The City of Moreton Bay has recognised four outstanding locals whose dedication and service have helped strengthen communities and improve lives through the 2026 Australia Day Awards.

Mayor Peter Flannery praised all nominees for the remarkable work they continue to deliver across the City of Moreton Bay, acknowledging the everyday efforts that often go unseen but make a lasting difference.

“The Australia Day Awards are our opportunity to celebrate the locals who go out of their way to support one another and bring our diverse communities together,” Mayor Flannery said.

“Our winners have volunteered their time, offered support and guidance, founded initiatives with lasting impact, and provided dedicated services for the community.”

Meet the 2026 Australia Day Award winners

Citizen of the Year: Chris Paterson

Community leader and dedicated volunteer Chris Paterson has been named Citizen of the Year for his work supporting people living with disability and mental health challenges through his charity, Bamboo Projects.

The initiative provides meaningful employment by engaging people of all abilities to clean up local waterways using accessible boats, while also fostering connection, confidence and purpose.

“The Citizen of the Year award is a fantastic opportunity to recognise Chris Paterson for his charity, Bamboo Projects, which employs people living with a disability or mental health challenges, to clean up local waterways using all-abilities accessible boats,” Mayor Flannery said.

“This is an outstanding example of inclusion in action, providing meaningful work for communities.”

Through the program, Chris and his team have removed more than 80 tonnes of debris from the Pine and Caboolture rivers, restoring waterways while creating inclusive job opportunities.

Mayor’s Community Spirit Award: Jan and Alison Schutt

Husband-and-wife team Jan and Alison Schutt were recognised with a Mayor’s Community Spirit Award for founding Stationery Aid, a grassroots initiative supporting students who struggle to access school supplies.

The program collects, sorts and repackages unused stationery, distributing it to families in need and helping ease financial pressure while improving students’ school experience.

“Alison and Jan have created a lasting impact through their grassroots initiative, Stationery Aid, which has collected, sorted, cleaned and repackaged excess school supplies for more than 2660 students who have difficulty accessing resources,” Mayor Flannery said.

“They have helped provide a more positive school experience for many families in the City of Moreton Bay.”

To date, Stationery Aid has supported students across 185 schools, diverted more than 70 tonnes of waste, and mobilised more than 230 volunteers, with similar initiatives now emerging interstate.

Mayor’s Community Spirit Award: Ronald Aquilina

Long-serving SES volunteer Ronald Aquilina also received a Mayor’s Community Spirit Award, recognising his commitment to community safety and disaster response.

With more than a decade of service across SES and Volunteer Marine Rescue, Ronald has played a key role in coordinating and training flood boat crews and mentoring new volunteers.

“We’re also shining a spotlight on dedicated SES volunteer, Ronald Aquilina, for his outstanding service before, during and after times of disaster,” Mayor Flannery said.

His leadership and hands-on experience have helped strengthen disaster preparedness and response across Queensland and New South Wales.

Moreton Daily congratulates all 2026 Australia Day Award winners and nominees for their contribution to the City of Moreton Bay community.