Citizen of
the Year | Ron Johnstone wears
many hats across the Lockyer Valley, with his involvement spanning decades. He
is known as the Town Crier, a long-standing and deeply involved member of the
Laidley Pioneer Village, an active member of the Gatton and District Historical
Society and sits on numerous other committees across the region. Through his
efforts in historical preservation and tourism promotion, Ron has contributed
directly to the cultural and economic vibrancy of the Lockyer Valley. By
enhancing the visitor experience at historical sites and actively promoting
local events, he has helped attract tourists and foster regional pride. Ron
leads by example, whether he’s rallying support for local initiatives,
promoting events, or maintaining the grounds at the museum, he inspires those
around him.
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| Young Citizen of the Year | Haylie Morton contributes to the local community through the
Laidley State High School, the arts, science and local organisations. As
student council member and later Vice-President, she has been the driving force
behind numerous initiatives, meticulously planning, organising, and leading
events that have benefited both her school and the wider community. Some of her
projects include: “Wear Pink for Emily”, “Do it for Dolly Day”, Harmony/Multicultural
Day, Valetine’s Day Stall, World Kindness Day, Sausage Sizzles and Legacy
Projects. Haylie orchestrated the first Laidley State School Gunfire Breakfast
while also excelling in school maintaining 6 x Gold Medallion and Platinum
awards for learning engagement and achievement. Haylie also succeeds in music
and the performing arts. Haylie aspires to pursue clinical medicine and
research, establishing a centre to improve healthcare access and sustainability
for rural communities, combining her love of science, service and helping
others.
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Senior Sportsperson
of the Year | Jason Northey holds the role of the International Practical
Shooting Confederation (IPSC) Queensland State Match Coordinator, managing
matches and competitors for 41 clubs spread across the state. Jason is an
Australia representative practical handgun competitor, and in 2025 he
represented Australia at the 20th IPSC Handgun World Shoot in South
Africa, finishing with a Top 100 ranking. Jason is currently ranked 7th
in Australia in IPSC Classic Division, and Top 4 within Queensland.
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Junior Sportsperson
of the Year
| Samson Noffke represents the Lockyer Valley through
multiple sporting categories at state and national levels. Samson competed for
Met West in Cricket, Rugby Union and Athletics at the Queensland Representative
School Sport Championships. In Javelin he won silver at the Queensland State
Championships and then bronze at the Australian Athletics National
Championships. Samson represented the Ipswich Jets Cyril Connell Under 17’s
team and has been selected for Ipswich Jets Mal Meninga Under 19 squad. Samson
has been selected in the U18 South East Queensland Stormers cricket squad.
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| Event of the Year | The Committee behind the annual Ma Ma Creek
Exhibition
pour in endless hours of volunteer work to ensure the event is a
success every year. This event highlights community spirit, by showcasing what
the local community has to offer, from local businesses, farmers, as well as
hobbyists being given an opportunity to showcase their goods and crafts.
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Community Organisation
of the Year | The Gatton Black Pigs Rugby Union Club are deeply engaged in
the Lockyer Valley community, as members participate proudly in ANZAC DAY
commemorations, Forest Hill Christmas Festivities, and key UQ Gatton events.
They also volunteer substantial time to coaching rugby at Faith Lutheran
College, helping grow junior rugby, mentor younger athletes and strengthen
pathways for youth participation in the region.
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| Mayoral Award Winner | Gayle Daetz volunteering journey began in 1999, when she
signed up to volunteer with the Leukemia Foundation at the Ipswich Branch, by
supporting patients and families. Sadly, this was prompted after the loss of
her own son, Jody, to Leukemia in May of 1999.Gayle went on to become president of the
Leukemia Foundation’s Lockyer and Brisbane Valley Branch from 2005-2014. Whilst
president, she worked tirelessly to support patients and families through
fundraisers and awareness programs. Gayle volunteers at the Lockyer Valley
Visitor Information Centre and has been doing this for 16 years. Seven years ago, amidst her regular
volunteering gigs at the Lockyer Valley Visitor Information Centre, Gayle
started the Team Jody Foundation. Through Team Jody, Gayle organises two
markets every year at Forest Hill, two high teas every year, and a bus trip for
20-30 participants every six weeks, highlighting different tourism activities
in not only the Lockyer Valley, but also surrounding regions. She volunteers at Das Neumann Haus twice a
month in the café, helps run their markets for events like the Heritage
Festival and Laidley Spring Festival. Gayle is a great champion in our community
and it’s wonderful to publicly and formally recognise her today.
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