Australia Day Awards honour Ipswich Community Champions

Matthew Cox is a passionate fundraiser, jogging from Perth to Ipswich to raise funds for the children’s ward at Ipswich Hospital. The funds raised benefit the Ipswich community in supporting both the children who stay at the hospital and their families as well.

Kellee Ives is a passionate supporter of Ipswich mothers, helping them in breastfeeding. Kellee trains new Breastfeeding Counsellors to help mothers and also volunteers in a number of different roles in the Australian Breastfeeding Association, Ipswich branch. Her support and empathy for breastfeeding mothers provides a great service to the community.

Ian Dainer is a Vietnam veteran, dedicating himself to the welfare of ADF veterans and serving members. Ian is active in a wide range of community organisations, including assuming the role of National Secretary of the Airfield Defence Association of Australia. The success of the recent 50th Anniversary Reunion of the organisation was achieved largely due to his commitment and involvement.

Hannah Hyatt is a passionate advocate for increasing awareness and education around youth mental health, in Ipswich and further afield. Hannah has volunteered for Headspace Ipswich and attends and assists in the planning and facilitation of many community events. Her continued hard work and active involvement in the community make her an inspiring role model for young people.

Aaron Evans brings success to the stages of Ipswich, as one of the youngest directors and playwrights to have ever put on a show in the area. Holding multiple roles over time in the theatrical companies of Ipswich, he has mentored many young actors and is a part of the Protégé Masterclasses encouraging youth in his industry.

Les Miserables, presented by the Ipswich Musical Theatre Company at the Ipswich Civic Centre, provided a unique opportunity for Ipswich talent to perform and for some, kick-start their international careers. There were many sold out performances with patrons travelling from afar to enjoy the musical.

The Heart Support Australia group are a tireless bunch of volunteers who fundraise to support those in the Ipswich and West Moreton region with heart concerns. The group recently donated a portable echo machine to the Ipswich Hospital and celebrated the 20th anniversary of the branch in October 2017.

The Noah’s Mater Charity event was an idea of Noah Springall, at age 11, who wanted to give back to the hospital that saved his life. With the help of sisters Jessica and Britney, the event was held at Ipswich golf and putt putt range to raise funds for the hospital supporting babies in its NICU and special care nurseries.

The Movement is a group of volunteers who help the homeless and those who need a helping hand in the Ipswich and wider Brisbane community. The group provides clothes, food and furniture to those who have been affected by domestic violence or who simply are struggling and need some assistance.

Glen Smith is a key member of the Ipswich arts and cultural community. He has achieved the roles of President of ArtsConnect Ipswich Inc and committee member of the Ipswich Art Awards and the Regional Arts Development Fund. His work in the arts is fuelled by a passion which earns him the respect of many.

Myfanway Locke is an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander elder who is actively engaged in the Ipswich community. She regularly performs the Welcome to Country at occasions across Ipswich and is helping younger generations lead better lives, with her work as caretaker of a transitional house in the community.

Rajarajan Thennavan founded the Varnam Cultural Society (QLD), an organisation that identifies and assists young talent to perform on stage. Rajarajan has been selected as one of the multicultural ambassadors for the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games 2018, representing the Tamil community. He is also heavily involved in other charitable endeavours in Ipswich.

Recipients are selected by the Mayor and councillors in recognition of the valuable contribution made by the recipients over a period of time, to the prosperity of our local community.

Brian Huxley – Brian is the police officer in charge of the Ipswich Police District and is the head of the District Disaster Management Group.

Ali Brigginshaw – As a member of the World Champion Australian Women’s Rugby League team, the Jillaroos, Ali is an inspiration to Ipswich sportswomen. Her efforts were such in the 2017 World Cup that she was in the reckoning for Player of the Tournament.

Chris Steinmuller – Chris is highly regarded for his musical talents. However, he is recognised for his commitment to the community, particularly in regards to his work with seniors’ concerts and the Alchemy Choir.

Roy Saunders – Roy has, for more than 30 years, been involved in rugby league as a sports physician. However, he is more widely known for his role as team doctor for the Australian Rugby League Team and the Queensland State of Origin Team. In fact, he has been the team doctor for the State of Origin team for more than 30 years.

Ripley Valley Rural Fire Brigade – The Ripley Valley Rural Fire Brigade is a very active local fire brigade that takes part in many community events and is also actively involved in the role of volunteer rural fire brigade.

Rita Maddox –  Rita has been involved in local community groups helping to organise many large community events like the Run for Life and Australia Day events at Robelle Domain. Rita also helps out many families in need in the community.

Annette Zbasnik – Annette has been a long time member, supporter and Committee Member of the Waterworx Ametuer Swim Club, giving many hours to ensure the club runs smoothly. Annette is currently the President of the Club.

AJ Varkevissor – Aj has been the long-time president of Western Spirit Soccer Club. AJ has given many hours to keeping the club running for the many young footballers in our community.

BeYoutiful – Karen and Olivia was an initiative started by Karen and Olivia to provide pamper services free of charge for women in our community. Women can choose from the services available with child minding and nibbles provided.

Peter Walsh – Peter has been a resident of Ipswich for over 30 years. He is committed to helping the community through his involvement with Goodna Rotary for over 3 decades and on the Board of Goodna Youth Services a service that provides assistance to homeless and other at-risk young people.

Michelle Maybanks – Michelle is a highly regarded person within their community and has been with Goodna State School since 1993 and currently is the Community Engagement Officer.

June Young – June has lived in the area for over 32 years and is a proud resident of Goodna. June has been a School Crossing Supervisor, lovingly known as the “lollypop lady” for over 23 years at St Francis Xavier Primary School Goodna.

Redbank State School P&C – President Michelle Bell accepts the award – The Redbank State School P & C Committee is a vibrant part of the school community and works very hard fundraising for the school to benefit the children and parents.

Ruth Moffatt – Ruth has been actively invovled in the local community of Riverview for over 30 years, she has been involved heavily on a volunteer basis with indigenous programs in the Riverview School.

Ted Wedmaier – Ted has been an active community member of Ripley and Ipswich Men’s Shed.

Luke Hinschsen – Luke is the Founder of the Mental Health Foundation that assist people in need across the community who have or are at risk of mental health crisis.

Eastern Raiders Cricket Club – President Bruce Raleigh accepts the award – The Eastern Raiders Cricket Club have been proactive local cricket Club that develop and encourage youth and adults alike to led and active lifestyle.

Glen Smith – Glenn is a passionate advocate for the Ipswich arts community. As president of the volunteer-run Arts Connect Ipswich organisation, Glenn works with local artists and community groups to promote art and culture across Ipswich.

Ray Edbrooke – Ray is one of Blackstone’s most familiar faces and has a treasure trove of knowledge about the history and geography of his community. Ray was one of the guiding light behind the creation of Castle Hill Blackstone Reserve.

Brothers Ipswich Women’s Rugby League team – President Mark Hennelly accepts the award – In 2017, the Brothers Ipswich Women’s Rugby League Team reformed after six years and had a stellar season reaching the South East Queensland Women’s first grade grand final. Players were selected for the Australian, Papua New Guinea, Samao, Niue, Indigenous All Stars and Queensland Maori teams.

Ipswich Knights Soccer Club Inc. – President Troy Beehan – The Ipswich Knights is a thriving football club with a deep connection to the local community. The knights are renowned for their teamwork, endeavour and persistence on the field. Off the field, the club is an active and engaged contributor to the community – particular for the disadvantaged.

Alan Morton – Alan has been actively involved in the Ipswich community for many years, through his 32 years of service with Ipswich City Council, and through his involvement with the iconic “Ipswich Beardies”.

Ipswich Model Band – Established in 1906, this is one of the longest operating bands in Queensland. This enthusiastic group of musicians regularly perform in concerts, festivals and parades in Ipswich and South East Queensland.

Ian Baker – Restoring a RAEMUS Rover to race-worthy standard and taking veterans out for a run was the beginning of the RSL RAEMUS Rover Program which now helps veterans recovering from health issues.

Russell Franklin – Russell is has been involed in the Scouting community for a very long time. He is dedicated to helping the youth in our community be the best that they can be. He also owns and runs a small business at North Ipswich and supports the Ipswich community at every opportunity he gets.

Amanda Rossow – Amanda is a mother of 3 young girls under 9 years. She has been recently been diagnosed at the age of 33 with Breast Cancer. Amanda is always out there supporting other is the community and helping other to feel good about themselves and helping them via her photography work. The award is recognition of what she does in the community and to provide encouragement during this difficult time.

Joshua and Elissa Hockings – Josh and his wife Elissa have been riasing awarness in backyard pool safety and the importance of teaching children how to swim. They organise events, the Swim for Harper day and WOD for Harper where the funds raised go back to Ipswich Hospice.

Ipswich Triathalon Club – President and Head Coach Craig Rule accepts the award – Ipswich Triathlon Club is the longest etablish Triathlon Club in Queensland. The club supports atheletes of all ages and all abilities. Many athletes have competed at many events such as the Hell of the West at Goondiwindi, Iron man at Brussleton in West Australia to the worlds championships in USA and the Netherlands. Juniors from this club have competed at Met West and State level events.

Nicholas Pender – Nicholas has tirelessly served as a player, Treasurer and Secretary of Ipswich Rugby Union since 2004 and was awarded life memebership in December this year.

Cec Doughty – Dr Doughty is active in the local community as a member of Rotary, having served as President of his local branch. He is also a Paul Harris Fellow and the recipient of a prestigious Ipswich Medal.

Cameron Dargusch – Cameron is well known for his hard work as the persident of the P&C of Blair State School. His hard work and commitment to the school have earned him great respect within the Ipswich community.

Carolyn Smith – Carolyn has been a support volunteer at Ipswich Hospice’s Hilda’s House for 19 years. She visits the guest wing and spends time with guests and family members just chatting, writing letters, reading and even painting nails. She also currently co-facilitate the Adult drop-in group and the Kids Grief Group.

Walter Bodetti – Dr Bodetti has been involved with Ipswich Hospice since its inception. As a GP, he has always had an interest in life’s journey, and an affinity for end of life care. His days at Hospice are generally busy with the nurses and volunteers caring for guests and their families.

Margaret Bodetti – Margaret has been a keen supporter of Ipswich Hospice since it’s inception, along with her husband Dr Bodetti. She joined Ipswich Hospice as a volunteer doing the evening meals on a Wednesday night. Margaret is so proud to be part of such a loving and caring group of people.

Jeanette Gilchrist – Jeanette has been a volunteer with Leichhardt Baptist Church for over 15 years and is continually involved in assisting with various programs and events throughout the year. She volunteers at Leichhardt School assisting with Year 1 reading and enjoys making a difference in the lives of local children. Jeanette is also involved with the Giving With Love ministry.

Glenda Haig – In December 2008 the not for profit Westside Business Women Inc was commenced. Glenda was responsible for setting up this organisation to support women in business to reach their full potential while providing opportunities for them to collaborate to help other women. They provided scholarships eg Study Awards, raising awarness for women’s health issues as well as supporting DV Action Centre. Glenda has been president for the past 10 years.

Costa Mukendi – In 1993, Costa fled a bloody civil war in Congo. He spent the next eleven years in a refugee camp in Zambia, studying, assisting his fellow refugees and helping his wife and children escape his homeland. In 2003 he applied to the UN for himself and his family to be re-settled in Australia. Costa has become a strong and active leader amongst his new community, founding two groups the New Life Community Baptist Church and the AusCongo Network. Costa has a passion for serving all the Congolese, especially those new to the country.

Malcolm and Mary Russell – Malcolm and Mary Russell along with Council were responsible for getting the garden opposite their home replanted with the help of the Boy Scouts and Girl Guides. Malcolm and Mary have been looking after the garden, weeding and watering. Great Community spirit.

Alek Arok – Alek has been very active in her community on a volunteer basis. She is now the Leader of the Staines Memorial College Community Hub. She will be providing Kinder Support Program, Resume Writing and Interview Skills, Social Coffee and Chats, Sewing Classes, Playgroup, Craft Activities and also English Classes. Giving back to the community especially in Redbank Plains where there is a large re-settlement.

The Springfield Malayalee Association – The Springfield Malayalee Association was formed in 2017 to promote and celebrate the Malayalee Culture and Events. SMA is a charitable organisation which was started by a grouup of local nurses and doctors, and sims to highlight the importance of blood and organ donation, as well as supporting other community initiatives. Through festivals, fundraising, education and partnerships with community and charity organisation, their goal is to being people together in the shared spirit of peace, harmony and karma.

Clyde Nicoll – Clyde has been treasurer for 19 years. His advice and work have made a valuable contribution to the financial viability of Cabanda Care. Clyde is a member of a number of service clubs in Rosewood.

Joyce Rieck – Joyce was a founding member of Meals on Wheels for Cabanda Care. and she still manages the roster for the meal deliveries by volunteers. Joyce has been a Board member since 1993 and has been the secretarty of the Board for many years and has contributed valuable advice and information over the years. Joyce is a member of many voluntary services in Rosewood.

Margaret Schindler – Marg has been on the Board since 2016 and has recently taken on the role of secretary of the Board. She has been a volunteer for a number of years . Marg supports many service clubs in Rosewood.

Gregory Tutt – Greg has been a member of the Cabanda Board since 2013 and contributes valuable information to the Board aboutdiaster and risk managemnt stategies.

Cabanda Care Incorporated – Cabanda Care Board consists of eight voluntary members are elected by the Cabanda Committee each year to steer the organization towards a sustainable future. Over the past 30 years the Cabanda Board has made decisions to expand services as opportunities arose and have made sure that there have been adequate resources to sustain the vision of Cabanda Care; which is to serve the Community by providing high quality services and to promote the concept of community owned care