Australia Day Awards

Nick is committed to improving the community through innovation and collaboration. His goal is to eventually end food insecurity, and he plans to do this one vegetable patch at a time.

Starting in his own backyard, Nick established the Mini Farm Project which has grown into network of charity farms. The fresh produce grown is then given freely to local charities to create urgently needed meals.

The Mini Farm Project now grows enough fresh produce each week to provide to Meals on Wheels, OzHarvest and other food relief charities.

See the amazing work Nick does at the Mini Farm Project

Nick Steiner video transcript

Kevin, or Kevvy as he's known, is a resident of Albany Creek who is young at heart. During the COVID-19 lockdowns he started walking twice a day, taking the time to chat to everyone he met along his way. Kevvy soon became a bright light for many locals during those difficult times and became well-loved in the area.

Recognising the need for social connection through the pandemic, Kevvy wanted to help bring more people together. To help people get to know their neighbours, so they could feel as happy as he did his walks. Kevvy decided the best way to do this was to hand-deliver invitations to local households for a community gathering.

Kevvy now hosts a morning tea every public holiday in the local park. It has become a huge hit with more than 100 people attending the last one. Kevvy hasn’t stopped walking and still hand-delivers the invitations to more than 150 local houses.

Kevin Couch video transcript

Laurence is the creative force behind the Mango Hill Progress Association. He has helmed the association for the last 37 years.

Laurence has become the voice of the Mango Hill community. He raises issues to all levels of government to improve the local area for the growing population.

During the 2022 floods he also stepped up as a local champion and embodied true community spirit by providing regular reports on the ground back to Council. He also organised food donations and vouchers to assist people and families affected by the weather event.

See more about the Mango Hill Progress Association.

Laurence Christie video transcript

Michelle is the face behind the busy day-to-day operations of The Breakfast Club, Redcliffe. They provide more than 1,500 free meals to people in need or experiencing homelessness each month.

Starting as a volunteer more than eight years ago, Michelle now oversees all aspects of The Breakfast Club operations. This includes running fundraiser events and community activities, recruiting volunteers, working with other not-for-profits and government services, applying for grants and managing the kitchen teams. Michelle brings a sense of community, inclusion, and dignity to the guests of The Breakfast Club. She provides a welcoming and safe place for people to develop friendships and connect with support services.

See the amazing work Michelle does at The Breakfast Club Redcliffe.

Michelle Gilchrist video transcript