Scenic Rim Celebrates Local Heroes and Community Spirit at 2025 Australia Day Awards
There were five extra reasons to celebrate this Australia Day when the ‘biggest community event within the Queensland Rugby League’ and four inspiring community and local businesspeople were recognised as part of the annual 2025 Scenic Rim Australia Day Awards.
A total of 15 nominations were received for this year’s event, with awards presented to two women and three men across all age categories, including two recipients in the Citizen of the Year (65+Yrs) category.
Scenic Rim Mayor Tom Sharp said it is great to be able to shine a light on people in the community who have contributed so much to their group, region and the greater Scenic Rim.
“The work to keep our local community spirit strong never stops,” Mayor Sharp said.
“It was evident from the nominations received that there are many quiet achievers among us who go the extra mile to support their local clubs, networks and bring positive change to their community.”
“2024 wasn’t an easy year for many so it is truly humbling to be reminded that many members of our community continue to step up to make a meaningful difference. These are everyday people amongst us and yet their contributions inspire hope and affirm that the Scenic Rim’s legacy of compassion and service is in good hands.”
The awards were presented at The Centre Beaudesert, followed by a citizenship ceremony where 22 new Australians were officially welcomed to the Scenic Rim, having migrated from 10 different countries.
Nominations for the 2025 Scenic Rim Australia Day Awards were received in four categories: Community Event of the Year, Citizen of the Year (16-30Yrs), Citizen of the Year (31-65Yrs) and Citizen of the Year (65+Yrs).
In addition to these, the Mayor's Award was presented to Marijke Freeman. The judges selected her from all the nominees and the Award acknowledges the achievement of an exceptional individual across all the categories.
"Thank you to everyone who put forward a nomination and congratulations to all of today’s Award recipients. It is the Scenic Rim who is the true winner as we are lucky to have such outstanding people living in our region,” said Mayor Sharp.
“Your award today is a celebratory tribute to your hard work and is another example of how people in the Scenic Rim are doing incredible things,” said Mayor Sharp.
In each of the following categories the award winners are:
Community Event of the Year - ANZAC Super Saturday - Fassifern Junior Rugby League Football Club Inc
Hosted on Saturday 20 April 2024 at Hayes Oval, Harrisville, Fassifern Junior Rugby League Football Club presented their ANZAC Super Saturday event, which coincided with the opening round of the local rugby league competition. Coordinated with other local community groups and schools to encapsulate an ANZAC theme. Ceremonial elements were incorporated, including, ANZAC themed jerseys, displays of local heroes’ enlistment photos, and a vintage military jeep display. Demonstrations from Lockyer Light Horse Battalion and an aerial display of three vintage aircraft and an impressive low flyover of an enormous C17 Globemaster were also coordinated much to the delight of visitors to the event.
The meet was labelled the ‘biggest community event within the Queensland Rugby League’. It created a fun field experience for members and grew the game of rugby league in the local district.
The Club is especially proud of the platform it provided to explore the local community’s connection with ANZAC history.
Citizen of the Year (16-30Yrs) - Typhoon le Garde
Typhoon is a 16-year-old musician, competitive athlete and community volunteer who attends The Kooralbyn International School (TKIS). A committed community volunteer and ambassador, Typhoon is involved with numerous organisations. He is an active Junior member of BADCAP, as well as a Beaudesert Emergency Services Cadet (previously attending the State Youth Leadership Program Level 1), an honorary member of the Kooralybn RSL sub-branch (donating his time and skills as their dedicated bugler), and a support to the Beaudesert Lions Club and Beaudesert Rotary Club (having attended the Rotary Youth Program of Enrichment).
Typhoon is a keen sportsman. He is a member of the 2024 Queensland Representative School Sport Student Advisory Committee and an athlete in the Gold Coast Academy Future Stars program (invited to participate in the 2025 Future Stars extension program). In October 2024 he received a Mayoral Award recognising exceptional dedication to sport and academic excellence.
Typhoon also attends the Young Conservatorium at Griffith University and has been granted a berth on the Young Endeavour Tall Ship in 2025. Typhoon has been recognised as “welcoming new challenges with a smile and shows great strength of character in his everyday life”.
Citizen of the Year (31-65Yrs) - Janine Rockliff
Janine is the Chairperson for the Canungra Chamber of Commerce's Steering Committee (for the Canungra Community Bank) and has been Chairperson of the Canungra & District Community Financial Group for 11 years. Janine’s involvement with these activities were instrumental in returning banking services to Canungra after a 30-year hiatus and finding a banking model that has returned over $300,000 to the community in the form of grants, donations and sponsorships.
Janine was part of the driving force to create Community Cancer Care, which coordinates the annual ‘Turning Canungra Pink’ fundraising program and Care Assist, a dedicated organisation which directs funds to assist local people being treated for cancer. Janine has contributed countless volunteer hours to these causes and is a motivational influence who has a proven ability to inspire others. Janine is also active in the Canungra Rural Fire Service (CRFB), the Wonglepong CWA, the Canungra Show and the Canungra Rodeo.
Citizen of the Year (65+Yrs) - Trevor Henderson and George Massam
George Massam has been an active member of the Biddaddaba Creek Action Group (BCAG) since 1988 and President of the organisation since 1998. The Biddaddaba Creek Action Group (BCAG), under George’s presidency, successfully advocated for the sealing of a section of Beaudesert-Nerang Road in 2024. The group also raised funds and joined forces with Landcare organisations to coordinate the control of invasive species along Biddaddaba Creek.
Under George’s leadership BCAG has increased its membership base to ensure its continued dedication to improving their local area. George has also held the position as President of the Beaudesert Squash Club for 12 years.
Tamborine resident Trevor Henderson has been involved in the local community and surrounding districts for over seventy years. Trevor is an extremely dedicated fire fighter and has played an integral role in the Tamborine Rural Fire Brigade from an early age. He has held multiple roles within the organisation including Fire Warden and Second Officer and has helped the organisation fight countless fires, saving properties and rescuing people across his community and beyond.
Trevor selflessly donates his time and equipment to slash and mow for community groups and events for the local region. He has also initiated and led the organisation of the Annual Tamborine Rural Fire Brigade and Community BBQ for over 20 years. Trevor is referred to as a ‘pillar of the Tamborine community’, having been recognised by the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services with a 50 Years of service award.
Mayors Award - Marijke Freeman
Marijke manages the Beaudesert Caravan and Tourist Park and has been recognised by her community as creating a welcoming, supportive environment that embodies the spirit of a friendly and engaged community.
Marijke coordinates a range of onsite events including Australia Day, ANZAC Day, Christmas, Easter, Melbourne Cup, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, and regular outings to local establishments for residents of the park. Marijke has introduced a recycling program within the park creating an environmental approach to fundraising for residents in need. Marijke also volunteers her time as an assessor for the Duke of Edinburgh Award. Marijke is dedicated to the development of young people in the community and helping to support them to achieve their goals.