THE 2025 Redlands Coast Australia Day Awards celebrated the selfless efforts of local community advocates, each of whom is making a lasting impact in the lives of others.
Sandy Smith, a passionate advocate for women and young people, was named Citizen of the Year for her outstanding service to the community.
Through her leadership with the National Council of Women of Queensland (NCWQ) and her long-standing association with Quota International, Sandy has spearheaded initiatives to support victims of domestic violence, including advocating for an Angel’s Corner, a peaceful sanctuary for those affected by family violence.
Redland City Mayor Jos Mitchell said her work also extended to delivering toiletry bags to women’s refuges and mental health units, raising funds for ovarian cancer research, and organising care packs for cancer patients.
“Redlands Coast is very fortunate to have people such as Sandy who are making a real difference in our community,” Mayor Mitchell said.
Jacky Burkett received a Highly Commended award for her extensive volunteer work, particularly in helping those impacted by domestic and family violence.
Jacky has dedicated years to supporting local organisations like Soroptimist International, Maybanke Accommodation, and the Diner en Rouge committee, among others.
Patricia Ponting was honoured as Senior Citizen of the Year for her remarkable 20-year volunteering journey with local groups such as Meals on Wheels, Animal Welfare League, and Bay Islanders Community Services.
In addition to her community work, Patricia has delighted audiences for nearly three decades with her performances at Redland Bay nursing homes and various musicals.
The Young Citizen of the Year award went to nine-year-old Theo Horvatic, whose fundraising efforts have helped provide support for vulnerable children and foster families through Anglicare Southern Queensland.
Despite his age, Theo’s passion for helping others has made a significant impact on his community.
“All the winners at this year’s Australia Day Awards are deserving of recognition and I thank them for their contributions and for giving their time to help make Redlands Coast such a great place to live,” Cr Mitchell said.
Winners of Redlands Coast Australia Day Awards:
- Citizen of the Year – Sandy Smith, Alexandra Hills
- Citizen of the Year, Highly Commended – Jacky Burkett, Wynnum
- Senior Citizen of the Year – Patricia Ponting, Macleay Island
- Young Citizen of the Year – Theo Horvatic, Thornlands
- Local Hero Award – John Bullion, Birkdale
- Reconciliation Award – Robert Plummer, Cleveland
- Community Organisation Award (joint winners) – Cancer Council Queensland, Redlands Volunteer Branch, Mount Cotton and Donald Simpson Community Centre, Cleveland
- Cultural Award – Louise Brannon, Victoria Point
- Sports Award – North Stradbroke Island Rugby League and Allsports Club Inc, Dunwich
- Environment and Sustainability Award – Pauly Debono, Dunwich
