The achievements and selfless contribution of four outstanding Moreton Bay citizens have been celebrated at Council’s 2022 Australia Day Awards.

For the first time, this year’s Awards were streamlined into two categories – Citizen of the Year Award, and the new Mayor’s Community Spirit Award. The main award pays homage to the region’s exemplary citizens, while the spirit award was open to those who live in and outside the region, and those who aren’t Australian citizens – also a first for the program.

Mayor Peter Flannery said this year’s award recipients were well-deserving of their honour and reflected the diversity and sense of pride that makes the region such a special place.

“Australia Day is a time to come together and celebrate how lucky we are to live in our region, and the country we call home,” Mayor Flannery said.

“Part of this is sharing our own stories, and each of this year’s award recipients have great stories to tell – all of them showing commitment to helping others, reaching out to those in need, and giving back to their community.

“I’d like to congratulate all four winners on their remarkable achievements and thank them for their dedicated service, along with everyone who was nominated this year.

“While our Australia Day Awards Ceremony looked a little different this year, it has still given us the chance to celebrate, and reflect on their selfless and significant actions in what are challenging times.

“It’s people like our Award recipients that epitomise the Aussie spirit of reaching out to others no matter the circumstances, and not giving up when times get tough.”

Mr Graham Gibb of Bribie Island has been named Moreton Bay Regional Council’s 2022 Citizen of the Year. Community is at the heart of everything Graham does. On land and at sea, his dedication and passion for serving others is a shining light, with his own needs always placed last.

Graham’s decade-long service as a Senior Radio Officer with Volunteer Marine Rescue Bribie Island has not only seen him play a vital role in protecting those enjoying Moreton Bay and supporting the crews on the water, but also helps ensure the future of the organisation. Graham established and continues to lead the annual Emergency Services Expo at VMR Bribie Island, coordinating the extremely popular event to bring local emergency services together, as well as working with local schools and community organisations, engaging with kids and the wider public. He’s also an instrumental part of the Young Emergency Services Ambassador program, inspiring future generations to join the emergency services and Defence forces.

Graham’s passion for helping others has also seen him working as a Volunteer in Policing with Bribie Island Police for the last ten years. This role sees him act as a ‘buffer’ between police and the community, offering understanding and assistance during what can be a daunting time.

Always humble, Graham says he couldn’t do the work he does without the support of others, and even though he’s officially retired, has no plans to slow down when it comes to volunteering. A dedicated and widely respected member of the community, Graham is a truly deserving winner.

Three other members of the community have each received a Mayor’s Community Spirit Award.

Mr Len McCandless, Lawnton

The story of Len’s determination to turn his own life around has proven inspirational as he reaches out to others in his local community, helping them to do the same. Having been homeless from a young age, it was the help of support services like Rosies – Friends on the Street that helped him through the tough times, bringing safety and stability to his life.

He is now paying that experience forward. Starting out as a patron volunteering with Rosies in 2017, Len became a Team Leader, and is now a Branch Coordinator. Known as incredibly caring, Len can truly relate with those who seek help at Rosies, and his nominator says he’s always on hand with a big smile, a cuppa and a chat. Len works with many other services to connect with at-risk youth, and is also active in his local community, speaking to different organisations to put the spotlight on what those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness are going through. He not only makes a difference in others’ lives through volunteering, but also uses his big heart in his job as a disability support worker at Skylark House. Len is a true inspiration to all those who have the pleasure of meeting or working with him, and despite all he’s been through, has chosen the path of helping others. His community spirit lives large, making him a standout for this award.