Borough's best honoured at awards celebration

Borough’s best honoured at awards celebration

Borough of Queenscliffe mayor Isabelle Tolhurst with members of this year's Community Group of the Year, Coast Guard Queenscliff. Photos: SUPPLIED

SOME of the Borough of Queenscliffe’s residents and organisations have been commended for the roles that they have played in their community over the past year at a special ceremony.

The Borough’s Council announced the finalists of its annual Community Service Awards at Point Lonsdale Bowls Club last Wednesday (May 17), as well as recognising the contributions of this year’s nominees.

Mayor Isabelle Tolhurst shared how honoured she felt to be in the company of those invited to the Awards Volunteer Celebration night in her opening address.

“This event is the first time we are combining the Community Service Awards with the Volunteers Recognition Celebration during National Volunteer’s Week,” the Mayor said.

“This is about bringing people together who make our community better.

“It is about a meaningful and dignified celebration of your collective and in many cases, long-term contributions.

“It is a chance to celebrate, recognise and connect.

“Our community is defined by its connection and care for one another, so it is fitting we acknowledge that at an event like this.”

Contributor to the Point Lonsdale and Queenscliff RSL Red Cross unit for some 20 years, Lyn Houldcroft was awarded Citizen of the Year for her volunteering roles across the two towns.

Borough of Queenscliffe mayor Isabelle Tolhurst (left) alongside this year’s Citizen of the Year, Lyn Houldcroft.

Lyn has been an organiser of several fundraising events in her time, including various adventures at the Emergency Red Cross Unit.

Ms Houldcroft is also an active arts enthusiast, volunteering as Secretary and Assistant Director for the Queenscliffe Lighthouse Theatre Group.

Other nominees of note for the Citizen of the Year included environment advocate Neil Mathison and 75-year CFA Queenscliff volunteer Lex Erler.

Coast Guard Queensland was awarded Community Group of the Year for its commitment to the safety and well-being of Queenscliff and Point Lonsdale communities.

“I understand a deep consideration of the nominees takes place to select just two finalists, so thank you for your dedication,” Mayor Tolhurst added.

“Congratulations to our finalists, and our outstanding nominees, well done.”

National Volunteer Week this year was held from May 15–21.