Gallery: Quiet achievers shine at inaugural Above & Beyond Awards
The inaugural Above & Beyond Awards was a sellout event.
THE people, organisations and businesses whose work often happens without fanfare were placed firmly in the spotlight at the inaugural Above & Beyond Awards in Nambour last night (Saturday, August 15).
Twelve awards were presented before a sold-out audience at Nambour RSL Club, celebrating contributions spanning community welfare, health, education, business, agriculture and environmental care.
Organised by the office of Nicklin MP Marty Hunt, the awards attracted more than 200 nominations and 3723 votes.
Mr Hunt said the awards grew from a desire to recognise the many people doing valuable work throughout the electorate. “In my role, I get to try and solve a lot of community problems, but the other thing I get to do is go and visit wonderful people doing wonderful things in the electorate,” he said. “We wanted to have a celebration of that.”
Six finalists were selected in each of the 11 main categories through public voting, while a People’s Choice Award recognised the nominee who received the most individual votes overall.
Four Ingredients author Kim McCosker hosted the presentation, with entertainment provided by students from St John’s College, Nambour.
The winners
Wellbeing Provider of the Year – The Shack Community Centre
Dale & Donna Dowler, Imogene Nguyen and The Shack team were recognised for their tireless support of people experiencing homelessness and hardship. The organisation provides food, clothing, showers, laundry facilities, companionship, housing assistance, Christmas hampers and practical encouragement. Its team works with churches, government agencies and members of the public to offer care, respect and hope to vulnerable people.
Nightingale Award – Joseph JenningsRegistered nurse Joseph Jennings has worked in the emergency department at Nambour Hospital for the past four years. He runs projects covering infection-control practices, personal protective equipment and communicable diseases, while also teaching new registered nurses and doctors how to cannulate. Mr Jennings plans to complete a PhD in nursing and extend his skills into schools and the wider community.
Education or Skills Provider of the Year – STEMM, Burnside State High School
The Supporting Teenagers with Education, Mothering and Mentoring program has spent 18 years educating and supporting young mothers and pregnant teenagers. Many participants are at risk of disengaging from education or experiencing homelessness, domestic and family violence, intergenerational poverty and social isolation. The program helps young women regain dignity, hope and a voice through education, support and connection.
Young Achiever of the Year – Mia O’Neill
At just 15, Mia O’Neill trains or competes six days a week in aerial arts and volleyball. She has competed in Melbourne and on the Gold Coast across several advanced aerial arts categories. Judges praised her work ethic, discipline and determination, along with the maturity, courage and humility she brings to each opportunity.
Community-minded Business of the Year – Wren Souvenirs and Promotion
The Woombye business has operated for more than 50 years and produces official merchandise for major attractions including Australia Zoo, the Big Pineapple and Aussie World. Wren has also supported local events and causes including the Woombye Festival, the annual Anzac Day breakfast, Christmas on the Field and Woombye’s 150th anniversary celebrations. The business was praised for its generosity and volunteering without seeking recognition in return.
Community Spirit and Collaboration Award – Daniel Morcombe Foundation
The Daniel Morcombe Foundation received more nominations than any other organisation in the awards. It was recognised for bringing people together around a shared commitment to child safety and for the impact of its education, prevention and advocacy work locally and across Australia.
Excellence in Prevention Award – Sunshine Coast Animal Refuge
Sunshine Coast Animal Refuge, better known as SCARS, has operated for 47 years and rehomed about 47,000 animals. Supported by more than 150 active volunteers, the refuge also assists vulnerable pet owners through free desexing vouchers, veterinary care and supplies. Its Pets in Crisis program provides temporary accommodation for animals whose owners are escaping domestic violence.
Supporter of the Year – Denise Morcombe
Denise Morcombe was honoured for her enduring support of children throughout the Nicklin electorate and across Australia. Together with husband Bruce, Mrs Morcombe established the Daniel Morcombe Foundation 21 years ago. Through the foundation, she has helped make child safety education and advocacy a national priority.
Environmental Leadership Award – Nambour Creek BushCare Group
Since 2013, members of the Nambour Creek BushCare Group have met monthly to improve and protect native flora and fauna. It has become one of the best-attended BushCare groups on the Sunshine Coast. Volunteers have transformed Model Railway Park from an area dominated by invasive camphor laurel into native bushland, while continuing to weed, plant and remove rubbish.
Agricultural and Rural Innovation Award – River Ridge Dairies
Third-generation Kureelpa dairy farmer Ray DeVere and his wife, Catherine, have embraced technology to improve efficiency and maintain high animal-welfare standards. River Ridge Dairies was among the first Queensland dairies to invest in collar systems monitoring the reproductive health and wellbeing of cattle. The farm also uses drones for herding and has developed Agri-Vis, a high-visibility workwear range designed with cattle behaviour in mind.
Great Neighbour Award – Wendy Scott
For 10 years, Wendy Scott has led the Kindness Club through the Cooroy Outside School Hours Care program. She works with children to plan and carry out acts of kindness throughout their community, helping young people understand the difference thoughtful actions can make to others.
People’s Choice Award – Jackie Mott
Jackie Mott secured 981 votes – more than a quarter of all votes cast during the two-week voting period. She was recognised for her warmth, kindness and ability to make people feel welcome and valued. Whether encountered around Yandina or through her work at Gun Cotton Coffee and Spirit House, she was described as someone whose small but meaningful interactions leave a lasting impression.
