and Christmas carols. Although retired Mr Christie remains active with the Warehouse Cricket Association and was awarded an OAM in 2011 for services to cricket and the community.