Sell-Out Night Celebrates Inspirational Locals as Winners Announced In 7th Annual Fisher Community Awards

Community leaders, political representatives, volunteers, business owners and an iconic author and TV personality came together on Tuesday evening, to celebrate the nominees, finalists and winners of the 2024 Fisher Community Awards.

The prestigious awards program, run by Fisher MP, Andrew Wallace, celebrated its seventh year with a record number of nominations across its ten categories. With local star Kim McCosker as MC, and Caloundra candidate Kendall Morton deck to assist, the event sold out fast, with standing room only.

“Every year, I’m blown away by the talent, compassion, and ingenuity of the people in our community who are nominated. These awards are a way of recognising and thanking them for their hard work – much of which goes untold and unnoticed,” Mr Wallace said.

“We’ve seen how the Sunshine Coast steps up when the going gets tough – responding to the cost of living crisis, fighting to protect our local environment, and bringing the community together to combat loneliness amongst our most vulnerable,” Mr Wallace continued.

“This year, in particular, we’ve seen how businesses and volunteers are innovating and working to support people with disabilities – with Nate raising funds, STEPS Pathways College and Luke Newman providing access to training and employment, Nybro manufacturing vehicle modifications, and Just Better Care delivering those essential services to older Australians,” Mr Wallace added.

“Leonie and I know how difficult and rewarding it is to care for loved ones with disabilities and chronic health conditions. We know that it takes a village – and the 2024 Fisher Awards show that our village is stronger, kinder, and more inclusive than ever,” Mr Wallace concluded.

Mr Wallace praised the work of both Take Action Pumicestone Passage and Night Eyes Water and Landcare, for their ongoing advocacy and practical approach to environmental stewardship and education – particularly since the recent Bribie Island breakthrough.

“As we celebrated on the Golden Beach Foreshore, you could see the detrimental impact of the breakthrough on the Power Boat Club, locals’ recreational access, and the health of the local ecosystem. Despite plenty of announcements, the State Government has been found wanting when it comes to action. Without TAPP, Night Eyes, our local community, nothing would get done,” Mr Wallace highlighted.

The Sunshine Coast MP and self-professed aerophile celebrated the QLD Air Museum, who received the highly-coveted Andrew Wallace Award for Community Group of the Year. The Museum is this year celebrating its 50th Anniversary – five decades of world-class service in history-keeping, maintenance, education and commemoration.

“I’m so proud to see the QLD Air Museum take out the Andrew Wallace Award. Their contribution to veteran commemoration, community education, and to inspiring students with a love of STEMM and aviation is well-known, and it’s an honour to celebrate them in their fiftieth year of operation.”

Mr Wallace concluded by acknowledging all nominees, finalists and winners on their recognition, and paid tribute to the Caloundra Power Boat Club, the generous venue sponsor, and Kim McCosker, who once again took to the stage as the master of ceremonies.

To the record number of nominees, Mr Wallace said, “While not everyone is able to win, the reality is that all of you – for what you have done and continue to do – are worthy winners. You are examples to those around you, you are valued by your community, and your community has taken notice and is immensely grateful and proud.”