Andrew Wallace (Fisher, Liberal National Party) Share this | Hansard source

Last week I was honoured to host the seventh annual Fisher Community Awards, celebrating local champions whose stories so often go untold. Today I want their stories put on the permanent record in this place.

Student of the Year was 10-year-old Nate Nelson. He was inspired by his grandfather's disability to start fundraising for disability charity STEPS. He raised a whopping $15,000, and it was pretty safe to say that everybody in the room—all 150-odd of us—were absolutely left in awe at this young man's passion.

Educator of the Year Molly Gleeson, from Meridan State College, has been supporting vulnerable students, particularly in middle school, for over three decades. Congratulations to Molly.

Education Provider of the Year STEPS Pathways College has led the way when it comes to life skills training to empower those with disabilities to live more independently. Carmel Crouch, you have been an absolute inspiration to the Sunshine Coast. Thank you for what you do with young people who live with disabilities. STEPS Pathways College was rightly recognised in the awards.

Employee of the Year Luke Newman, from Five Bridges, has gone above and beyond to support disengaged and disabled jobseekers with finding hope and a place to work. Well done, Luke.

Business of the Year Just Better Care Sunshine Coast has offered a high-quality and integrated service to senior Australians who call our region home.

Innovator of the Year Nybro has found a unique manufacturing niche modifying vehicles and equipment for those with physical disabilities, including my youngest daughter, Sarah.

Senior of the Year Peter Tsakissiris has served for decades in many community groups, including the Alex surf lifesaving club, Maroochy RSL and many more. Well done, Peter.

Senior Group of the Year Caloundra Garden Club has connected garden lovers who in their retirement have found a place to connect and contribute. If you ever wanted to have fun gardening, the Caloundra Garden Club is the place to be, because the two representatives that turned up were an absolute hoot and had the room in stitches. Well done, ladies; you are clearly leading the way.

Environmental Leader of the Year was given to two organisations this year: Take Action for Pumicestone Passage and Night Eyes Water and Landcare for their tireless efforts to promote the Pumicestone and protect the Pumicestone Passage.

The final winner, Queensland Air Museum, which celebrates 50 years of operation, won the Andrew Wallace Award for Community Group of the Year for decades of devoted commemoration, education and service to our aeronautical history.

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