Redland City Council’s Community Champions Program has been recognised at the 2026 Queensland Volunteering Awards for the positive impact it has within the community.
Acting Mayor and Local Disaster Management Group Deputy Chair, Julie Talty said the program received a certificate of appreciation in the Volunteering Impact (Government Organisation) category during a recent presentation at Brisbane City Hall.
“It was well-deserved recognition for the 63 volunteers Community Champions we currently have on Redlands Coast as well as those Council officers who have managed the program since its inception,” Cr Talty said.
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“The Community Champions Program was developed in response to the Russell Island and Macleay Island fires in 2016 when many residents had to be quickly evacuated, and local action was required to achieve those evacuations.
“In reviewing the response, it was decided that having trained volunteers based on the islands would help speed-up the supply of shelter and care in future emergency situations.
“Community Champions have since come to the help of our community on many occasions, including before, during and after ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred.”
Redlands Coast was represented by six Community Champions at the awards.
Volunteering Queensland said the award was presented in acknowledgement of the “positive, measurable and enduring impact made by an organisation to the community and state of Queensland through a volunteer program that demonstrates best practice in volunteering”.
Community Champions undergo two days of training provided by Queensland Police Service (QPS) and the Australian Red Cross, as well as on-going training and support.
The program is open to volunteers over 18 years and while applicants do not require high standards of physical fitness, those selected should be prepared to confront and manage difficult situations which require compassion and resilience.
To register your interest in becoming a Community Champion, please click on the link to complete the Community Champion Expression of Interest form. For more information please call 3829 8999 or email [email protected].
