2025 Australia Day: Inspiring Redcliffe Resident Awarded OAM for Supporting Special Olympians

A Redcliffe resident has been recognised in the 2025 Australia Day Honours List for her outstanding contribution to the community.



Teresa (Terry) Bourke received an Order of Australia Medal (OAM) for her service to swimming as a coach and to people with a disability.

Terry has dedicated 27 years to coaching Special Olympians, increasing her voluntary commitment to four days a week after retiring from her nursing career.  She has been an integral part of the Redcliffe swimming community, coaching and competing with the Redcliffe Peninsula Masters for over 20 years.

She serves as a committee member and volunteer coach at the Moreton North Special Olympics Club and Redcliffe City High-Performance Centre.

Terry’s passion for swimming and helping others has been a constant throughout her life.  After moving to Redcliffe in 1981, she continued her involvement in swimming while working as a nurse at Redcliffe Hospital for 25 years.  Her dedication to Special Olympics grew when her grandson was born with Down syndrome, inspiring her to obtain coaching qualifications and dedicate even more time to supporting athletes with disabilities.

Terry’s commitment extends beyond Redcliffe. She has held positions with Down Syndrome Swimming Australia and served as the Special Olympics Queensland Head Coach in 2022.  She is also a dedicated volunteer with The Breakfast Club in Redcliffe, demonstrating her ongoing commitment to community service.



Despite her significant contributions, Terry was surprised to learn of her OAM nomination. She initially overlooked the email notification, which highlighted her humble nature and focused on her passion for coaching and supporting her swimmers. She expressed gratitude for the recognition and emphasised the positive impact coaching has on the athletes and their families.

Published Date 29-Jan-2025