A QUIET achiever who has shaped education, aged care and community service across the city has been named Citizen of the Year at the 2026 Redlands Coast Australia Day Awards.
Victoria Point resident Colin Sutcliffe OAM took out the top accolade, recognised for decades of service spanning schools, Rotary and frontline support for seniors and vulnerable families across Redlands Coast.
“Colin has touched thousands of lives across Redlands Coast and remains an active and influential presence in the local community,” Mayor Jos Mitchell said.
“As a leader within Rotary, STAR Community Services and Mangrove Housing, he has championed a range of initiatives aimed at providing support to seniors, families and disadvantaged residents.
“Colin has also held various roles with both state and national education and curriculum bodies and served as Foundation Head of Junior School at Faith Lutheran College Redlands.
“Colin’s leadership is collaborative and compassionate, inspiring others to get involved and give back to their community.”
The Senior Citizen of the Year honour went to Tony Christinson for his pivotal role in building the Donald Simpson Community Centre into a lifeline for older residents, with the mayor praising his hands-on leadership and tireless advocacy.
“Tony is a hands-on leader and former Board Chair who has given countless volunteer hours to the centre over a number of years,” the mayor said.
“He has supported everything from daily operations to strategic advocacy, including helping to secure funding for programs aimed at tackling social isolation among older people.
“Tony’s contributions have had a direct impact on thousands of older residents, ensuring they are supported and can remain socially active within their own community.”
Young Citizen of the Year was awarded to Redland City SES volunteer Malakai Keen, an emerging leader whose commitment has already clocked up more than 1500 hours of service since joining in 2023.
“Malakai’s desire to give back led him to join the Redland City SES Unit in 2023, where he has so far contributed more than 1500 volunteer and operational hours and was involved in the response to Tropical Cyclone Alfred,” the mayor said.
“He is held in high regard within the SES and received the Brisbane SES Region Young Member of the Year award in 2025 for his exceptional leadership and dedication.
“Malakai’s contributions stretch back to high school, where he served as a School Captain, held volunteer roles, and mentored fellow students on how to be a productive and compassionate leader.”
The Local Hero Award went to Judy Lindsay, whose personal tragedy was transformed into a long-running mission to save lives on local roads.
“Since losing her daughter in a fatal road incident in 2009, Judy has dedicated herself to educating drivers of all ages on road safety and advocating for legislative change,” the mayor said.
“She offers her support to other families who have lost loved ones in road traffic incidents and proactively engages the community in education initiatives aimed at reducing road trauma.
“This includes working closely with CARS (counselling and road trauma support) and presenting at local schools to spread awareness about road safety to youths.”
In total, 16 residents and groups were honoured across eight categories, celebrating contributions ranging from culture and sport to environmental stewardship and community service.
The 2026 honours also recognised Adrian Reavley with a Citizen of the Year Special Commendation, Christopher Gilbert with a Senior Citizen of the Year Special Commendation, Noah Margetts with a Young Citizen of the Year Special Commendation, Kieron Douglass with a Local Hero Special Commendation, joint Community Organisation Awards for Redlands Coast Museum, Rotary Club of Capalaba and Rotary Club of Wellington Point, a Community Organisation Special Commendation for Capalaba District Meals on Wheels, Cultural Awards for Play It Forward Australia Ltd and Redland Sinfonia, a Sports Award for Georgia Harris and Redlands Special Olympics Football, and the Environment and Sustainability Award for Mount Cotton Riders Alliance.
