Council acknowledges 2023 Australia Day Honours recipients

Two Redlands Coast residents who received Australia Day Honours this year were recognised today at a special event at Redland City Council.

Mayor Karen Williams hosted a morning tea with Redland City Councillors to congratulate Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) Chief Superintendent Rob Boniwell and State Emergency Service volunteer Alex Johnson on behalf of the city.

Cr Williams said it was a privilege to acknowledge two inspiring members of the Redlands Coast community.

“Australians are known to embrace the fundamental values of mateship and support of others and these values come through clearly in our two Honours recipients,” she said.

“We see our fair share of extreme weather events and during these times it is reassuring to know people like Rob and Alex are out there, putting themselves on the line to support our community.

“These two outstanding individuals have gone above and beyond countless times – and the bravery and commitment they have shown in the face of disasters and emergencies should never be underestimated.”

Chief Superintendent Boniwell received the Australian Fire Service Medal for distinguished frontline service, exemplary leadership and his vision to achieve significant organisational changes and champion diversity and inclusion.

“Rob has demonstrated exceptional service to his community for more than 28 years,” Cr Williams said.

“As a Senior Operational Fire and Rescue officer, he is regularly deployed to operational command roles to coordinate and control large-scale bushfire events, floods, cyclones and other hazardous incidents.”

Alex Johnson received the Emergency Services Medal for his sustained work as a volunteer since 2003, including in frequent deployments and in training other members.

“Alex has been a SES volunteer for 25 years in both New South Wales and Queensland and his commitment was rewarded in 2021 when he was named Regional and State SES Volunteer of the Year,” Cr Williams said.

“We are very happy that Alex recently joined our Disaster Management Team and the Redland City Local Disaster Management Group as Redland City SES Local Controller.”