Australia Day Awards

The Australia Day Awards program recognises and celebrates the achievements and contributions people make to our city.

Award categories

The program has two award categories. These categories are Citizen of the Year and the Mayor's Community Spirit Award.

Citizen of the Year Award

This award recognises an individual for their accomplishments or support to our community. The winner of this award must be an Australian citizen and live in City of Moreton Bay.

Mayor’s Community Spirit Award

This award recognises an individual for their significant work done in our community. Their support and achievements may be in any area of community life. This can include sport, arts and culture, and the environment.

City of Moreton Bay Australia Day Awards 2026

Congratulations to the winners of the City of Moreton Bay Australia Day Awards for 2026: 

Citizen of the Year: Chris Paterson  

Transcript

Chris Paterson is a community leader who supports people with mental health challenges and disabilities. He helps people rebuild confidence and purpose through meaningful work. His program empowers people with disabilities to clean waterways using accessible boats.

As a result of this initiative, Chris and his team have removed over 80 tonnes of debris from rivers. This helps restore our waterways while providing meaningful work and dignity.

Through his charity, Bamboo Projects, Chris volunteers over 30 hours each week mentoring. He supports community members doing it tough, offering mateship, guidance and hope.

His lived-experience approach creates belonging and helps people feel valued and capable. Chris has improved local environments and changed lives. His compassion, innovation and commitment embody true community spirit and service.

Mayor’s Community Spirit Award: Jan Schutt and Alison (Ali) Schutt

Transcript

Jan and Ali Schutt noticed their children returning from school with unused stationery. They founded Stationery Aid to recycle and redistribute excess supplies for disadvantaged students.

The program started with church drop-off points and later engaged businesses and school chaplains. The network grew to include Scripture Union, Lions Clubs, Officeworks, and local businesses. 

To date, they’ve helped more than 2,660 students across 185 schools. This in turn has diverted more than 70 tonnes of waste and mobilised over 230 volunteers. Their grassroots initiative inspires similar efforts in other states. This proves that a simple idea can create a lasting impact.

Jan and Alison have dedicated countless hours to volunteering and giving back. Their efforts extend beyond Stationery Aid to include organisations like Lions International.

Mayor’s Community Spirit Award: Ronald Aquilina

Transcript

Ron Aquilina has been a dedicated member of the State Emergency Service (SES) for over a decade. Ron brings extensive frontline experience from Volunteer Marine Rescue into his SES leadership. As Flood Boat Coordinator and Trainer, Ron developed innovative programs. These improved crew capability, safety, and confidence.

Ron's efforts have enhanced inter-agency cooperation while strengthening disaster response. This earned him recognition through SES Week Awards and Commissioner’s Commendations. Ron’s commitment has improved safety across Queensland and New South Wales.

He earns respect for his leadership, reliability, and selfless service. Ron exemplifies the highest standards of public service.

Selection criteria

Council assessors consider nominees based on their:

• commitment, contribution or success in their field
• service as a role model for the community.

Assessors review the nominations and select category winners.

Council presents one nominee the Citizen of the Year award. Up to 3 nominees receive the Mayor’s Community Spirit Award.

Assessors will seek information where required to help assess nominations.

Individuals who receive the award cannot receive the same commendation again.

Winners from previous years