Australia is the greatest nation on earth and we celebrate it on Australia Day.
I’m delighted that Dylan Alcott has been named Australian of the Year. He’s an amazing Australian who brings people together.
A big congratulations also goes to Sunshine Coast recipients of this year’s Australia Day Awards: Kaylee McKeown OAM, Debra Knight OAM, Robert Reid AM, Peter Ellis OAM, Margaret Thorsborne OAM, Susan Davis OAM, James McClelland OAM, Benjamin Hance OAM and Caroline Hutchinson OAM. Congratulations and thank you for your service.
| It was an honour to speak at a Citizenship Ceremony held in Maroochydore on Australia Day and to welcome our newest citizens to our Australian family. Our country is stronger thanks to these wonderful people jointing our ranks, each of whom can now write their own chapter in our nation’s history. |
I also want to acknowledge the outstanding residents of Coolum Beach who were officially recognised for their contributions to the local community. Their generosity and service is being rightly recognised.
Congratulations to Jessica Appel: Volunteer of the Year; Fay Beutel: Citizen of the Year; Logan Pieters: Young Person of the Year and the Community Bank Marcoola who were awarded the Community Group of the Year.
