Noosa celebrated Queensland Day on Tuesday 6 June by recognising those in the community who go above and beyond, giving their time and expertise freely to improve the lives of others.
More than 120 people gathered at The J to honour 51 incredible volunteers at the Noosa Electorate Queensland Day Awards, as St Teresa’s Catholic College Concert Band kicked off proceedings with an array of songs and MC Richard Hansen announced the award winners.
“This is a day for our incredible volunteers who often go unnoticed, yet are the beating heart of our community,“ Noosa MP Sandy Bolton.
“Through their actions, they touch our lives daily, whether we are aware of it or not.
“This is an annual event that I look forward to every year. We get to acknowledge those who deserve it the most, as well hear their stories, which inspire us to transfer their generosity into our own lives, and then onto others – for us to do better.
“From working with children and our elderly, to our wildlife and furry friends, to fighting fires to keep us safe as well those who provide entertainment and cultural experiences that are so important to the fabric of our community.“
Among the awardees were Business Mentoring Noosa founding father Julien Cann, Cooroy Area Residents Association president and the voice of Cooroy Rod Ritchie, Roslyn Leslie, a Wildlife Volunteers Association volunteer for 20 years and Save Sunrise Glossies advocate Spencer Hitchen.
Some of the sporting volunteers included long-serving Noosa Dolphins Rugby Union Club’s Greg Bain and Rohan Ramsden who has committed more than 20 years to the Dolphins, Noosa Outrigger Canoe Club’s Des Mabbott and Chris Mitchell, Noosa Water Polo’s Paul Coolican, Marc Bright, who has been teaching All Abilities Golf for the past 10 years and Pomona Pony Club’s Catherine Magick.
Des Bowes of Cooroy Horse and Pony Club volunteers to encourage young people to enjoy their horses. He drives from Maryborough to Cooroy every fortnight to help out at the musters. And Johnny Gooderham was acknowledge for his outstanding contribution to Sunshine Beach Surf Lifesaving Club.
Also recognised were Katie Rose Cottage Hospice volunteers Kathleen Bolt, Bob Lennox and Mark Sweeney, Kin Kin Community Group’s Rilka Stone, Kate Hart, who has volunteered with Noosa Alive for more than 20 years, and Heather Manders, Pomona King of the Mountain volunteer since 2008.
The Noosa Shire Museum has benefitted from the work of president Anne Coombes and Andy and Isobel Perry who were recognised as well as Susan Hafey who has volunteered for more than 20 years at Pomona State School.
In partnership with major sponsors, Cooroy RSL and Noosa Today, Ms Bolton thanked the awardees, presenting them with a Queensland Day medallion and Certificate of Appreciation.
“It gives me great pride to continue the tradition of presenting these awards – celebrating this day, these amazing people, and our community with you,“ she said.
“It is fantastic that these two local businesses continue to recognise the immense value of our volunteer community by providing support for the awards, and I thank them wholeheartedly.“
There are many more deserving volunteers in our community. If you know someone who donates their time and expertise for the good of our community, nominate them for an award next year.
For more information, visit sandybolton.com/qld-day-awards