A community advocate with a particular interest in supporting women and young people has been named Citizen of the Year at the 2025 Redlands Coast Australia Day Awards.
Redland City Mayor Jos Mitchell said Sandy Smith was a very worthy recipient through her involvement with the National Council of Women of Queensland (NCWQ) and long association with Quota International.
“Sandy’s service to our community includes her advocacy for an Angel’s Corner in the Redlands, a peaceful place for those impacted by domestic and family violence, and regular deliveries of toiletry bags to the local women’s refuge and mental health unit at Redland Hospital,” the Mayor said.
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“In her current role as NCWQ president, Sandy established a new advocacy hub to represent the views of women in government policy making.
“She has also been instrumental in raising money for ovarian cancer research, collecting donations for Share the Dignity and coordinating Quota care packs for cancer patients.
“Redlands Coast is very fortunate to have people such as Sandy who are making a real difference in our community.”
Jacky Burkett received a Highly Commended award in the Citizen of the Year category for her volunteering work on Redlands Coast over many years.
“Jacky is passionate about improving the lives of those in our community who have been impacted by domestic and family violence,” the Mayor said.
“She has volunteered with organisations such as Soroptimist International, Maybanke Accommodation and Crisis Support Management Committee and the Diner en Rouge committee.”
Another long-time community volunteer, Patricia Ponting, was named Senior Citizen of the Year.
“Patricia has been volunteering for more than 20 years with a wide range of organisations such as Animal Welfare League, Bay Islanders Community Services, Meals on Wheels, Macleay Island State School, Holy Spirit Church and University of the Third Age,” the Mayor said.
“Many local residents may also have spotted Patricia in various musicals and choirs or at Redland Bay nursing homes, where she has been performing for about 28 years.”
Young Citizen of the Year was awarded to Theo Horvatic for his support of vulnerable children and foster families through fundraising for Anglicare Southern Queensland.
“Theo is only nine but is already making an impact in the community, not only raising funds to support respite camps for foster children and their carers, but also raising awareness of the challenges they face,” the Mayor said.
“All the winners at this year’s Australia Day Awards are deserving of recognition and I thank them for their contributions and for giving their time to help make Redlands Coast such a great place to live.”
Winners of 2025 Redlands Coast Australia Day Awards:
- Citizen of the Year – Sandy Smith, Alexandra Hills
- Citizen of the Year, Highly Commended – Jacky Burkett, Wynnum
- Senior Citizen of the Year – Patricia Ponting, Macleay Island
- Young Citizen of the Year – Theo Horvatic, Thornlands
- Local Hero Award – John Bullion, Birkdale
- Reconciliation Award – Robert Plummer, Cleveland
- Community Organisation Award (joint winners) – Cancer Council Queensland, Redlands Volunteer Branch, Mount Cotton and Donald Simpson Community Centre, Cleveland
- Cultural Award – Louise Brannon, Victoria Point
- Sports Award – North Stradbroke Island Rugby League and Allsports Club Inc, Dunwich
- Environment and Sustainability Award – Pauly Debono, Dunwich
Photos from the awards ceremony will be published online at redland.qld.gov.au/awards
Here is an overview of the 2025 award recipients:
Citizen of the Year
Sandy Smith
Sandy is president of the National Council of Women of Queensland (NCWQ) and has a long association with Quota International, a community group dedicated to helping women, children and those with hearing loss. Sandy’s service to our community includes her advocacy for an Angel’s Corner in the Redlands, a peaceful place for those affected by domestic and family violence. She also coordinated regular deliveries of toiletry bags to the local women’s refuge and mental health unit at Redland Hospital. Sandy established a new advocacy hub to represent the views of women in government policy making, and has also been instrumental in raising money for ovarian cancer research, collecting donations for Share the Dignity and coordinating Quota care packs for cancer patients.
Citizen of the Year, Highly Commended
Jacky Burkett
Jacky has been a dedicated volunteer with various local organisations over many years living on Redlands Coast. These include Soroptimist International, Maybanke Accommodation and Crisis Support Management Committee, RedArts and the Diner en Rouge committee. She is passionate about improving the lives of those who have been impacted by domestic and family violence. Jacky’s commitment in the voluntary position of president of Maybanke Accommodation and Crisis Support Service Management Committee, and through Soroptimist International Bayside, has been fundamental to the welfare of women and children in our community.
Senior Citizen of the Year
Patricia Ponting
Patricia has been a significant community leader and volunteer for many organisations for more than 20 years, including the seniors group Bloomers, Animal Welfare League, Bay Islanders Community Services, Redland District Committee on the Ageing, Meals on Wheels, Neighbourhood Watch, Macleay Island State School, Holy Spirit Church and U3A. Patricia is known for her acting and singing skills and has performed in many musicals and with various choirs. She has sung, acted and entertained at Redland Bay nursing homes since 1996. Patricia is open to helping anyone who needs care and assistance, and her strong leadership continues to inspire and benefit others.
Young Citizen of the Year
Theo Horvatic
Theo has shown leadership and a commitment to supporting vulnerable children and foster families through his fundraising efforts for Anglicare Southern Queensland. During the past two years, the nine-year-old has raised more than $2300 for Anglicare, directly supporting respite camps for foster children and their carers. Theo has secured support from local businesses for his cause, designed and distributed posters to encourage donations and community involvement, baked cookies as tokens of gratitude to donors and inspired family, friends and community members to join his efforts. Theo’s actions have raised awareness about the challenges faced by foster children and their carers, while his determination and compassion inspire others to make a difference.
Local Hero Award
John Bullion
John has been a champion of the Birkdale State School community for more than 40 years. He is a past parent and grandparent of the school, School P&C executive member, 75th Anniversary and Centenary Anniversary Convenor, general volunteer and, more recently, voluntary school historian. Due to John’s hard work and dedication, the school has one of the most complete histories of any school on Redlands Coast. John also volunteers at musical, artistic, cultural and sporting events and his assistance, counsel and knowledge has been an inspiration to many students, staff and community members.
Reconciliation Award
Robert Plummer
Robert is an award-winning PhD scholar at QUT in the area of governance of Reconciliation Action Plans. Since retiring, he provides pro bono governance support to three organisations, including Redland City Council, and is a former board member and treasurer of Reconciliation Queensland. He has helped guide the development of Redland City Councill’s reconciliation initiatives, providing expertise on the Reconciliation Australia Reconciliation Action Plan process, along with guidance on how he has developed plans for other organisations.
Community Organisation Award (joint winners)
Cancer Council Queensland, Redlands Volunteer Branch
The Redlands branch is a dedicated community group committed to supporting cancer research, prevention and patient care. The branch organises several key fundraising events each year and is one of Queensland’s top fundraising branches, with the $100,000-plus raised each year going directly to initiatives that make a difference in people’s lives. This includes research projects aimed at improving cancer treatments and outcomes, support services such as accommodation and transportation for regional patients undergoing treatment, and programs that focus on cancer prevention through healthy lifestyle education.
Donald Simpson Community Centre
The Donald Simpson Community Centre in Cleveland has been a cornerstone of community engagement and service since its establishment in 1987. It is a vital hub for seniors and the broader community, offering an array of activities and special events that enrich the lives of its members and promote social interaction and well-being. About 140 volunteers support its operations, which also includes providing assistance for people in need. The centre stands out for its commitment to community service, diverse programming, strong volunteer base and significant impact on the lives of its more than 2000 members.
Cultural Award
Louise Brannon
Louise has been an integral member of Redland Rhapsody Chorus for 29 years and played a crucial role in the chorus becoming affiliated with Sweet Adelines International, an organisation dedicated to promoting excellence in female a cappella/barbershop singing. She was appointed director in 2017. Last year, Redland Rhapsody Chorus became the first Queensland chorus to win the Sweet Adelines International–Southern Cross Region 34 competition, earning the opportunity to compete at the international competition in Ohio in October 2025. Under her guidance, the group has experienced growth in numerous aspects, including membership, and regularly conducts performances in aged and disability care facilities and for local community organisations, as well as educational workshops.
Sports Award
North Stradbroke Island Rugby League and Allsports Club Inc
This community-based club at a popular tourist destination provides a great facility and focal point for the local community and surrounding Redlands Coast district. The club was instrumental in rebuilding people’s confidence to reconnect with activities post-COVID. The hard work and commitment of its volunteers has led to an almost 200 per cent increase in junior participation, along with increased community membership. The club has also been recognised by the Queensland and Brisbane rugby leagues for sportsmanship. The club has shown it is there for all islanders and plays an important role in raising local self-esteem, especially among young island residents.
Environment and Sustainability Award
Pauly Debono
Pauly has spent much of the past 25 years rescuing and working with wildlife. As head rescuer for Wildlife Rescue Minjerribah, he helps rescue and attend to injured animals across the island, and find carers for orphans. The former gamekeeper and zookeeper has a wealth of experience and knowledge from his work with wildlife and through the partnerships and associations built with wildlife organisations and local veterinarians, as well as community and government organisations. He is a role model and mentor to many in the community who aspire to connect with and protect the island’s wildlife.
