Community champions recognised at Australia Day Awards

The 2025 Australia Day Awards celebrated a diverse group of volunteers and community organisations for their dedication and service.

Member for Lockyer Jim McDonald MP attended the Somerset Regional Council Awards Ceremony on 24 January and the Lockyer Valley Regional Council Awards on 26 January.

“There are so many hard-working citizens and valuable community groups in the Lockyer,” he said.

“It’s wonderful to see their contributions acknowledged.

“Their dedication to their chosen field, whether sport, the environment, or helping those less fortunate, is to be commended.

“I’d like to congratulate the winners and nominees and thank them for their hard work.

“They are truly the champions of our community.”

The 2025 Lockyer Valley Citizen of the Year was Trish LeeHong.

The Murphys Creek local has dedicated more than two decades to wildlife rescue, rehabilitation, and education.

Lockyer Valley Citizen of the Year Trish LeeHong.

Lockyer Valley Regional Council Mayor Tanya Milligan said Trish has made an extensive contribution to the community through her Wildlife Rescue Education and Rehabilitation Centre.

“Trish’s work through the Centre has been transformative for both wildlife care and community education on conservation,” Cr Milligan said.

“Here, Trish provides a sanctuary for injured and orphaned animals, with facilities that educate local groups, including school students, about the importance of wildlife conservation.

“While there are many things that stand out about Trish, the one attribute I really admire is her dedication.”

The Lockyer electorate was well represented in the Somerset awards.

Lowood Show Society and Lowood Community Action Group were nominated for Community Group of the Year, with the latter taking out the top gong.

Lowood Community Action Group (LCAG) has provided support for people experiencing domestic violence and youth experiencing homelessness for many years.

Lowood Community Action Group were named Somerset’s Community Group of the Year.

Somerset Regional Council Mayor Jason Wendt said the LCAG provided essential items like tents, warm clothes and pillows to people in need.

 “They are unwavering in their commitment to the people of Lowood,” Cr Wendt said.

“The group’s strength lies in the individuals who selflessly give their time for fundraising and engagement with the community.

“The Lowood Community Action Group is an inspiration to the Somerset region.”

Lockyer Valley Australia Day Award winners:

  • Citizen of the Year – Trish LeeHong
  • Senior Sportsperson of the Year – Justeen Kruger
  • Junior Sportsperson of the Year – Hayden D’Arcy
  • Event of the Year – Valley Fest
  • Community Group of the Year – Helidon State School P&C Association
  • Mayoral Award – Katherine Raymont

Somerset Australia Day Award winners:

  • Citizen of the Year – Denise Modistach
  • Community Group of the Year – Lowood Community Action Group
  • Event of the Year – Kilcoy Christmas Carnival
  • Sports Award – Grace Jardine
  • Arts and Culture – Donita Bundy
Jim McDonald and fellow invited guests at Somerset Regional Council’s Australia Day Awards and Citizenship Ceremony.
Jim McDonald, Australia Day Ambassador William ‘Bill’ Nancarrow, Deb Frecklington MP, and Cr Jason Wendt.
Lowood Community Action Group were named Somerset’s Community Group of the Year.
Yvonne Hawkins was nominated for Citizen of the Year.
Gary Fitzgerald (second from right) was nominated for Citizen of the Year.
Janeen Schulz on behalf of Lowood Show Society, who were nominated for Community Group of the Year. With Somerset Mayor Jason Wendt.
Cr Brett Friese and Citizen of the Year nominee Heather Schiefelbein.
With former Somerset Mayor Graeme Lehmann.
Cr Tiara Hurley, Deb Frecklington MP, Jim McDonald MP, William ‘Bill’ Nancarrow, Cr Jason Wendt, Cr Brett Friese, Cr Michael Bishop.
Award nominees and winners gather after the Lockyer Valley’s Awards and Citizenship Ceremony.
Lockyer Valley Citizen of the Year Trish LeeHong.
Katherine Raymont was presented the Mayoral Award.
Senior Sportsperson of the Year Justine Kruger
Junior Sportsperson of the Year Hayden D’Arcy.
Meeting the next generation of sports stars.
Lockyer Community Centre’s ‘Valley Fest’ was the Event of the Year.
Lorelle Grams and Heather Stegman from Gatton COTA Senior Citizens.
Helidon State School P&C Association was named Community Group of the Year.
Reg and Cindy Brooks were nominated for Citizen of the Year.
Carolyn Becker was nominated for Citizen of the Year.
Lockyer Valley Netball Assocation were among the nominees.
2024 Mayoral Award winner Bob and Julie Porter with former Citizen of the Year Karen Nawratzki.
The official opening and Welcome to Country.
Lockyer Valley Australia Day Ambassador was Daniel Clarke.