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Years of helping young people, feeding residents in hardship and building local support networks have already put Redcliffe names among Moreton Bay’s community award recipients, with nominations now open for the next round of honours.
Nominations for the 2027 City of Moreton Bay Australia Day Awards close on 31 October 2026. Citizen of the Year and the Mayor’s Community Spirit Award recognise contributions ranging from long-term volunteering and leadership to exceptional work carried out more recently.
Two decades behind a Redcliffe award
Redcliffe charity founder Tracy Lech received a Mayor’s Community Spirit Award in 2025 after more than two decades working with children and young people experiencing disadvantage on the Peninsula.
Lech established Salt No Limits Inc in Redcliffe, developing volunteer-run programs, weekly sport and activities designed to give young people opportunities for social connection and participation. Salt Café also provides training and volunteering opportunities, with profits directed towards youth programs.
Her award followed another Redcliffe recipient two years earlier. Michelle Gilchrist, president of The Breakfast Club Redcliffe, was among three people to receive a Mayor’s Community Spirit Award in 2023.
Gilchrist’s work has centred on supporting people experiencing homelessness and hardship. City documents recorded The Breakfast Club providing about 1,500 free meals each month, while helping people connect with other support services.
The service has since expanded at the Peninsula Support Hub on Oxley Avenue. By August 2026, The Breakfast Club was running five meal services a week as well as providing food hampers, showers and laundry facilities.
River clean-ups lead to top honour
Moreton Bay’s current Citizen of the Year, Chris Paterson, brings a different form of community service to the awards.
Paterson founded Bamboo Projects, which combines waterway clean-ups with employment and support for people living with disability or mental health challenges. The organisation uses accessible boats in its work, while Paterson volunteers more than 30 hours each week mentoring community members. His team has removed more than 80 tonnes of debris from local waterways.
Paterson described receiving the 2026 Citizen of the Year award as a surreal moment and said the acknowledgement showed that people appreciated the work and volunteer hours behind the project.
Two awards recognise different contributions
Citizen of the Year recognises a local resident for outstanding achievement or contribution to the community. The recipient must be an Australian citizen living in the City of Moreton Bay.
The Mayor’s Community Spirit Award recognises significant contributions through service, leadership or community involvement. Recipients do not need to be Australian citizens or City of Moreton Bay residents. Up to three people can receive the award, while one Citizen of the Year is selected.
Nominations for the 2027 Australia Day Awards close on 31 October 2026 and can be lodged through the City of Moreton Bay Australia Day Awards page.
Published 29-Sept-2026
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