Local residents honoured at Redlands Coast Australia Day Awards 2022

A community leader who established her own private school and led it for 25 years has been named Citizen of the Year at the Redlands Coast Australia Day Awards 2022.

Mayor Karen Williams said Dr Lyn Bishop was one of 11 outstanding local residents who were recognised with an award today, 26 January 2022.

“Lyn spent more than 25 years with Education Queensland before opening Sheldon College in 1997 with 110 students and six staff,” she said.

“At the time of her retirement last year, the College had grown to about 1450 students and 300 staff.

“Lyn is also a qualified psychologist and Justice of the Peace, and regularly participates in community, charity and cultural events.”

Young Citizen of the Year is shared by joint winners Xavier Mitchell and Isabelle Treasure.

“As school captain at Victoria Point State School, Xavier brought the community together by creating Kids Crew, organising food drives and raising funds for local charities, his school, local sporting club and Love and Hope Redlands,” Cr Williams said.

“Isabelle has also been active at her school, Sheldon College – implementing a recycling program, establishing a Student Community Council, running a week-long RUOK? Day series of events, and establishing a Buddy Up program for junior and senior students.”

Senior Citizen of the Year is Beryl Sutcliffe, who has demonstrated a long-term commitment to community service and volunteering.

“Beryl has provided fundraising and volunteering support for CWA, Rotary, Probus, U3A Redlands District and Historic Ormiston House,” Cr Williams said.

The full list of Redlands Coast Australia Day Award winners are:

Citizen of the Year – Dr Lyn Bishop OAM Young Citizen of the Year – Isabelle Treasure and Xavier Mitchell (joint winners) Senior Citizen of the Year – Beryl Sutcliffe Community Organisation Award – The Cage Youth Foundation Local Hero Award – Harry Taske Cultural Award – Cleveland Film Company Environment and Sustainability Award – Pelican and Seabird Rescue Sports Award – Tim Low Reconciliation Award – Matthew Burns and Minjerribah Moorgumpin Elders-in-Council (joint winners)

Cr Williams said selecting winners across the nine categories of the awards was always a tough challenge as all nominees were deserving of recognition.

“It is an honour to acknowledge these dedicated and passionate people who give so generously to help make Redlands Coast a great place to live,” she said.

“I thank all nominees and winners and assure them that Redlands Coast is proud of them all for their outstanding contributions to our community.”