Lord Mayor’s Australia Day Awards

Michael, affectionately known as “Magic Mike”, has devoted over 13 years of dedicated volunteer service at QEII Hospital, providing vital assistance across the Outpatients and Allied Health departments.

At 82 years of age, Michael continuously demonstrates exceptional commitment, often extending his rostered hours to support patients and visitors with warmth and professionalism. He is well recognised for his willingness to step in at short notice and for taking initiatives like informing patients about updates within the department, ensuring they receive ample advance notice of their new appointment locations.

Beyond the hospital, Michael contributes widely to his community. He is a part-time school crossing supervisor at Stretton State College, active on the Parents & Citizens Committee, and a justice of the peace for over 50 years. Additionally, Mike has held a key leadership role at the Sikh temple Gurdwara in Durack for over 25 years, volunteering to prepare meals for the congregation and vulnerable community, driving for Transit Care supporting elderly patients, and assisting neighbours with practical tasks. 

His unwavering dedication, positive outlook and extensive community involvement make him a respected and treasured member of both QEII Hospital and the wider community.

For over 70 years, Graham and Jean McLeary have exemplified the spirit of community service through their unwavering dedication to sport, youth development and volunteering in Brisbane.

Graham and Jean remain vital figures within the Brighton community, having played foundational roles in establishing the Brighton Roosters Softball Club in 1984. Starting with just 2 teams, the club has become one of the largest in the Redcliffe Softball Association, largely due to their hands-on leadership including roles as president and contributions to coaching, umpiring, fundraising and daily operations.

Graham and Jean’s commitment to keeping softball affordable and accessible for families is demonstrated by their two decades of coordinating fundraising efforts, raising nearly $90,000 to support training facilities, equipment and social events. Their leadership extends beyond Brighton, with long-term service in executive roles within the Redcliffe Leagues Softball Association and significant involvement in other community organisations including the Scouts, Norths Rugby League Club, and the RSL.

Celebrated for their humility and passion, the McLeary’s continue to mentor and inspire new generations of athletes, particularly advocating for women and girls in sport. Their lifetime of service has helped foster an inclusive, vibrant sporting community, reflected in multiple accolades for the club and the enduring legacy of the McLeary family name.

Maddison-Rae’s journey with Scouts began at 8, blossoming into a remarkable story of leadership, service and adventure.

Rising through Cubs, Venturers and now a Gateway Rover Scout and Cub Leader at Bayside Sea Scouts, Maddison-Rae inspires young people to lead, explore and give back. A natural organiser and motivator, she achieved the prestigious King’s Scout Award in January 2025, recognising her outstanding leadership, outdoor skills and community commitment.

Maddison-Rae’s passion for inclusion shines through her 7 years volunteering at Agoonoree, a camp for young people with disabilities, where she progressed from volunteer to director. She proudly represents her community at ANZAC and Veterans commemorations, mentoring others to honour these traditions.

In 2024, Maddison-Rae completed a groundbreaking 60km sea kayak journey and secured $17,000 in funding for Bayside Sea Scouts’ kayaking programs. Her resilience and dedication extend beyond Scouts, volunteering to help Brisbane residents recover from severe weather events.

Maddison-Rae embodies the Scout values of service, leadership and adventure, a true role model and exceptional young citizen of Brisbane.

Steve stands as a respected and inspiring figure within Brisbane’s southside, renowned for his unwavering leadership and deep commitment to community spirit and rugby league.

From his formative years at Sunnybank State High School in the 1980s to over 30 years of dedication at Souths Sunnybank Rugby League Football Club, Steve has consistently demonstrated discipline, teamwork and inclusivity.

As a former player, club captain and youth coach, Steve’s leadership propelled the club to new heights. Currently serving as Club President (since 2023), he has overseen record growth in player participation and the enhancement of club facilities. His advocacy for mental health, mateship and multicultural inclusion reflects his broader commitment to fostering safe, supportive environments for young athletes and volunteers alike.

Beyond rugby league, Steve’s community involvement spans volunteering with Meals on Wheels Sunnybank and service as a surf life saver. With over 33 years of experience across sports development, education and corporate sectors, Steve’s influence extends well beyond the field. A humble and selfless leader, he continues to champion the club’s proud Indigenous heritage and enduring legacy while inspiring future generations and strengthening community bonds.

Tim has made a remarkable and sustained contribution to the Brisbane community through his extensive philanthropic leadership.

As founder of the Aria Foundation, he has supported over 130 charitable organisations, including The Smith Family, Youngcare, the Lord Mayor’s Charitable Trust, Mater Foundation and many others dedicated to homelessness, mental health, education and vulnerable populations.

Under Tim’s leadership, Aria Giving has donated more than $3 million since 2012, consistently being among the first to offer generous assistance whenever community members are in need. Tim and the Aria team actively respond to emerging social challenges, providing vital support across a broad spectrum of causes.

Aria’s dedication to mental health is shown through its long-term partnership with The Smith Family, co-developing the Work Inspirations Program and being a leading national fundraiser for the Push Up Challenge. In 2021, Tim and his wife Mackenzie also founded Screen Sanity Australia, supporting parents with workshops in over 30 schools and aiding more than 2,000 families in managing digital parenting challenges.

Tim’s passion for community wellbeing spans the arts, sport and social services. His leadership inspires active involvement in building a healthier, more inclusive Brisbane. Alongside the Aria Foundation, Tim exemplifies generosity, compassion and a strong commitment to improving lives.

The Brisbane South Toy Library Play Day, led by Adelle, has become a cherished annual event in Brisbane’s southside, celebrated for its strong commitment to inclusivity, child development and community cohesion.

Organised mainly by volunteers, this free event offers families from diverse backgrounds meaningful play experiences, overcoming barriers of socioeconomic status, language or ability.

Now in its fourth consecutive year, the Play Day offers a broad range of engaging activities facilitated through community partnerships and grant funding, including interactive science workshops, creative play stations and affordable toy sales to support both families and the Toy Library’s sustainability. The event also helps reduce isolation among parents and carers by fostering connections and creating a welcoming environment for all generations.

Emphasising the social, emotional and physical development of children, the Play Day promotes structured and unstructured play within a safe and supportive community setting. Its popularity, demonstrated by high attendance is a testament to the event’s value and the passion of its volunteers.

Through its ongoing success, the Brisbane South Toy Library Play Day exemplifies community spirit, volunteerism and inclusivity. Its impact is far-reaching, enriching the lives of children and families while strengthening the social fabric of Brisbane’s southside.

Renae is a passionate advocate for recycling and waste reduction, inspiring meaningful change within both her local community and the broader healthcare sector.

Renae has consistently been a catalyst for a cultural shift towards sustainable recycling practices in her medical workplace, contributing significantly to systemic improvements across the entire healthcare industry.

In 2019, Renae founded the Tarragindi Community Garden, which continues to thrive and flourish under her thoughtful and dedicated guidance. The garden has become a vital hub for community engagement, environmental education and social connection. Recently, it has been further enhanced by the establishment of a comprehensive recycling centre that has expanded to include specialised blister pack recycling. Her skilled leadership has inspired a committed and enthusiastic volunteer base, all deeply devoted to environmental stewardship and sustainability.

Renae’s impactful and innovative work has been recognised nationally, prominently featured on the ABC’s War on Waste TV series, which reached over four million viewers, showcasing her pioneering approach to sustainability and recycling. Her ongoing passion and unwavering commitment to recycling and waste reduction extend far beyond local initiatives, signalling a promising and hopeful future not only for both her community but also for the broader Australian environment and the planet as a whole.