Pride of the Region recipients Ian Hamilton and Mavis Braithwaite

Two pillars of St Paul’s Uniting Church have been honoured for their service. Christian faith leaders, councillors, friends and family gathered to salute the pair.

Two pillars of St Paul’s Uniting Church were “flabbergasted” to be awarded the council’s prestigious Pride of the Region medallion for their service to Mackay.

Mavis Braithwaite and Ian Hamilton are among a short list to receive the award in the past six years.

The award, presented during a gathering to mark the 150th anniversary of St Paul’s at the MECC on Friday evening, was a surprise for the pair, who expressed their shock and appreciation for the honour.

Ian Hamilton and Mavis Braithwaite expressed their surprise and pleasure on receiving the council's Pride of the Region award at the MECC on March 11. Picture: Duncan Evans

“I’m flabbergasted because I certainly had no idea it was going to happen,” Mr Hamilton said.

“I’m deeply honoured. It was a shock to me. I had no idea this was going to be presented to me tonight,” Mrs Braithwaite said.

Mayor Greg Williamson presented the awards and expressed his gratitude to the pair, noting Mackay Regional Council had only given out about nine of the awards in the past six years.

“That just says this region is very proud of what you’ve done,” Mr Williamson said.

Mrs Braithwaite was given the award for her 60 years as an organist with the church.

“I thank Greg Williamson for presenting it to me, because I’ve known Greg for a long time and we’re great friends,” she said.

St Paul's Uniting Church organist Mavis Braithwaite receives the Pride of the Region award from Mackay Mayor Greg Williamson at the MECC on March 11. Picture: Duncan Evans

Mr Hamilton has been a lifelong member of St Paul’s and served on the council in the 1990s.

The mayor saluted Mr Hamilton’s life and contribution to Mackay.

“His personal interest in history, in politics, in the culture and in Mackay has been outstanding,” he said.

Mr Hamilton said he was raised in a fervent Christian family and the faith had served him well in his life.

Lifelong St Paul's Uniting Church member Ian Hamilton receives the Pride of the Region award from Mackay Mayor Greg Williamson at the MECC on March 11. Picture: Duncan Evans

He said Christianity could serve as a guiding light for everyone.

“Even if people don’t really regard themselves as Christians, the way of living that is embodied in the Christian faith is the way we should all live,” he said.

“It brings the best out of people.

“If you can live to the teachings of Christianity, you’ll have a pretty good life.

“You’ll keep yourself out of getting into trouble, falling for temptations and things that take you down the wrong path.”

Originally published as Pride of the Region recipients Ian Hamilton and Mavis Braithwaite