Mayor Jos Mitchell and Sandy Smith, Citizen of the Year. Photos: Supplied.
A community advocate with a particular interest in supporting women and young people has been named Citizen of the Year at the 2025 Redlands Coast Australia Day Awards.
Redland City Mayor Jos Mitchell said Sandy Smith was a very worthy recipient through her involvement with the National Council of Women of Queensland (NCWQ) and long association with Quota International.
“Sandy’s service to our community includes her advocacy for an Angel’s Corner in the Redlands, a peaceful place for those impacted by domestic and family violence, and regular deliveries of toiletry bags to the local women’s refuge and mental health unit at Redland Hospital,” the Mayor said.
“In her current role as NCWQ president, Sandy established a new advocacy hub to represent the views of women in government policy making.
“She has also been instrumental in raising money for ovarian cancer research, collecting donations for Share the Dignity and coordinating Quota care packs for cancer patients.
“Redlands Coast is very fortunate to have people such as Sandy who are making a real difference in our community.”
Jacky Burkett received a Highly Commended award in the Citizen of the Year category for her volunteering work on Redlands Coast over many years.
“Jacky is passionate about improving the lives of those in our community who have been impacted by domestic and family violence,” the Mayor said.
“She has volunteered with organisations such as Soroptimist International, Maybanke Accommodation and Crisis Support Management Committee and the Diner en Rouge committee.”
Another long-time community volunteer, Patricia Ponting, was named Senior Citizen of the Year.
“Patricia has been volunteering for more than 20 years with a wide range of organisations such as Animal Welfare League, Bay Islanders Community Services, Meals on Wheels, Macleay Island State School, Holy Spirit Church and University of the Third Age,” the Mayor said.
“Many local residents may also have spotted Patricia in various musicals and choirs or at Redland Bay nursing homes, where she has been performing for about 28 years.”
Young Citizen of the Year was awarded to Theo Horvatic for his support of vulnerable children and foster families through fundraising for Anglicare Southern Queensland.
“Theo is only nine but is already making an impact in the community, not only raising funds to support respite camps for foster children and their carers, but also raising awareness of the challenges they face,” the Mayor said.
“All the winners at this year’s Australia Day Awards are deserving of recognition and I thank them for their contributions and for giving their time to help make Redlands Coast such a great place to live.”
Winners of 2025 Redlands Coast Australia Day Awards:
- Citizen of the Year – Sandy Smith, Alexandra Hills
- Citizen of the Year, Highly Commended – Jacky Burkett, Wynnum
- Senior Citizen of the Year – Patricia Ponting, Macleay Island
- Young Citizen of the Year – Theo Horvatic, Thornlands
- Local Hero Award – John Bullion, Birkdale
- Reconciliation Award – Robert Plummer, Cleveland
- Community Organisation Award (joint winners) – Cancer Council Queensland, Redlands Volunteer Branch, Mount Cotton and Donald Simpson Community Centre, Cleveland
- Cultural Award – Louise Brannon, Victoria Point
- Sports Award – North Stradbroke Island Rugby League and Allsports Club Inc, Dunwich
- Environment and Sustainability Award – Pauly Debono, Dunwich
Photos from the awards ceremony will be published online at redland.qld.gov.au/awards
