Victoria Point resident Colin Sutcliffe OAM has been awarded Citizen of the Year at the 2026 Redlands Coast Australia Day Awards.
Mayor Jos Mitchell said the award recognised Mr Sutcliffe’s dedicated service across education, community service and aged care support.
“Colin has touched thousands of lives across Redlands Coast and remains an active and influential presence in the local community,” the Mayor said.
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“As a leader within Rotary, STAR Community Services and Mangrove Housing, he has championed a range of initiatives aimed at providing support to seniors, families and disadvantaged residents.
“Colin has also held various roles with both state and national education and curriculum bodies and served as Foundation Head of Junior School at Faith Lutheran College Redlands.
“Colin’s leadership is collaborative and compassionate, inspiring others to get involved and give back to their community.”
Senior Citizen of the Year was awarded to Tony Christinson for the key role he has played in the success and growth of the Donald Simpson Community Centre.
“Tony is a hands-on leader and former Board Chair who has given countless volunteer hours to the centre over a number of years,” the Mayor said.
“He has supported everything from daily operations to strategic advocacy, including helping to secure funding for programs aimed at tackling social isolation among older people.
“Tony’s contributions have had a direct impact on thousands of older residents, ensuring they are supported and can remain socially active within their own community.”
Redland City SES member and emerging community leader Malakai Keen was awarded Young Citizen of the Year.
“Malakai’s desire to give back led him to join the Redland City SES Unit in 2023, where he has so far contributed more than 1500 volunteer and operational hours and was involved in the response to Tropical Cyclone Alfred,” the Mayor said.
“He is held in high regard within the SES and received the Brisbane SES Region Young Member of the Year award in 2025 for his exceptional leadership and dedication.
“Malakai’s contributions stretch back to high school, where he served as a School Captain, held volunteer roles, and mentored fellow students on how to be a productive and compassionate leader.”
Local Hero was awarded to Judy Lindsay, who has worked closely with various organisations and Queensland Police over several years to spread road safety messaging in the community.
“Since losing her daughter in a fatal road incident in 2009, Judy has dedicated herself to educating drivers of all ages on road safety and advocating for legislative change,” the Mayor said.
“She offers her support to other families who have lost loved ones in road traffic incidents and proactively engages the community in education initiatives aimed at reducing road trauma.
“This includes working closely with CARS (counselling and road trauma support) and presenting at local schools to spread awareness about road safety to youths.”
A total of 16 residents and groups were awarded accolades across eight award categories at the ceremony.
“All the winners at this year’s Australia Day Awards are deserving of recognition and I thank them for their contributions to making Redlands Coast such a great place to live,” the Mayor said.
Winners of 2026 Redlands Coast Australia Day Awards:
- Citizen of the Year – Colin Sutcliffe, OAM
- Citizen of the Year, Special Commendation – Adrian Reavley
- Senior Citizen of the Year – Tony Christinson
- Senior Citizen of the Year, Special Commendation – Christopher Gilbert
- Young Citizen of the Year – Malakai Keen
- Young Citizen of the Year, Special Commendation – Noah Margetts
- Local Hero Award – Judy Lindsay
- Local Hero Award, Special Commendation – Kieron Douglass
- Community Organisation Award (joint winners) – Redlands Coast Museum, Rotary Club of Capalaba and Rotary Club of Wellington Point
- Community Organisation Award, Special Commendation – Capalaba District Meals on Wheels
- Cultural Award – Play It Forward Australia Ltd
- Cultural Award, Special Commendation – Redland Sinfonia
- Sports Award – Georgia Harris
- Sports Award, Special Commendation – Redlands Special Olympics Football
- Environment and Sustainability Award – Mount Cotton Riders Alliance
Photos from the 2026 ceremony
