Birkdale resident Beryl Sutcliffe, who received a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the Queen’s Birthday Honours 2022 for service to community and to education, was recognised during today’s General Meeting.
Mayor Karen Williams said this was the second major award Beryl had received this year, having also been named the Redlands Coast Senior Citizen of the Year in Redland City Council’s awards in January.
“Beryl is one of 51 Queenslanders who were awarded an OAM in this year’s Queen’s Birthday Honours, and I congratulate her on receiving this Honour for her well-known commitment to the community,” Cr Williams said.
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“I’m delighted she’s been recognised for her hard work and dedication undertaking volunteering work for groups, including the Country Women’s Association in Peachester and Westmar before moving to Redlands, plus Rotary Club of Capalaba, North Redlands Probus Club and University of the Third Age (U3A) Redlands over many years.
“Beryl has generously provided a huge amount of time and effort supporting these groups, and has also been acknowledged by Sister Moira and the Carmelite community for the tours and special events she organises to support Historic Ormiston House.
“People like Beryl are an inspiration to us all.”
Division 10 Councillor Paul Bishop also thanked Beryl for her extraordinary community service, saying her care and concern for the welfare of others had helped many senior residents overcome social isolation.
“Beryl’s work has helped the groups for which she volunteers provide education, engagement and important social connections for members, positively affecting their mental health and wellbeing,” he said.
“Her contribution to our city is greatly appreciated.
“Both Beryl and her husband Col provide the wind beneath many wings within our community.
“We are delighted with this news.”
Beryl said receiving the honour was exciting and although it was great to be acknowledged, she didn’t do it for the accolades.
“I feel it’s something a lot of people deserve, but don’t get the opportunity to be recognised,” she said.
“My mother was a role model – she did a lot of things for the community, and I believe getting involved broadens your mind and keeps your body active.
“My husband and I moved around the State a lot when we were younger because of our work, and getting involved in community groups was a great way to get to know people and create that community connection.
“I think my most interesting and challenging volunteer role to date has been as a local committee member with U3A – it’s really made me appreciate how much work goes into providing activities for seniors.”
Beryl was previously recognised as a Redlands Coast Inspiring Senior in 2019, and has further been awarded two Paul Haris Fellows by Capalaba Rotary and the Bev Allsop Award for Community Service.
A complete list of the 2022 Queen’s Birthday Honours recipients is available on the Governor-General’s website at www.gg.gov.au.
Background
Since moving to Redlands in 1996, Beryl Sutcliffe’s work has included:
- sitting on the Branch Management Committee of U3A as a committee member, tutor liaison officer, secretary and publicity officer
- volunteering as a welfare officer with North Redlands Probus Club, visiting hospitals and sending cards to support members
- volunteering at the Redlands Coast Blues Fest and bi-annual Bookfest and providing Christmas gift-wrapping services to help raise funds for Capalaba Rotary Club
- travelling to India with Rotary in 2015 with her husband Colin to assist with polio immunisation in a small village
Before moving to Redlands, Beryl was involved with:
- the CWA in Peachester and Westmar
- the Arts Council in Aramac and Maleny
- Parents and Citizens Associations at Aramac, in Townsville West and Maleny
