The 2021 Dickson Awards have seen outstanding local residents rewarded for their hard work and dedication to make our community.
Community Group of the Year for 2021 was jointly awarded to the Clear Mountain, Closeburn, Dayboro and Districts, Oceanview, Samford, and Samsonvale Rural Fire Service Brigades in Dickson for their efforts fighting the 2019-2020 Summer bushfires and other bushfires in our community.
The Small Business Person of the Year is Karen Brown, from TerryWhite Chemmart in Samford Village and Arana Hills. Karen has redefined the role of the local pharmacy and has contributed much to our community investing over $250,000 back into the community through sponsorships and more. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Karen’s ‘clinic hub’ style of pharmacy has been a vital source of encouragement and support for many residents.
The Dickson Citizen of the Year for 2021 is Suzanne Schultz. Suzanne has contributed to the Dickson community for over 50 years. Serving others through voluntary roles including as a Girl Guides’ leader, volunteer at Bray Park State School P&C and tuck shop coordinator, Meals on Wheels, VIEW Club leader, Australian Army Cadets and much more.
Breagh Gregory is the recipient of the Inspirational Youth Award. Breagh has cerebral palsy and is the author of the book ‘The Discrimination Effect: On Our Terms’, released in October 2020. Interviewing over 30 Australians including Olympic Gold Medallist Cathy Freeman as part of her research, Breagh did all this whilst completing her Year 12 studies.
Federal Member for Dickson Peter Dutton congratulated all the awardees and thanked them for their service.
“It has been a hard year for many in our region, but these awards show our community is strongest during tough times,” Mr Dutton said.
“Whether it is supporting others through the tragedy and shock of devasting bushfires, delivering food to those in need during the pandemic or going above and beyond as a local business these awardees are exceptional and we are lucky to have them in our community.
“Congratulations to all recipients and thank you for everything you do.”
The full list of Award Winners are as follows:
| Mrs Suzanne Schultz | Dickson Citizen of the Year |
| Clear Mountain, Closeburn, Dayboro and Districts, Oceanview, Samford and Samsonvale Rural Fire Service Brigades | Dickson Community Group of the Year |
| Mrs Wendy & Mr Basil Gay | Dickson Local Legend Award |
| Ms Karen Brown | Dickson Small Business Person of the Year |
| East Coast Apprenticeships | Dickson COVID-19 Support Award |
| Mr Brandon Bidois
|
Dickson Sports Person of the Year |
| Mr Sam Short | Dickson Young Sports Person of the Year |
| Ms Breagh Gregory | Dickson Inspirational Youth Award |
| Mr Roland Condie | Dickson Youth Achievement Award |
| Mr Dave Hockey | Dickson Ian ‘Watto’ Watson Great Mate Award |
| Mr Andrew Middleton | Dickson Community Service Award |
| Mr Ray Lind | Dickson Community Service Award |
| Mr Brendan Hatch | Dickson Community Service Award |
| Mr John Weisselberg | Dickson Volunteer Award |
| Ms Abby Gilchrist | Dickson Volunteer Award |