Honouring the local legends making a difference

Published 26 January 2026

• The Moreton Bay community is celebrating outstanding locals who have improved the lives of others through the City of Moreton Bay 2026 Australia Day Awards.
• Chris Paterson has been named Citizen of the Year, with Alison and Jan Schutt and Ronald Aquilina receiving Mayor’s Community Spirit Awards.
• The award recipients’ dedication and support have helped create stronger, more connected communities.

Council is celebrating the locals who make a difference to the lives of others and shape a better future for the community through the City of Moreton Bay 2026 Australia Day Awards.

Community leader and dedicated volunteer, Chris Paterson has been named Citizen of the Year. Passionate SES volunteer, Ronald Aquilina and local changemakers, husband and wife Jan and Alison Schutt, have received the Mayor’s Community Spirit Awards.

Mayor Peter Flannery praised all nominees for the remarkable work they continue to deliver across the City of Moreton Bay.

“The Australia Day Awards are our opportunity to celebrate the locals who go out of their way to support one another and bring our diverse communities together,” Mayor Flannery said.

“Our winners have volunteered their time, offered support and guidance, founded initiatives with lasting impact, and provided dedicated services for the community.

“The Citizen of the Year award is a fantastic opportunity to recognise Chris Paterson for his charity, Bamboo Projects, which employs people living with a disability or mental health challenges, to clean up local waterways using all‑abilities accessible boats. This is an outstanding example of inclusion in action, providing meaningful work for communities.

“Chris and his team have removed more than 80 tonnes of debris from the Pine and Caboolture rivers, restoring our waterways while providing meaningful employment.

“His lived experience motivates him to personally volunteer more than 30 hours each week, supporting community members doing it tough with mateship, guidance and hope. His compassion and commitment have not only improved our natural environment but strengthened inclusion and changed lives across our City.”

Mayor Flannery also congratulated Alison and Jan Schutt and Ronald Aquilina on each receiving the Mayor’s Community Spirit Award.

“Alison and Jan have created a lasting impact through their grassroots initiative, Stationery Aid, which has collected, sorted, cleaned and repackaged excess school supplies for more than 2660 students who have difficulty accessing resources. They have helped provide a more positive school experience for many families in City of Moreton Bay,” he said.

“We’re also shining a spotlight on dedicated SES volunteer, Ronald Aquilina, for his outstanding service before, during and after times of disaster. During his significant experiences with Volunteer Marine Rescue and SES, Ronald has not only coordinated and trained members on flood boats but has also developed a mentorship program to support new volunteers.

“City of Moreton Bay is proud to honour the contribution, dedication and selflessness of this year’s award recipients. Their inspiring achievements are driving our City toward a brighter, more inclusive future.”

AWARD WINNERS:

Chris Paterson is an outstanding community leader who supports people living with mental health challenges and disabilities to rebuild confidence, connection and purpose. He has created a groundbreaking program in the City of Moreton Bay that employs people with disabilities to clean up local waterways using all-abilities accessible boats. Through this initiative, Chris and his team have removed over 80 tonnes of marine debris from the Pine and Caboolture rivers; restoring our waterways while providing meaningful work and dignity. Alongside this, Chris personally volunteers over 30 hours each week mentoring via his charity Bamboo Projects and supporting community members doing it tough, offering mateship, guidance and hope. His lived-experience approach creates genuine belonging and helps people feel valued and capable. Chris’s compassion, innovation and commitment have strengthened inclusion, improved local environments and changed lives, embodying true community spirit and service.

Jan and Alison Schutt noticed their children returned from school with unused stationery, only to buy more the next year. They founded Stationery Aid to collect, sort, clean, and repackage excess school supplies for disadvantaged students. Starting with local churches as drop-off points, they engaged businesses and school chaplains to tailor packs to student needs. Their network grew to include Scripture Union, Lions Clubs, Officeworks and local businesses. To date, they’ve helped 2,660+ students across 185 schools, diverted 70+ tonnes of waste, and mobilised 230+ volunteers. Their grassroots initiative has inspired similar efforts in other states, proving that a simple idea can create lasting impact. Countless hours have been given to volunteering by Jan and Alison and giving back to the community not just through Stationery Aid, but through other organisations such as Lions International.

Ron Aquilina has been a dedicated member of the State Emergency Service (SES) for over a decade, bringing extensive frontline experience from Volunteer Marine Rescue into his SES leadership roles. As Flood Boat Coordinator and Trainer, he has developed innovative programs, including a mentor/mentee initiative, that has significantly improved crew capability, safety, and confidence.  His efforts have enhanced inter-agency cooperation, strengthened disaster response, and earned him recognition through SES Week Awards and Commissioner’s Commendations. Ron’s professionalism, operational expertise, and commitment to training have directly improved community safety across Queensland and New South Wales. He is widely respected for his leadership, reliability, and selfless service, embodying the highest standards of public service.