By Jamie Furness
The 2024 Queensland Day Awards ceremony for Inala was held on Saturday 6 June 2024.
The event was chaired by State Member for Inala Margie Nightingale MP, Hon Milton Dick MP, and Forest Lake Ward councillor Charles Strunk in partnership with the South West Progress Association.
Finalists from each category were invited to a high tea, where attendees received a certificate and a medallion in recognition of their contributions within their field.
The list of award recipients includes:
Ellen Ferris – Overall Outstanding Champion
Steve Ford – Community Champion
Sharron Ford – Community Champion
Stuart Grierson – Community Champion
Pastor Tim McDonald – Community Champion
Shirley Wienand – Community Champion
Melinda Thiedecke – Community Champion
Linda Bird – Community Champion
Brad Freeman – Community Champion
Aunty Patricia Hill – Community Champion
Veronica Stickley – Community Champion
Garry Bates – Community Champion
Steve Simonis – Community Champion
Dennis Caesar – Community Champion
Sandra Fox – Community Champion
Caroline King – Community Champion
Mr An Van Nguyen – Community Champion
Bac Lam – Community Champion
Dr Cuong Bui – Community Champion
Ros Van Wezel – Community Champion
Junior Sapoi – School Champion
Anica Hardi – School Champion
Kiarna McDonough – School Champion
Katara Pen – School Champion
Sahana Sathananthan – School Champion
Jack Bartlett – School Champion
David Armstrong – Business Champion
In addition to the above, BOQ Forest Lake Owner Manager David Armstrong was also recognized for his “Enduring Community Support,” and received a personalised recognition plaque acknowledging his involvement within Forest Lake and surrounding suburbs over the past 23 years.
“To be nominated for a community award is one thing but to be shortlisted for an actual award is something very, very special,” David Armstrong said.
“For the past 23 years as the owner-manager of BOQ Forest Lake, myself and my team have worked very closely as to how we support the local community, as this is one of our greatest strengths when compared to our competitors.”
Milton Dick MP extended a warm congratulations to the award recipients.
“Every year, we come together to acknowledge the exceptional efforts of our local community members at our Queensland Day Awards,” he said.
“These individuals consistently exceed expectations to enhance our community. A heartfelt thank you to all our dedicated volunteers and community heroes for their invaluable contributions.”
Cr Charles Strunk said he was honoured to present the recipients with their awards at the event.
“Congratulations to all the community champions, business champions and school leaders.”
Queensland Day Awards 2024 Inala award recipients. Photo: Cr Charles Strunk.
BOQ Forest Lake owner-manager David Armstrong (second from the right) with the Enduring Community Support award and the Business Champion award. Photo: Cr Charles Strunk.
