Four outstanding Redlanders who received Australia Day Honours this year were recognised during today’s General Meeting for their outstanding contribution to the Redlands community.
The residents were recognised at a special morning tea with Redland City Councillors before being presented with flowers and special certificates on behalf of the city.
Redland City CEO Bill Lyon said the dedication of local residents played a vital role in the fabric of the local community.
“These residents are an example of the selflessness and dedication that exists across the city,” he said.
“Being recognised and appreciated by your local community is one thing, but to be named in the annual Australia Day honours is a fantastic achievement that these residents should be very proud of.”
During the presentations each recipient was recognised for their contribution to the city.
Dr Ross Dunn from Birkdale; Member of the Order of Australia (AM):
Dr Dunn was recognised for his significant service to dentistry as a clinician, to public dental health initiatives in developing countries, and to professional organisations.
A dental practitioner since 1976, and owner of Complete Dental Wynnum until 2010, Dr Dunn is currently establishing a public dental health service in Timor Leste.
Since 1995, he has volunteered his time and professional expertise to a number of NGO-sponsored dental missions in outback Australia, Bangladesh, Cambodia and Africa.
Mervyn Reid, from Thornlands; Medal of the Order of Australia recipient (OAM):
Mr Reid was recognised for service to veterans and their families, including helping veterans at Greenslopes Private Hospital over the past 20 years through a number of organisations.
He is an active member of the Redlands Sub-branch of the RSL and the Veterans Advisory Board of the South Eastern District of the Queensland branch of the RSL.
He is also president of the Airfield Defence Guard Association and has been involved with the Brisbane ANZAC Day Planning Committee for many years.
Stathis E Efstathis of Raby Bay, Medal of the Order of Australia recipient (OAM):
Mr Efstathis received his medal in recognition of his extensive service to the Greek community of Queensland over many years.
As a member of a number of community organisations over the past 50 years, Mr Efstathis has served in a host of executive positions, which has earned him life membership with:
- Greek Orthodox Community of St George, Brisbane
- Kastellorizan Association of Queensland
- Greek Orthodox Youth Association
He was instrumental in establishing the Victoria Point Community Bank Branch of Bendigo Bank in 2004 and also served as Honorary Chairman of the Pelican’s Nest Shopping Centre Body Corporate, Victoria Point, for 15 years.
George Hill from Point Lookout, Medal of the Order of Australia recipient (OAM):
The city’s fourth Australia Day Honour was an Emergency Services Medal for career surf lifesaver George Hill, who was unable to present at today’s meeting.
Mr Hill commenced as a cadet surf lifesaver in 1979 and is a life member of the Point Lookout Surf Life Saving Club, where he has served two terms as Honorary President.
With more than 1300 hours of voluntary beach patrol to his name, Mr Hill was instrumental in the introduction of unmanned aerial vehicles patrolling some beaches in Queensland.