Scenic Rim Australia Day Awards Mayor’s Award winners
The courage of a teenager who saved a friend’s life, and the quiet achievers who are vital threads in the social fabric of their community, were celebrated today at Scenic Rim Regional Council’s 2021 Australia Day Awards.
Mayor Greg Christensen said this year’s Australia Day Awards were presented in the context of what had been an extremely difficult time for many in the region, with COVID-19 compounding the ongoing challenges of drought and bushfire recovery.
“I am tremendously proud of the resilience shown by our communities as we have stood together to meet these challenges, finding new ways to stay connected in a world of social distancing, and emerging stronger as a result,” he said.
Scenic Rim Australia Day Awards – Bravery Award
Presented in conjunction with a citizenship ceremony, the 2021 Scenic Rim Australia Day Awards were announced in the categories of Citizen of the Year (31-65 Years) and Citizen of the Year (65 Years+). The high calibre of nominees resulted in two winners for the Mayor’s Award.
The impacts of COVID-19, and the disruption to schools and community events, meant Council was unable to present awards for the Community Event of the Year and the Citizen of the Year (16 to 30 years), but saw the creation of a special Bravery Award for the region’s youngest nominee.
“2020 was certainly an exceptional year and we would like to recognise an exceptional young man, 13 years old, with a Bravery Award, as we could not let his incredible courage go unnoticed,” Cr Christensen said.
Scenic Rim Australia Day Awards Citizen of the Year 31-65 Years
Christian Cullen was nominated for inspiring the local community through his heroic actions on 14 March 2020, saving the life of his friend, Julian Nicol, who had fallen from a cliff at the end of Beacon Road, Tamborine Mountain. Joined by his parents Barry and Jen Nicol, Julian was a special guest at the awards presentation.
“With no thought for his own safety, Christian climbed down the cliff to administer first aid by bandaging Julian’s significant head wound, before climbing back up and running for help,” Cr Christensen said.
“It should be mentioned that firefighters – with specialist training and equipment – deemed it unsafe to scale down the cliff without the use of a safety line as a minimum.
“Christian not only saved Julian’s life by applying a pressure bandage, but also by ensuring he did not fall further from the narrow rock ledge.
“An experienced firefighter remarked that they had never seen such bravery, compassion and maturity from one so young.
“Christian’s story was a shining example of courage and compassion to the local community during the COVID-19 pandemic. It also reminds us all of the need to remain up-to-date with first aid training.”
Scenic Rim Australia Day Awards Certificate of Appreciation to SES
The 2021 Australia Day Awards also recognised the Scenic Rim SES Unit’s significant contribution to the community with a Certificate of Appreciation. In 2020, the Scenic Rim SES was named Regional Unit of the Year and shared the Regional Operational Response of the Year Award, in addition to receiving the prestigious Commissioner’s Cup for State SES Unit or Group of the Year.
“I would like to thank everyone who contributed to today’s celebration by nominating those they consider well worthy of recognition,” Cr Christensen said.
“There are many more to whom we owe a huge debt of gratitude, who have not been formally recognised, so I would like to take this moment to thank all of our rural fire brigades, SES volunteers and those who have supported them.
Scenic Rim Australia Day Awards Citizen of the Year 65 Years+
“While there can be only one award in each category, everyone who was nominated is, in their own way, a winner, a community champion.
“Once again, all of our awards nominees are of an extremely high calibre and those of you who were nominated should be proud of the contribution you make to your community.”
The 2021 Scenic Rim Australia Day Awards winners in the following categories are:
Citizen of the Year (31-65 Years) Jodie Gnech
Jodie was nominated for her leadership and commitment to Boonah Girl Guides during the past 15 years, which has seen guiding grow in the area. Before coming to Boonah, Jodie was a Guide Leader at Capalaba Guides, having been a Brownie, Guide and Venturer, achieving the Queen’s Guide Award. President of Boonah State High School P and C, Jodie is also Treasurer of All Saints Primary School Parents and Friends Association and gives of her time to be involved in community events such as Eat Local Week and local fetes, where she applies her flair for face painting.
Citizen of the Year (65 Years+) Judy Day
Judy has served the Beaudesert community for more than 40 years. As a teacher aide at the Laravale State School she made a difference to the lives of many young people and she continues to make a difference as Secretary of the Uniting Church’s council, as a volunteer at the Wongaburra Home for the Aged, Probus and the Cancer Council’s Beaudesert branch. Judy has overcome adversity, establishing Tracey’s Pantry at the Uniting Church Hall, in memory of her late daughter, providing food for those doing it tough. She has been a member of Glad’s Girls Choir for more than 17 years, bringing joy to others through music, and has used her talents as a pianist to brighten the lives of residents at the Wongaburra home for the aged.
Mayor’s Award – John Deeks and Allan Rosser.
As the Scenic Rim’s first Town Crier John Deeks brought dignity to the events at which he performed his duties. A proud member of the Boonah RSL Sub Branch, John has also worked for many years with the Salvation Army, as part of its Bible study group, and volunteers two days a week at the local aged care facility. John was a member and supporter of the Boonah Community Band.
Allan Rosser has been part of the Tamborine Mountain community for 95 years and continues to contribute through a range of local organisations. He is regarded as a ‘walking history’ of the Mountain and surrounding districts. Instrumental in supporting early agricultural initiatives, he has contributed to the community as it has evolved, through groups including the Tamborine Mountain Golf Club and Tamborine Mountain Historical Society, both of which he is Patron, Tamborine Mountain Probus Club, Tamborine Mountain RSL Sub-Branch, Tamborine Mountain Landcare and Tamborine Masonic Lodge.
Additional awards presented were:
Bravery Award to Christian Cullen
Christian Cullen was nominated for inspiring the local community through his heroic actions on 14 March 2020, saving the life of his friend, Julian Nicol, who had fallen from a cliff at the end of Beacon Road, Tamborine Mountain. With no thought for his own safety, Christian climbed down the cliff to administer first aid by bandaging Julian’s significant head wound, before climbing back up and running for help.
Certificate of Appreciation to Scenic Rim SES Unit
This recognised Scenic Rim SES volunteers for their ongoing effort, hard work and dedicated service to the Scenic Rim region. This exceptional work and dedication has been rewarded with the Scenic Rim Unit winning the Commissioner’s Cup Regional Unit/Group of the Year Award at the 2020 Region and State SES Week Awards. The SES volunteers are always on the frontline with devastating fires, floods and the COVID-19 pandemic, working as a team to help the people of Scenic Rim and our visitors stay safe.
