From advocating the community to raising money for sick children, the efforts of two of Logan’s finest citizens were recognised on Australia Day.
Samuel Glancy took home the region’s Young Citizen of the Year award at an annual service on Thursday.
The nine-year-old was recognised for his selfless contributions to the Starlight Children's Foundation – he has raised and donated more than $1600 in the past 12 months by selling artistic calendars he created.
Samuel, who has an eye for photography, has also worked with families – experiencing tough times – and continues to offer free photo shoots.
“It just makes me feel nice,” he said.
“I started doing photography when I was two, and I think I picked it up from my dad because he’s a photographer.
“I do what I do because it makes people happy, and that’s what I like about it.”
Jimboomba resident David Kenny was presented with the Citizen of the Year award, and said having his efforts recognised was “mind-blowing”.
Mr Kenny was awarded for his countless contributions to several community groups and organisations across the region – including the Rotary Club of Jimboomba, Quota International of Jimboomba, Cancer Council Queensland, Jimboomba Relay For Life and the Logan Country Safe City Group.
“Being nominated for the award was an award in itself,” he said.
“I didn’t expect to win.
“There were so many people on stage up there, who have all done many incredible things, and I think that’s why I was a bit taken back when they called out my name.
“I do the things I do without expecting something in return.
“I do it because I like it and I think a lot of the people, who were up on stage with me today, would feel and say the exact same thing.”
City of Logan Mayor Luke Smith said he was proud to have people like Samuel and Mr Kenny in the community.
“David Kenny has worked tirelessly to make Logan a safer place for all,” he said.
“(He) chairs the Logan Country Safe City Group (and) has been a strong voice in support of an upgrade of the Mount Lindesay Highway.
“He’s also an executive of Rotary in Jimboomba and a long-time committee member of Relay for Life, which has raised almost $1 million for cancer support services, and is also active in the Logan Country Chamber of Commerce.
“David is an exemplar of the community spirit that binds Jimboomba together and is a well deserved recipient of the 2017 Citizen of the Year Award.”
Mayor Smith further commended Samuel for his acts of kindness.
“Samuel is living proof that you’re never too young to express your ideas and help others,” he said.
“(He) provides free photography shoots for sick children and their families, as well as creating and selling calendars of his landscape portraits to raise funds for the Starlight Children's Foundation.
“Samuel has (also) initiated his own ‘15 Days of Kindness’ challenge to encourage random acts of kindness, including breaking open his own piggy bank and giving the proceeds to a local food bank to help families buy food for Christmas.
“Displays of giving and sharing like this are the bedrock from which we all grow, as individuals and as a community.”
