I rise to congratulate the winners of the second annual McPherson Honours. This year our theme was our community's quiet achievers, and I'd like to name them for the record.

Educator of the Year Alan Dick has inspired generations through 48 years of teaching at St Augustine's. For years, Community Safety Award recipient Sue Abele has kept students and families safe at the St Augustine's Galleon Way Crossing as well. Environmental Champion Tom Pasley established Palm Beach Currumbin State High School's sustainability program, introducing recycling and composting. Volunteer of the Year Jeffrey Weber has given 25 years as a justice of the peace, including extended signing sessions at The Pines in Elanora. The Youth Leadership Award recipient, Pippa Bell, a Nipper captain at Coolangatta Surf Life Saving Club, contributed over 52 patrol hours during the season. Local Hero of the Year award recipient Nicholas Scott helps young performers build confidence as chairman of the Gold Coast Eisteddfod. The Sporting Club of the Year, Burleigh Barbell Club, builds confidence and resilience through weightlifting. The club helps young athletes reach state and national success while maintaining a supportive community culture.

Our surf lifesaving clubs are very much at the heart of what we do on the Gold Coast, and Pacific Surf Life Saving Club took out Surf Life Saving Club of the Year. It helps children needing extra support through its Confidence Club. The Service Club of the Year, the Country Women's Association of Coolangatta, supplies essential services and essential goods to domestic violence refuges and people who are experiencing homelessness in our community. Community Organisation of the Year Walk With Us and the team, led by Nikki Luke, provide meals, clothing and essentials to people facing hardship. Employee of the Year Mathew Bell makes music achievable and enjoyable for students of all ages at the Currumbin Rhythm Music School. And Small Business of the Year GCIT supports many organisations including the Currumbin Wildlife Hospital, Cancer Council Queensland, Animal Welfare League Queensland, the Starlight Children's Foundation and veterans through the Currumbin RSL Mateship Run. Spirit of McPherson recipient Father Harry Reuss has provided pastoral care for over 15 years as St John Ambulance Queensland's senior chaplain.

I thank Ken Clark OAM, Leeanne Cohens and the committee who helped me decide who was worthy to receive acknowledgement. I also thank our emcee, Al Dobie from Triple M Gold Coast, the Currumbin Rhythm Music School's performers, who provided the entertainment, Mr Consistent, who provided the refreshing mocktails once again, the Lions Club of Robina and the McPherson Community Connect. To every nominee, finalist, sponsor, volunteer, family and friend, thank you. McPherson is special not simply because of where we live but because of who we are.