Leon Rebello (McPherson, Liberal National Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

When I launched my inaugural McPherson Honours Awards, I did so to recognise the everyday people who make an extraordinary difference in our community—those who volunteer, lead and lend a hand not for praise or recognition but because they understand that an act of kindness, no matter how large or small, can change lives.

This year we received more than 150 nominations from right across the southern Gold Coast. With every nomination, I was blown away by the compassion, generosity and spirit of service that runs so deep through our community. Each story reminded me that the heart of McPherson beats strongest through its people—those who serve not for noise but for impact.

I'd like to place on the record the names of this year's category awardees: Community Organisation of the Year—Tugun Girl Guides, for their valuable programs for girls and young women; Community Safety Award—Trevor Taylor, who runs the Robina neighbourhood watch; Educator of the Year—John Costigan, who has made significant contributions in the area of training and education through the Currumbin Beach Vikings Surf Life Saving Club; Environmental Champion Award—Maria Bonnett from Varsity Lakes, who established Save Our Swans Gold Coast, with over 1,300 community members now caring for the swans of the Gold Coast waterways; Local Hero Award—Wayne Holmes of I Love Robina, a dedicated member of the southern Gold Coast community who helps with several charities and community support initiatives; Service Club of the Year—Currumbin RSL, who represent the gold standard of what community organisation should be; Small Business of the Year—Blackboard Varsity, where Dan, Nicole and the team bring the Varsity community together for some of the best coffee and hash browns on the coast; Employee of the Year—Carly Donkelaar, for her commitment and work ethic at the Lash Spa in Varsity Lakes; Employer of the Year—Melissa Bergen, also from the Lash Spa, who creates an incredibly welcoming environment for her employees and customers; Spirit of McPherson Award—Kath Koch from the Rotary Club of Burleigh Heads, for her work with the Rotary Youth Exchange program; Sporting Club of the Year—Varsity Vipers Basketball, who represent the essence of grassroots sport; Surf Lifesaver of the Year—Will Barwick from Bilinga Surf Life Saving Club, for his positive energy and eagerness to get involved in all aspects of surf lifesaving; Volunteer of the Year—Ian Sarow from the Currumbin Woodwork and Craft Club, which is also known as the Men's Shed; and the Youth Leadership Award—Mia Gillies, who, despite being too young to join, at 13, is a friend of the Lions in Burleigh Heads and volunteers at every opportunity.

Thank you, especially, to the Robina Lions, who put on the great barbecue dinner; local Burleigh business Mr. Consistent, who generously supported the event with their delicious mocktails; and Tarnya Khouri and the McPherson Community Connect team, who volunteered their time and energy. Together we are building a stronger, more connected McPherson—one act of service at a time.