Henry Pike (Bowman, Liberal National Party) Share this | Hansard source

Australia Day holds a special place in the heart of the people of my electorate. In the Redlands, we celebrate our national day unashamedly and with immense pride. This year was no exception. Across the Redlands, families came together to mark what it means to live in the greatest country on earth.

In Cleveland I had the privilege of being part of a wonderful citizenship ceremony where around 150 new Australians formally joined our national family. At Raby Bay I hosted a massive community barbecue. We had so many turn out that we had to send out multiple times for more sausages, and we couldn't keep up with the demand from local patriots celebrating with family and friends. It was Australian flags everywhere along the bayside beaches and kids running around in green and gold. It was relaxed and joyful. It was Redlands on Australia Day, unmistakably.

But Australia Day is also a time to recognise service. Redland City Council did exactly that through the 2026 Redlands Coast Australia Day Awards, which honoured locals who give freely of their time, energy and expertise to make our community even stronger. Sixteen individuals and organisations were recognised across eight categories. Together, they represent the very best of my community.

Senior Citizen of the Year Tony Christinson has been instrumental in the growth and success of the Donald Simpson Centre in Cleveland over many years. Tony has given countless volunteer hours as a board member and former chair, strengthening governance, improving facilities and expanding programs that combat social isolation amongst older Redlanders.

Young Citizen of the Year Malakai Keen is an outstanding example of the next generation of community leaders coming through. With more than 1,500 hours of service in the Redlands SES, Malakai has demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to service, responsibility and community safety well beyond his years.

Community organisations acknowledged include Redlands Coast Museum, the Rotary clubs of Capalaba and Wellington Point, Play It Forward and the Mt Cotton Riders Alliance. They each, in their own way, strengthen our community and reflect the values we celebrate on Australia Day.

Finally, I want to pay tribute to the Redlands Citizen of the Year, Col Sutcliffe OAM. Col's service spans decades and touches almost every part of community life in the Redlands. Through his leadership with Rotary, STAR Community Services and Mangrove Housing, Col has championed literacy, inclusion, aged-care services and affordable housing for some of our most vulnerable residents. He also did a wonderful job last year helping to organise our Victory in the Pacific celebrations, which hold very large local significance for the Redlands as the place where the first messages of Japanese surrender came to Australia and were passed on to Allied headquarters.

Australia Day in the Redlands is about celebrating service and belonging, and this year, once again, Redlanders showed exactly that.

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