Lockyer Valley awards its finest citizens
Respected community members Lawrie and Marjory Johansen received the joint honour of being named 2017 Lockyer Valley Citizens of the Year.
The couple moved to Gatton in 1996 and over the past 20 years has committed their time and energy to the betterment of the Lockyer Valley.
Lockyer Valley Regional Council Mayor Tanya Milligan said the Johansen's were worthy winners.
Marj is the current President of the Lions Club of Gatton and is an active volunteer of the St Albans Anglican Church, where she not only organises catering but plays an integral role in the Messy Church.
Lawrie has devoted 37 years to the Lions Club, including serving as President. He was awarded Zone Chairman of the Year for his exemplary service in his term of office in the Cabinet of District 201Q3, which included 77 clubs at that time.
Lawrie is also is a volunteer for the Messy Church and an integral member of the St Albans Anglican Church, where he serves as Priest's Warden, liturgical assistant and provides administrative support.
They are a formidable team and we're lucky they call the Lockyer Valley home, Mayor Milligan said.
The couple received their Award at the official Australia Day ceremony held this morning at the Lockyer Valley Cultural Centre.
Ula Binggeli received the 2017 Australia Day Mayoral Award.
An avid lover of art, Ula opens her house each week to a group of individuals to explore their various types of art.
Ula is accomplished in pastels, sketching, oils, acrylics and collage but continues to attend other artists' workshops in order to improve her own skills.
Her contribution to the arts in the Valley has not gone unnoticed and makes her a worthy recipient, Mayor Milligan said.
The Lockyer Valley Australia Day Ambassador for 2017, Mr. Tim Fairfax AC spoke to the crowd about his connection with regional Queensland.
As the founder of the Tim Fairfax AC Family Foundation, he has gifted more than $16 million since 2008 to community-based arts, music and sporting projects in regional Australia. He is also a supporter of The Ekka and is Chancellor of the Queensland University of Technology, which promotes higher educational opportunities, particularly to students in struggling rural communities.
To have such a generous and humble man be a part of our celebrations was truly special, Mayor Milligan said.
Lockyer Valley Australia Day Award Winners are:
Junior Sports Award - Claire Keefer
Senior Sports Award - Narelle Falkenhagen
Sporting or Community Group of the Year - Lockyer Valley Growers Inc.
Arts and Cultural Award - Lockyer Valley's Something to Sing About Choir
Community Event of the Year - Chrome and Clutter Retro Festival
Volunteer of the Year - Patricia Sutton, Sylvia Higgins, June Evans, Thelma McLucas.
Mayor's Award - Ula Binggeli
Young Citizen of the Year - Elsa Matthias
Citizen of the Year - Lawrie and Marjory Johansen
