SHARING the joy of her natural born gift has seen Mirusia Louwerse named Citizen of the Year at the 2024 Redlands Coast Australia Day Awards.
Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said Mirusia was a worthy recipient of the award given her extensive volunteer work and contributions to music on Redlands Coast.
“Mirusia has achieved great success in her professional life as a soprano and is well-known in the community for supporting organisations such as Silver Memories and the Redland Foundation,” Cr Williams said.
“She has performed alongside and collaborated with some of the world’s finest entertainers – including The Seekers and André Rieu – and has multiple major awards and accolades to her name.
“Her voluntary live performances at Redlands Coast aged care facilities have brought joy to elderly residents for decades and have left an enduring legacy on the city.
“We are very fortunate to have people like Mirusia enriching the Redlands Coast community.”
“One of her most significant achievements as a recording artist came in 2008 when she won the Platinum Album sales award for ‘André Rieu & Mirusia: Waltzing Matilda’.
“She has made numerous contributions to Redlands Coast as an entertainer during her decorated career, including performing at local events and nurturing young creatives.
Winners of the 2024 Redlands Coast Australia Day Awards
- Citizen of the Year – Mirusia Louwerse, of Cleveland, for her achievements spanning community service, music and business on Redlands Coast.
- Senior Citizen of the Year – Linda Grieve, of Redland Bay, who provides support for disadvantaged residents through The Cage Youth Foundation.
- Senior Citizen of the Year, Highly Commended – Marie Dalton, of Russell Island, who assisted victims of last year’s tragic Russell Island house fires.
- Young Citizen of the Year – Cody Schaeffer, of Cleveland, for his commitment and leadership in helping youths improve their mental health.
- Local Hero Award – Gavin Kugler, of Victoria Point, who has made numerous contributions to Point Lookout Surf Life Saving Club since joining as a Nipper in 1985.
- Local Hero Award, Highly Commended – Paul Suess and Julie Bennell, for assisting thousands of Redlands Coast youths in their role as Cub Scout Leaders.
- Reconciliation Award – Michael Hume, who has helped hundreds of Alexandra Hills State High School Students connect with their culture through dance.
- Community Organisation Award – STAR Community Services, which is dedicated to caring for vulnerable community members and ensuring they can lead independent lives.
- Cultural Award – Jonathon Welch AM, of Thornlands, who has developed inclusive choir programs and held events to support local organisations.
- Sports Award – Scott Wintle, of Wellington Point, who won a gold medal and set a new world record at the 2023 World Disabled Waterski Championships in California.
- Environment and Sustainability Award – Kevin Hughes BM, of Macleay Island, for his efforts to protect Australia’s ecosystem and promote environmental sustainability.
