Redland City’s Citizens of the Year were named last night at the Redland Australian Day Awards 2013 with Jeff Underhill of Capalaba named Citizen of the Year; Angela Black of Birkdale, Young Citizen of the Year; and John Smallwood of Wellington Point, Senior Citizen of the Year.
Redland City Mayor, Karen Williams said Australia Day was a wonderful opportunity to recognise the contributions of great Australians in our own community as well as across the country.
“Great Australians are consistently distinguished by the strength of their personal achievements and their contributions to others in the community.
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“Our Redland Citizens of the Year for 2013 and all award nominees are perfect examples.
“Jeff Underhill, Redland City’s Citizen of the Year for 2013, has generously and selflessly dedicated himself to helping the Redland community.
“In addition to donating his time and his boundless energy to organisations such as the Lions Club and Capalaba PCYC, Jeff devotes five days a week in support of Capalaba Meals on Wheels.
“His personal generosity in support of city charities and community organisations includes substantial contributions to the Lions Drug and Alcohol Awareness Campaign and to a new day respite and community centre at Capalaba.
“Citizens like Jeff do what they do without expectation and it is a privilege to be able to formally acknowledge and thank them for their selfless support on behalf of our community,” Cr Williams said.
“Young Citizen of the Year Angela Black is another inspiring young citizen who has shown empathy, courage and compassion in her young life.
“Angela’s concern and commitment to others has seen her develop a Facebook page, Teens Fighting Against Depression, to help teenagers facing depression.
“In addition to embarking on her own studies and career commitments, Angela’s advocacy on behalf of those experiencing depression and her commitment to volunteering for the Bayside Child and Youth Mental Health Service, proves that the Australian value of mateship is alive and well in our youth,“ Cr Williams said.
“Senior Citizen of the Year John Smallwood has also shown that the great Australian spirit of generosity extends well beyond our own community.
“John’s extraordinary long distance bicycle journeys in Australia and across 6,300 kilometers of the USA have raised vital funds for seriously disabled paraplegics and orphans in Vietnam and for organisations in Australia such as the vision impaired and Redlands Multi Sports Club.
“John has endured storms, rain, fog, freezing cold weather and even being hit by a car in his efforts on behalf of others, both here and overseas.”
Other awards presented on the evening, included the Sports Award to gold medal winning Paralympian Cameron Carr from Wellington Point; Local Hero Award to Peter Tunstall of Sheldon; and the Environment Award to Dr John Moss, of Capalaba.
Full list of winners:
Citizen of the Year Award: Jeff Underhill – Capalaba
Young Citizen of the Year Award: Angela Black – Birkdale
Senior Citizen of the Year Award: John Smallwood – Wellington Point
Community Organisation Award: Here’s To Life Redlands Inc
Local Hero Award: Peter Tunstall – Sheldon
Cultural Award: RedArts
Environment Award: Dr John Moss – Capalaba
Sports Award: Cameron Carr – Wellington Point
