Locals who have spent decades tirelessly contributing to the Bundaberg Region were recognised for their exceptional efforts with a morning tea at Bundaberg Regional Council this week.
Mayor Helen Blackburn and fellow Councillors hosted the event on Tuesday 30 July to honour the four dedicated local heroes, all of whom received national medals this year.
The distinguished recipients, Peta Jamieson, OAM, Cliff Fleming, AM, and Colin ‘Curl’ Santacaterina, AFSM, along with Dianne Leggo, OAM who unfortunately was unable to attend, were recognised for their unwavering dedication and service to the community.
Mayor Blackburn said the Bundaberg Region was made up of many incredible community members and it was fitting to recognise these individuals who went above and beyond with a thank you morning tea.
“The Bundaberg Region has a great privilege of celebrating these remarkable individuals who have brought immense honour to our community,” Mayor Blackburn said.
“It’s important to recognise the extraordinary contributions of individuals like Cliff, Peta, Curl and Dianne, who have each made a profound impact on not only their immediate community but also our entire region.”
Peta Jamieson, OAM
Chair of the Wide Bay Hospital and Health Board Peta Jamieson, OAM, was honoured with the Medal of the Order of Australia for her outstanding service to community health and business earlier this year.
The award acknowledged Peta’s commitment to enhancing health services and infrastructure, along with highlighting the positive difference she had made in the local community.
Peta said she was honoured to receive recognition for her years of hard work.
“It’s a lovely occasion to be here, particularly because you receive an award like this on behalf of the people who nominated you,” she said.
Read about Peta’s achievements here.
Cliff Fleming, AM
Bundaberg Brewed Drinks Founder Cliff Fleming was awarded one of the nation’s highest honours for services to the regional town he helped introduce to the world.
The master brewer was named a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in The King’s Birthday 2024 Honours List for significant service to business and to the community of Bundaberg.
Cliff said he was honoured to receive the AM in June and thanked the community for its ongoing support.
“It’s the people of Bundaberg and Council who I need to thank for the recognition that has been given to me,” Cliff said.
“I’ve had a lifetime of friends, and business friends, working with me in business and I will be forever thankful for the people of Bundaberg for what they have done in helping me.”
Read about the King’s Birthday Honour for Cliff Fleming AM here.
Colin ‘Curl’ Santacaterina, AFSM
Childers local Colin ‘Curl’ Santacaterina has been awarded the prestigious Australian Fire Service Medal, honouring his 44-year career as a volunteer rural firefighter in the Bundaberg Region.
The medal, announced in the Australia Day 2024 Honours List, is awarded annually by the Governor-General and recognises distinguished service by a member of an Australian fire service.
“I am honoured, really, I didn’t join to receive recognition, I joined the service just to fight fires,” Curl said.
“It is an honour to think that my peers thought that I deserved it.”
Curl said he was motivated to join the volunteer fire service after an experience trying to fight a shed fire with a neighbour, read his story here.
Often the very best in our community do wonderful
things for others without expecting anything in return. Congratulations to them all.
Well deserved recognition for these individuals who have indeed been an inspiring example of what can be achieved in helping the community.