Redland City Council has recognised two residents with links to Redlands Coast who were named on this year’s Australia Day Honours List.
Lieutenant Colonel Robert Cramp (retired) of Alexandra Hills and Aunty Aileen (Merle) Dippel of Wynnum both received a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the General Division.
Acting Mayor Julie Talty recognised their achievement at this week’s General Meeting of Council.
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“Robert Cramp and Aunty Merle join a prestigious list of people who have been recognised with an Australian Honour,” Cr Talty said.
“Both have made outstanding contributions in their chosen fields – Mr Cramp to the sport of shooting and to the community, and Aunty Merle for her service to the Indigenous community in Queensland.
“It is pleasing to see them being recognised for their hard work and dedication in these areas.
“On behalf of Redland City Council, I would like to congratulate them both and thank them for the work they have done to enrich our community.”
Lieutenant Colonel Robert Cramp (Retd)
Robert Cramp received a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the General Division for service to the sport of shooting, and to the community.
He has been a member of Pacific Rifle Club since 2009 and was made a life member in 2014. He was club treasurer for about five years and has been a member of the Electronic Targets Committee since 2014.
He has also been a member of Queensland Rifle Association and its Electronic Targets Committee since 2012. He has held roles as Chair and Deputy Chair of the Association’s Armistice Centenary War Memorial’s Commemorations Committee and chair of the Project Management Team.
He has also volunteered at Lourdes Hill College, Hawthorne and Shorncliffe Primary School; with Antioch Ministry in Queensland; and with the Electoral Commission of Queensland.
He was a player with Redlands Touch Football for about 23 years from 1988 to 2011; and was a referee and member of the Referee’s Committee for about eight years.
He served with the Australian Army within the Royal Corps of Australian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers for 22 years. He has been awarded the Defence Force Service Medal with Clasp and the Australian Defence Medal.
Aunty Aileen (Merle) Dippel
Aunty Merle received a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the General Division for service to the Indigenous community of Queensland.
She was a co-founding member and former board member of Minjerribah-Moorgumpin Elders-in-Council Aboriginal Corporation.
She was also a founding member of the Winnam Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders Corporation, was a board member for 24 years and volunteers at the Corporations’ Georgina Hostel and Aged Care Facility.
She is also a co-founder of Mariners Softball Club, where she is a life member. She was a committee member for almost 30 years, including a former club president.
