Four of a kind a winning hand at Australia Day Awards
Mayor Greg Christensen (left) and Deputy Mayor Jeff McConnell congratulate Effie Anderson, Charmaine Standfield, Elizabeth Hills and Charlotte Stubbs on their Australia Day awards.
The contribution of women of all ages from across the Scenic Rim was celebrated at the region's Australia Day awards.
From 21 nominations for Citizen of the Year across all age categories, women were the winners with each of the awards presented to an individual recognised for her role within the community.
The 2024 Scenic Rim Australia Day Awards, presented by Mayor Greg Christensen at The Centre Beaudesert this afternoon, honoured community groups and individuals who give their time and their talents to their community and contribute to the region's uniquely Australian way of life.
"As I reflected on the diversity of the nominations and the context of the year that was 2023, I was reminded of the joy and hope that is affirmed through the efforts of all nominees," he said.
"I was heartened by the rich array of nominations we received from across the Scenic Rim this year, particularly those which acknowledged the contribution of younger members of our community who are the future of our region.
"The spirit of the Scenic Rim is clearly alive and well, and I thank everyone who took the time to nominate someone special and for sharing their inspiring stories with us."
Before presenting the awards, Mayor Greg Christensen congratulated all nominees from each of the four categories for their outstanding achievements.
"Every one of our Australia Day awards nominees, whether an individual or community group, should be proud of their contribution to our region and the difference they have made in the lives of others," he said.
"Choosing just one recipient for an award in each category is never an easy task and the judging of this year's awards was no exception."
Awards were presented in the categories of Community Event of the Year, Scenic Rim Citizen of the Year (16-30 years), Scenic Rim Citizen of the Year (31-65 Years) and Scenic Rim Citizen of the Year (65+ years), with the overall Mayor's Award recognising the outstanding achievement of one Citizen of the Year nominee.
"This is an award which recognises a longstanding contribution to the community by someone who has enriched the lives of others and displays the qualities that should inspire us all," Mayor Christensen said.
"All of our nominees were of an extremely high calibre, making it a difficult decision to select just one winner, and I would like to thank Janis Bailey, as a member of the community, who so ably assisted as part of this year's judging panel."
In each of the following categories the award winners are:
Community Event of the Year
Christmas in the Village - Tamborine Village Lions Club
Since 2010, the Tamborine Village Lions has organised the annual Christmas in the Village event, featuring Christmas carols and twilight markets, bringing together the community of Tamborine and surrounding areas to celebrate the festive season. This event is a gesture of appreciation from the Lions to the community for its support throughout the year. As a non-profit organisation, the Lions - through volunteer efforts - fundraise to support local families and various worthy projects. The Lions are actively involved in supporting local organisations, commemorating Anzac Day and Remembrance Day, maintaining the Tamborine Village cenotaph and organising Communi-Tea in the Village. The annual Christmas in the Village event has become a cherished tradition, symbolising community spirit and spreading the joy of the festive season.
Citizen of the Year (16-30 Years)
Charlotte Stubbs
Charlotte was nominated as a quiet achiever who works tirelessly for the community and those around her. Charlotte has made substantial contributions to her community from a young age. She served as a captain at both Tamborine Mountain State School and Tamborine Mountain College, winning numerous awards and excelling in extracurricular activities such as debating and public speaking. Charlotte's commitment extends to her involvement with the Tamborine Mountain Lions Club, having won the Lions Youth of the Year competition in 2016 and representing the club at an international camp in England. She has volunteered at the pro bono My Community Legal service and has been actively engaged in the St George's Anglican church community at Tamborine Mountain.
Citizen of the Year (31-65 Years)
Elizabeth Hills
Elizabeth is a dedicated wildlife rescuer, environmental leader, and advocate for suicide prevention, having trekked a remarkable 6,000 kilometres across Australia to promote mental health. Her deep commitment to community is evident in her involvement with the Wild Mountains Trust, Boonah Landcare, Kooralbyn Community Garden and her volunteer work for the Lifeline suicide prevention hotline. Known for her kindness and willingness to get involved, Elizabeth demonstrates a strong commitment to her values. Despite being originally from New Zealand and growing up in Papua New Guinea, Elizabeth has embraced the Scenic Rim community and keenly participated in community projects. Her generosity extends to sharing her time and knowledge, and her passion for nature is matched only by her care for the people in her community.
Citizen of the Year (65+ Years)
Effie Anderson
Effie grew up on Tamborine Mountain and has contributed to her community over many decades through organisations including the Lions Club, Community Care, Show Society, Zamia Theatre, and the Historical Society. In 1948, after winning 10 shillings in a competition to name what is now the Zamia Theatre, Effie gave her prizemoney to her mother and has continued to give to others ever since. Having experienced racial discrimination, Effie became a teacher, inspiring students in rural schools in Queensland and the Northern Territory with high Indigenous populations to see education as a way to overcome poverty. Despite personal challenges, Effie's resilient attitude has always been one of 'get up and get on with it'. Effie is actively involved in creating cushions for breast cancer patients and is a much-loved member of her community.
Mayor's Award
Charmaine Standfield
Since Charmaine started a Women's Shed in Harrisville more than 10 years ago as a place for women to meet and socialise, the group has grown to more than 30 members and is still going strong. With new housing developments in town, the Women's Shed is a place for newcomers to make new friends and learn about the local area. Charmaine sources guest speakers for the group, organises excursions and projects such as knitting beanies for premature babies or for seafarers seeking support from the Mission to Seafarers organisation. She is known in the Harrisville community as someone always ready to lend a listening ear or helping hand.