Logan heroes recognised with Australia Day honours Three of Logan City’s most outstanding residents have been honoured with Australia Day Awards. Long-time Logan resident, Thelma Towers, was named as the city’s 2014 Citizen of the Year. The Young Citizen of the Year Award was presented to Dale White from Waterford and Laurie Koranski from Buccan took home the Mayor’s Spirit of Logan Award. Mayor Pam Parker said the Australia Day Awards recognised the selfless work of Logan’s heroes. “There is a strong sense of community here in Logan and these three award winners symbolise the spirit of our great city,” she said. “A huge number of people make an extraordinary difference in the lives of others through their acts of kindness and generosity but often don’t receive any recognition. “These three people, and every person nominated, help make Logan a great place to live.” These awards are given to those who demonstrate outstanding community values and who are inspirational role models for others. Meadowbrook’s Thelma volunteers for a number of different organisations including the SES, Red Cross and the Justice Department. Thelma also offers her time to assist local police no matter what time of day or night. In 1987 Thelma became Logan City’s own Erin Brockovich as she helped families involved in the toxic waste issue at a site in Kingston. She has also assisted people in Fernvale, Bundaberg, Innisfail and Cairns after the floods and cyclones. “The Citizen of the Year Award acknowledges those extraordinary people in our community who have helped make Logan a thriving and diverse city,” Cr Parker said.
Photo: Australia Day award winners, Laurie Koranski, Thelma Towers and Dale White with Mayor Pam Parker.
The Young Citizen of the Year Award is given to a person under 27 years who has made a noteworthy contribution and strives to be an inspirational role model, demonstrating kindness and generosity for the Logan community. Dale, 25, has built a successful business, Ripple Fitness, to help fight obesity. Dale promotes healthy and active lifestyles through community events, school seminars, bootcamps and personal training sessions. “Dale is extremely generous, not only with his money, but with his talent and time,” Cr Parker said. “He donates profits to the B105 Children’s Christmas Appeal and Make a Wish Foundation, as well as donating his time to support disabled athletes in achieving their goals. “His clients speak highly about the way Dale goes above and beyond to help people achieve their goals. “He’s a great example to other young people of what they can do when they put their mind to it.” The Mayor’s Spirit of Logan Award, selected by the Mayor, acknowledges those who have a big heart and passion for the city and its people.
“The award winners’ selfless deeds have touched the lives of many,” Cr Parker said. Laurie, the Logan Country Chamber of Commerce President, has volunteered with many different community groups and local charities. Her efforts include helping raise more than $250,000 for the Cancer Council as a committee member of the Cancer Council Queensland Jimboomba Branch and Relay for Life Jimboomba. She was also recently appointed as the Chair of Relay for Life Beenleigh. She is also the spokesperson for VETO, the volunteer director for the Logan Country Community Bank Branch of the Bendigo Bank and a member of the Logan Country Safe City Group. She also helped to coordinate the highly successful celebration of the Logan Village Settler’s Day 150 year anniversary. “Laurie was a highly active participant in the Logan City of Choice Summit, advocating for business in the Logan Country region,” Cr Parker said. “Her passion, vision, leadership and drive to succeed make her a role model for many others.” 19