Australia Day Award Nominees: Barbara Proudman

Tamborine Times proprietor Barbara Proudman made the news herself this year, winning a #ScenicRimAustraliaDayAward.

Although Barbara attended the awards presentation to photograph the event for her newspaper, she found herself on the other side of the camera when she was called to the stage to accept the Mayor’s Award for outstanding overall achievement.

Barbara is no stranger to the stage, having toured Europe with a United Kingdom-based dance troupe before moving to Tamborine Mountain, where she ran the Tamborine Mountain Dance School from 1986 to 2001.

However, she was not prepared for the having a spotlight shone on her contribution to her local community.

“It was quite a surprise – I was quite taken aback – but I was most appreciative of the recognition,” Barbara said.

Barbara’s award recognised for her keen support for the cultural community, festivals and local events that bring people together, including ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day commemorations.

If you know a quiet achiever who works behind the scenes for their local community, shine a light on their achievements by nominating them for a 2023 Scenic Rim Australia Day Award.

Nominations are now open for the awards, which are presented in four categories, Citizen of the Year (16-30), Citizen of the Year (31-65), Citizen of the Year (31-65) Citizen of the Year (65+ years) and Community Event of the Year.

The special Mayor's Award, for outstanding overall achievement, is presented to an individual chosen from across all categories. 

Nominations close on Monday 21 November and can be made here: scenicrim.qld.gov.au/grants-funding-awards/australia-day-awards/1