Unsung heroes celebrated in annual Australia Day Awards

Brisbane has recognised the everyday people who have done extraordinary things across our suburbs with the 2024 Lord Mayor’s Australia Day Awards.

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner honoured the recipients at a ceremony in City Hall ahead of them being publicly acknowledged at this year’s Australia Day Citizenship Ceremony.

“The annual Australia Day awards celebrate the people who embody Brisbane’s values and our nation’s famed Aussie spirit,” Cr Schrinner said.

“The winners’ stories are fantastic examples of what happens when Brisbane residents go above and beyond for their community.

Senior Citizen of the Year Betty Jennings’ unwavering dedication to helping those in need has led her to volunteer as a Diggers’ Dozen in the Greenslopes Private Hospital for more than 20 years.

Non-for-profit Dig In takes out Young Citizen of the Year, accepted by Curtis Sciacca and Lindsay Brown.

Operating across 2 locations in Fortitude Valley and West End, Dig In embraces innovation and technology to help serve 300-350 meals to those experiencing food insecurity every Saturday.

This year also we recognise Ryan Finn as the Australia Day Sports Award recipient, who for the past 7 years has volunteered his time to the Para Sport of Boccia, empowering young people with disability to enjoy and engage in sports.”

The award winners will be publicly acknowledged at this year’s Australia Day Citizenship Ceremony at City Hall in front of more than 550 new citizens.

For more information visit www.brisbane.qld.gov.au, or call Council on 3403 8888. 

2024 Lord Mayor’s Australia Day Award Winners