Volunteers, mentors and community leaders making a difference around Newport could join a growing list of Peninsula residents recognised for their service, with nominations open for Moreton Bay’s 2027 Australia Day Awards.
Nominations close on 31 October 2026 for two categories, Citizen of the Year and the Mayor’s Community Spirit Award. Contributions can span years of service or more recent work that has made an exceptional impact.
Peninsula service earns recognition
The Redcliffe Peninsula has produced previous recipients whose work has ranged from supporting people experiencing hardship to creating opportunities for young people.
Michelle Gilchrist, president of The Breakfast Club Redcliffe, received a Mayor’s Community Spirit Award in 2023 for her work supporting people experiencing homelessness and hardship. At the time, the organisation was providing more than 1,500 free meals a month, alongside practical assistance and connections to other services.
Two years later, Tracy Lech, founder of Redcliffe-based Salt No Limits, received the same award after more than two decades of work with children and young people. Her organisation has used sport, activities, mentoring and volunteering to support young people facing disadvantage.
The awards have also recognised service elsewhere on the Peninsula. Peter Dutton of Clontarf received a Mayor’s Community Spirit Award in 2024 for decades of volunteering across local organisations, including the Redcliffe Musical Theatre, Redcliffe Show Society and Redcliffe Hospital Auxiliary.
Waterway work takes top honour
Moreton Bay’s current Citizen of the Year, Chris Paterson, was recognised in 2026 for work combining environmental clean-ups with opportunities for people living with disability or mental health challenges.
Paterson founded Bamboo Projects, which uses accessible boats to involve people with disability in cleaning local waterways. His team has removed more than 80 tonnes of debris, while Paterson contributes more than 30 hours of volunteer work each week mentoring people in the community.
Paterson described receiving the Citizen of the Year award as a surreal moment. He said the recognition provided reassurance that the work was heading in the right direction and acknowledged the hours contributed by volunteers.
Two awards open the field
Citizen of the Year recognises outstanding achievement or contribution by a local resident. The recipient must be an Australian citizen living in the City of Moreton Bay.
The Mayor’s Community Spirit Award recognises significant contributions through service, leadership or community involvement. Recipients do not need to be Australian citizens or residents of the City of Moreton Bay, widening the field to people whose work benefits the community regardless of where they live.
Nominations for the 2027 Australia Day Awards close on 31 October 2026 and can be submitted through the City of Moreton Bay Australia Day Awards page.
Published 29-Sept-2026
