FOOD WARRIOR TAKES TOP TITLE

A DESIRE TO REDUCE FOOD WASTE, TO HELP OTHERS AND TO ADVOCATE FOR A LESS WASTEFUL FUTURE HAS SEEN LOCAL RESIDENT MICHELE LIPNER NAMED AS THE SUNSHINE COAST CITIZEN OF THE YEAR.

Michele is the founder and coordinator of the local chapter of OzHarvest.

Each month she is joined by a team of volunteers who collect more than 15,000 kilos of quality surplus food from 40 food donors from north of Noosa to Coolum, Caloundra and beyond, and re-distribute it to 45 agencies to feed people in need.

Outside of food recovery, OzHarvest also delivers a range of education programs locally including Cooking for a Cause and Food Education and Sustainability.

Sunshine Coast Council Acting Mayor Rick Baberowski said people like Michele formed the backbone of our Sunshine Coast community.

“This year, we received 63 Sunshine Coast Australia Day nominations across seven categories with a common thread weaving through each one — every nominee was praised for their selflessness and their dedication to helping others,” Cr Baberowksi said.

“Together the nominations form a glorious account of the actions of everyday people who make a difference.

“It’s a humbling account and every nominee should feel very proud.

“The Sunshine Coast Australia Day Awards provide an essential platform to recognise the efforts of the special individuals, charities and organisations that support our region and to say thank you.

“On behalf of Sunshine Coast — to all those nominated both this year and in previous years

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March edition: Friday, Feb 17, 2023, 5pm

April edition: Friday, March 17, 2023, 5pm

May edition: Friday, April 21, 2023, 5pm

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— a sincere thank you.”

The 2023 Senior Citizen of the Year title went to Nambour’s Gary Langford, who is the president of the Nambour Local Ambulance Committee.

The 2023 Young Citizen of the Year went to mental health advocate and regular volunteer at 4 Paws Animal rescue - Mason HopeKassulke.

Mason is also an award-winning artist and songwriter and uses this as a platform to raise awareness and generate funds and support for mental health.

Emerging from a strong line up of contenders for the Community Group of the Year Awards for 2023 were The Board Meeting Surf Charity and Sunshine Coast Riding for the Disabled who were judged to be equally worthy of the category win, producing a tied result.

A full list of award winners is available on council’s website https://www.sunshinecoast. qld.gov.au