Redland City Council has recognised two residents with links to Redlands Coast who were named on this year’s Australia Day Honours List.
Lieutenant Colonel Robert Cramp (retired) of Alexandra Hills and Aunty Aileen (Merle) Dippel of Wynnum were both awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the General Division, acknowledging their significant contributions to sport, community and the Indigenous community of Queensland.
Acting Mayor Julie Talty acknowledged their achievements during this week’s General Meeting of Council.
“Robert Cramp and Aunty Merle join a prestigious list of people who have been recognised with an Australian Honour,” Cr Talty said.
“Both have made outstanding contributions in their chosen fields – Mr Cramp to the sport of shooting and to the community, and Aunty Merle for her service to the Indigenous community in Queensland.
“It is pleasing to see them being recognised for their hard work and dedication in these areas.
“On behalf of Redland City Council, I would like to congratulate them both and thank them for the work they have done to enrich our community.”
Lieutenant Colonel Robert Cramp (Retd)
Lieutenant Colonel Robert Cramp received an OAM in the General Division for service to the sport of shooting and to the community.
A member of Pacific Rifle Club since 2009, Mr Cramp was made a life member in 2014. He served as club treasurer for about five years and has been a member of the Electronic Targets Committee since 2014.
He has also been actively involved with the Queensland Rifle Association since 2012, serving on its Electronic Targets Committee and holding leadership roles including Chair and Deputy Chair of the Association’s Armistice Centenary War Memorial’s Commemorations Committee. He also chaired the Project Management Team.
Beyond shooting, Mr Cramp has volunteered at Lourdes Hill College, Hawthorne and Shorncliffe Primary School, supported Antioch Ministry in Queensland, and volunteered with the Electoral Commission of Queensland.
He was a player with Redlands Touch Football for about 23 years from 1988 to 2011, and later served as a referee and member of the Referee’s Committee for about eight years.
Mr Cramp also served for 22 years in the Australian Army with the Royal Corps of Australian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers. His military service has been recognised with the Defence Force Service Medal with Clasp and the Australian Defence Medal.
Aunty Aileen (Merle) Dippel
Aunty Aileen (Merle) Dippel received an OAM in the General Division for service to the Indigenous community of Queensland.
She was a co-founding member and former board member of Minjerribah-Moorgumpin Elders-in-Council Aboriginal Corporation.
Aunty Merle was also a founding member of the Winnam Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders Corporation, serving as a board member for 24 years and volunteering at the corporation’s Georgina Hostel and Aged Care Facility.
In addition to her community service, she is a co-founder of Mariners Softball Club, where she is a life member. She served on the committee for almost 30 years, including as a former club president.
Through decades of leadership and volunteer service, both honourees have made lasting contributions to their communities, earning recognition on one of the nation’s most prestigious honours lists.
