Australia Day is one of the most fun days on the calendar. It might mean something different for a lot of people, but for most Australians it’s all about having a good time in the summer sun with friends and celebrating everything that makes it the best country in the world.
While there were not a huge number of events in the City of Logan, there were plenty of families out and about celebrating in parks.
Alexandar Clark Park was just one of the places across the city where people and organisations chose to celebrate. With the newly developed park, the basketball and volleyball courts were getting a workout while the giant Koala was being climbed all over.
The day was overcast, and the rain held off, but it was still a warm summer day. This was great for the kid’s as they were able to play in the water section of the park to keep cool and have lots of laughs.
The Rotary Clubs across Logan got together to help the community celebrate Australia Day by giving away free lamingtons, coffee, and cold drinks.
Rotary Club of Beenleigh were at Doug Larsen Park in Beenleigh while Rotary Club of Logan were doing their part at Springwood Park.
Rotary Club of Loganholme had their gazebo set up in Alexandar Clark Park with mountains of lamingtons and drinks along with Aussie flags and temporary Aussie tattoos.
The team were dressed in their Rotary shirts, but some went the extra mile with Aussie flag shorts, sunnies, and hats. There was even the odd green and gold, Aussie Aussie Aussie, flag being waved around for good measure.
“We are here celebrating Australia Day and showing support for the community,� Rotary Club of Loganholme president Paul Silva said.
“Being here we get the name of the clubs out to show the community we support them in a few different ways but mainly it’s to enjoy Australia Day and hope that people enjoy the few drinks, coffee and the lamingtons.�
With a lot of the community out celebrating in the parks, getting ready for a backyard BBQ or to visit one of the local restaurants, two citizens were being awarded for their work for the Logan community.
The 2024 City of Logan Australia Day Awards crowned two local women for giving back to the community.
Eighty-three-year-old Margaret Harvey and 18-year-old Elahi Elahi were respectively awarded the 2024 Australia Day Citizen of the Year and Young Citizen of the Year awards at the Australia Day celebrations.
Ms Harvey has spent more than 14 years providing support and friendship to residents experiencing homelessness, social isolation, and loneliness through the Logan branch of charity organisation Rosies and their ‘Friends on the Street’ program.
Ms Harvey has played a part in several outreach initiatives in Logan, including starting community feeds programs in Logan Central and Beenleigh and setting up an outreach van to provide hot and cold food items, blankets, and hygiene packs.
“Margaret’s unconditional support and service to those who are experiencing incredibly difficult circumstances makes her a worthy recipient of our 2024 Australia Day Citizen of the Year award,� Cr Power said.
“A longstanding community volunteer, Margaret has given back to countless residents across the city and shaped the Rosies Logan Branch into the community force it is today.�
A dedicated volunteer since the age of 11, Elahi Elahi was recognised for her extensive volunteer and advocacy work in the community.
The Marsden resident juggled high school and two jobs while volunteering for Hummingbird House, Redkite, and Youth off the Streets.
She was recently appointed as one of four youth leaders to represent Australia internationally at The Y’s Global Youth Advisory Council.
She also represents Woodridge in the Queensland Youth Parliament and serves on the committees of both Youth UN and Make It 16.
“Margaret and Elahi have shown incredible service and commitment to their community, and it is an honour to recognise their outstanding efforts at today’s ceremony,� Cr Power said.
The City of Logan’s Australia Day event also welcomed and celebrated around 180 residents who became Australian citizens.