Australia Day Awards 2023

homelessness or in need. But more importantly Michelle brings a sense of community and inclusion to the guests of The Breakfast Club by providing a welcoming and safe place for people to develop friendships and connect with support services. For more information: https:// thebreakfastclubredcliffe.org. au/

• Laurence

Christie established the Mango Hill Progress Association which he has helmed for the last 37 years. He has become the voice of the Mango Hill community. He raises issues to all levels of government to improve the local area and benefit the growing population as well as the influx of many young families in the area. During the February floods last year, he stepped up as a local champion and embodied true community spirit, driving the clean-up, providing regular reports on the ground back to Council, ensuring his the community had a voice, and getting the assistance they needed. He even organised food donations and vouchers to assist families who were affected by the disaster. For more information https:// www.mangohillprogress.org/

• Kevin Couch or ‘Kevvy’ as he’s known around Albany Creek is a resident social butterfly who’s young at heart and ahead of the times. In fact, during COVID he began walking twice a day and took the time to chat to those he met along the way. He soon become a bright spot through those difficult times for many locals, making Kevvy and 'Kevs Walking Friends’ quite famous and well-loved in the area. Recognising the need for social connection through the pandemic, Kev’s walking group concept evolved into a formal community meet-up. He now hosts a morning tea every public holiday in the local park, which has become a huge hit. He hand delivers invitations to 150 houses and he had 100 guests at his last picnic.

Wednesday 4th January 2023, we had a very quick visit from Jamie King from the RNLI who is the Area Lifesaving Manager Lincolnshire UK. Dave Paylor and Keith Williams from VMRAQ have been showing Jamie around several squadrons in the Southeast highlighting their operations. Jamie met with several members of the Management Committee, Commodore Ces Luscombe, Vice Commodore Wayne Sclater, Secretary Gary Voss, and Committee Members Mike Looney and Radio Officer Peter McNamara. Mr King was given a tour of the Radio Room, Base facilities, and quick trip on Bribie One.

On Friday 6th January 2023, VMR Bribie Commodore Ces Luscombe hosted a full day visit from some members of the Marine Rescue Implementation Program. The purpose of the visit was a fact-finding mission to build up a picture of the Squadron facilities, equipment, and infrastructure. All VMR and Coast Guard Squadrons will be visited by The Marine Implementation Team over the coming months, this will help to ensure the Transition approach is appropriate; accurate baseline information about existing units is critical, especially in regard to forming safety, compliance, and capital uplift requirements.