Eighty-three year-old Margaret Harvey and 18-year-old Elahi Elahi were named Logan’s citizens of the year at the 2024 Australia Day ceremony on Friday (26 January).

Ms Harvey was awarded 2024 Citizen of the Year for her “unconditional support and service” to struggling Logan residents.

For over 14 years she has provided support and friendship to locals experiencing homelessness, social isolation and loneliness through the Logan branch of charity organisation Rosies and their ‘Friends on the Street’ program.

Ms Harvey established several outreach initiatives in the city, including starting community feeds programs in Logan Central and Beenleigh, and setting up an outreach van to provide hot and cold food items, blankets and hygiene packs.

She also works with local businesses for donations of goods, services and funds to support the charity, and trains and rosters more than 60 volunteers.

Logan’s Young Citizen of the Year, Ms Elahi, has been involved with volunteering and advocacy since she was 11.

The Marsden resident juggled high school and two jobs while volunteering for Hummingbird House, Redkite, and Youth off the Streets.

Ms Elahi represents Australia at The Y’s Global Youth Advisory Council and Woodridge in the Queensland Youth Parliament, and she serves on the committees of both Youth UN and Make It 16.

Mayor Darren Power congratulated both winners at the ceremony, where 180 locals became Australian citizens.

“Margaret and Elahi have shown incredible service and commitment to their community and it is an honour to recognise their outstanding efforts at today’s ceremony.”

This year marks the 75^th anniversary of Australian citizenship ceremonies in Australia.