Australia Day Awards program

Nick has dedicated himself to building a better community through innovation and collaboration with a vision to end food insecurity, one vegetable patch at a time.

Starting in his own backyard, Nick established the Mini Farm Project which has gone on to create a network of charity farms which are growing all year round. This fresh produce is then given freely to local charities who create urgently needed meals and assist them to keep up with the demand for food relief.

The Mini Farm Project now grows enough fresh produce each week to provide to Meals on Wheels, OzHarvest, and other charities providing meals to people in need.

See the amazing work Nick does at the Mini Farm Project

Nick Steiner video transcript

Kevin is a resident of Albany Creek who is young at heart. During the COVID-19 lockdowns, Kevvy, as he’s known, started walking twice a day and took 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 quite famous and well-loved in the area.

Recognising the need for social connection through the pandemic, Kevvy wanted to help bring more people together so they could get to know their neighbours and could feel as happy as he did meeting them on his walks. Kevvy decided the best way to do this was to hand-deliver invitations to local households inviting them to a community gathering. Kevvy now hosts a morning tea every public holiday in the local park, which 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 which he has helmed for the last 37 years.

Laurence has become the voice of the Mango Hill community, raising issues to all levels of government to improve the local area and benefit the growing population and the many young families moving to the area.

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 and organising 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 who 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 from running fundraiser events, facilitating community activities, recruiting volunteers, working with other not-for-profits and government services, applying for grants, and managing the kitchen teams. But more importantly, Michelle brings a sense of community, inclusion, and dignity to the guests of The Breakfast Club by providing 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