The ceremony, usually held earlier in the year, was postponed due to COVID-19 and took place in a limited capacity on Sunday 29 November 2020.

“This year has been tough for many people in our community, which is why I was so pleased to be able to recognise the local heroes who give so much to Griffith,” Ms Butler said.

This year’s Griffith Australia Day Awards recipients were commended by Ms Butler for their extraordinary contribution through their voluntary work with the Southside community.

“These are the unsung heroes of the Southside who work hard for our community every day,” Ms Butler said.

“They ask for no recognition, and they work incredibly hard to make our community a better place.

“They know firsthand how tough it has been for members of our community, which is why it was so nice to be able to give something back to them.

The Griffith Australia Day Awards recognise volunteers who perform extraordinary or outstanding voluntary work in the Griffith electorate.

Categories for selection range from:
•         Community, educational, or cultural
•         Sports and recreation
•         Arts
•         Young contributors; and
•         Small business

Volunteers were nominated by locals from our community who wanted these hard-working individuals acknowledged for their tremendous efforts. A committee then selected the recipients.

The 2020 Griffith Australia Day Recipients included:

Darren Godwell  -  Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Service and West End Community Association
Suzanne Bosanquet – The Gabba Business Association
Kerry Schilling – Kerry’s Wildlife Rescue and Care
The South Brisbane Men’s Shed Founding Executive
John Evans OAM – SCRUB Catchment Care Group and B4C
Greg Kerswell – Bulimba Book Club
Constantine Drozdovskii – Russian Community
Brian and Margaret Besgrove – National Servicemen’s RSL Sub Branch
Carolyn Robinson – Beyond DV
Jak McPhail – Greenslopes State School
Alison and Robert Coombs - 4MBS Classic FM
Wendy Tyson - 4MBS Classic FM
Noela Billington - 4MBS Classic FM
Barbara Clarke – Achilles Brisbane Inc.
Mark Delbridge – Coorparoo Bowls Club
Nera Komaric – World Wellness Group
Leanne Cameron – Cannon Hill Kindergarten
Aileen Patterson - Cannon Hill 60 and Better Association Inc.    
Shirley Neander - Cannon Hill School of Arts Association Inc.   
Jenny Purnell – Cannon Hill 60 and Better Association Inc.
Michael Spragg – Carina JRLFC
Jessica Gregg – Carina JRLFC
Jill Lane – Belmont Services Ladies Bowling Club Inc.
Mary Lehn – Carina Senior Citizens Club Inc.

“I thank the community committee, Chaired by Mr Craig Bowen OAM, and joined by Mr Pat Atkinson and Ms Jo Culshaw who worked diligently in assessing applicants and selecting recipients.”

Ms Butler is now seeking nominations for next years’ awards, the 22^nd Griffith Australia Day Awards.

MONDAY, 30 NOVEMBER 2020