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.

8. ELISHA WRIGHT

Elisha Wright’s impact on the everyday lives of people living in the North Lakes area cannot be understated. The disability advocate worked tirelessly with Moreton Bay Regional Council to develop the region’s first Disability Access and Inclusion Plan. On top of this work, she is also a powerful and effective advocate for inclusivity across the region. Her work also earned her the 2019 Citizen of The Year award. While grateful for the recognition, she is quick to acknowledge the work that more than 200 people put into getting the plan completed. The plan prioritises areas that need addressing such as pedestrian mobility, parking and transport, buildings and facilities, parks and open spaces, event and programs; and council services.

7. FR BRYAN ROE

Once a promising tennis player who made the main draw at the Australian Open in 1988, Fr Bryan Roe now serves the fledgling but rapidly growing St Benedict’s Parish. The parish was established in November 2017 with Fr Bryan the inaugural/founding parish priest. During his time in North Lakes he has shepherded a church community that has grown from 20 people in 2008 to more than 600 today. Fr Bryan is popular at the two schools in his parish, St Benedict’s Catholic Primary School and St Benedict’s College at Mango Hill. While the congregation has no church building yet, he leads services in the chapel at the primary school.

6. JOHN PAUL

John Paul has been involved with the North Lakes Lions Club since July 2008 and was vice president before taking the reins last year. He is heavily involved in club projects including the Children of Courage awards which recognise the achievements of special needs students and leading the club’s annual Clean Up Australia efforts. Last year the club held a walkathon to raise funds for a walker for a North Lakes girl with cerebral palsy and supported a Griffin family hoping to get an assistance dog for their autistic son. These are just a few of the causes Mr Paul and the club have supported.

5. JACQUIE RIDDELL

Senior Constable Jacquie Riddell is a first response uniform officer from the Mango Hill/North Lakes Police Station with more than 17 years experience in the Queensland Police Service. Prior to her current role she was a detective attached to the Petrie Child Protection Investigation Unit. Her empathy and compassion is often sought out by victims of severe violence and trauma. Snr-Constable Riddell donates much of her time to schools and community groups both in work time and her own time. She has implemented care packs for female victims of crime especially victims of domestic violence and is the local representative of the QPS championing community support for victims, people with disability and those in need. Snr-Constable Riddell mentors a number of at-risk female youths providing a positive role model, breaking down barriers between officers and local youth. She was the Rotary Club of Pine Rivers Officer of the Year for 2016 and was last year recognised by the Australian Council of Woman and Policing for her contribution.