We congratulate two especially worthy winners in the Sunshine Coast Australia Day Awards:
- Gateway Care leader Debra Knight, Citizen of the Year, and
- David Woodrow (Alexandra Headland Rotarian), Senior Citizen of the Year
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Gateway Care is a very worthwhile local community based organisation that the Rotary Club of Caloundra supports.
Gateway Care has perhaps the largest “Food Centre” of it’s kind in South East Qld with more than 5,000 members on its database. Gateway provides an essential support to many low income families who enjoy the benefit of buying low cost groceries from the Food Centre.
A delegation from Caloundra Rotary had a coffee with Gateway's Manager, Debbie to present a small donation and a Certificate of Appreciation to support this worthy cause. View the photos at this link
Alexandra Headland's very own David Woodrow's work in the community over many years and in various fields of National Service, Education, Emergency Services and Helicopter rescue has been acknowledged by Sunshine Coast Council.
We all know of the tireless work David has been doing in recent years for the Helicopter rescue service, under various sponsorships going back over 20 years and raising several hundred thousand dollars for this essential service. Interesting to note that the helicopter service itself was started by Rotary at the Maroochydore club.
Gateway Care leader Debra Knight earns top honour at Australia Day Awards
After more than ten years providing support to thousands of families through Gateway Care, Debra Knight has been named Sunshine Coast Citizen of the Year for her unwavering and selfless support for community members in need.
Since taking over the leadership position in 2009, Debra has grown the Gateway Care program to more than 4000 families on its database with at least 800 families being supported with low cost groceries each week.
Debra has established a group of volunteers who offer the same genuine care for others and make Gateway Care a safe-haven for individuals to come to share their story and receive comfort and encouragement.
Mayor Mark Jamieson said this year’s Sunshine Coast Australia Day Awards had again highlighted the outstanding work of a number of community-focussed Sunshine Coast citizens and organisations.
“Our nominees in the Australia Day Awards are a very special group of achievers and this is our chance to say thank you,” Mayor Jamieson said.
“Their stories and efforts are inspirational and highlight how fortunate we are to have so many everyday heroes walking amongst us.
“They fully deserve the public recognition for what they do to make our region a better place.
“They make a difference to so many lives.”
Deputy Mayor Cr Tim Dwyer, who presented the awards during the ceremony, said Debra was an inspiring and very worthy Citizen of the Year recipient.
“I would like to congratulate Debra and Gateway Care on the incredible work they have done for our community over many years,” Cr Dwyer said.“I’m inspired by Debra’s passion and dedication for helping those in need and providing a place where people are supported and encouraged, make friendships and benefit from social inclusion.
“We are fortunate to have people like Debra, and our other Sunshine Coast Australia Day Award recipients, living and volunteering in our community.”
2019 Sunshine Coast Australia Day Award winners:
- Debra Knight – Citizen of the Year Award, sponsored by 7 News – Sunshine Coast
- Evie Marshall – Young Citizen of the Year Award, sponsored by USC
- David Woodrow – Senior Citizen of the Year Award, sponsored by Maroochy RSL
- endED – Community Group or Organisation Award, sponsored by the Sunshine Coast Daily
- Art on Cairncross – Creative Award, sponsored by TAFE Queensland
- Wildlife Volunteer Association (WILVOS) and Junior Eco-Leaders, Coolum and North Shore Coastal Care – Environment and Sustainability Award, sponsored by Living Smart Sunshine Coast (two winners in this category)
Maroochy Athletics Club – Sport and Recreation Award, sponsored by Sunshine Coast Sports Federation
David Woodrow
David has been an exemplary citizen over the years, within national and community service. He's raised over $300,000 for the Emergency Helicopter service, been an SES commander, been involved in almost every aspect of community life including the armed forces, and a headmaster.
During his most active part of his community work David spend about 8- hours a week on setting up the SES, and being controller during the Daniel Morcombe search efforts which involved contribution of 3,000 man hours.
Service to community
David’s voluntary work on the Sunshine Coast commenced in 1995 when he moved to Buderim and became welfare coordinator of the Counter Disaster Committee before accepting the position of local controller of the SES in 1997.
His service though started well before that. He was awarded Member of the Order of Australia in 1987 for his pioneering work in education and community service, and he served in the Army Reserve for 31 years, rising to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in Officer training, and Honorary Colonel of the Cadets in Queensland.
David is also a distinguished Rotarian (Past President) and Knight of the Sovereign Order of St John.
David’s contribution was also recognised by several community awards:
- Commonwealth Senior Award in 2000
- National Volunteer Award in 2001
- Community Australia Day award in 2001
- Maroochy Shire Council Citizen of the Year in 2002
Contribution to Emergency Services
David is probably best known for his voluntary work in Emergency Services, and in 2005 was awarded Regional Achievers award he started a project to support the Sunshine Coast Energex Helicopter Rescue Service.
David’s support for the community through voluntary work includes 30 years in the SES, 7 of those years as Controller. He continues to attend various clubs and communities from Gympie to Caboolture to raise founds for the helicopter service – so far around $300,000 has been raised on an entirely voluntary basis. (article included)
Other Community Involvement through Community Voluntary Work
David was also on the Olympic torch volunteer committee, where he was principal coordinator for the Maroochy Shore volunteers for the Olympic torch relay.
David has also been and has been a great supporter of the Buderim Anzac Day celebrations for over 20 years. (Article included). Where he has served as Marshal and chaired many committees that served the Buderim communities.
David has also been a Justice of the Peace for the community and advisor to many Rotary projects on the Sunshine Coast, many involving youth education and today he is Youth Director for the Rotary Club of Alexandra Headland where he coordinates the various Rotary Youth programs, such as Rotary International Youth Exchange, Rotary National Science programs, sponsorship of local students etc.