COMMUNITY CHAMPION: SUE FEHLHABER
Sue Fehlhaber has been an integral part of the Emerald community since she arrived as a child. Her connection to the community runs deep, and she is passionate about the support and kindness she sees every day. “I came to Emerald when I was 10 because my dad had a job with the railway. I […]
COMMUNITY CHAMPION: LEE WATTS
Lee Watts was working in the Scone Neighbourhood Resources Centre (SNRC) during winter one day when a young boy walked in wearing wet socks and no shoes. He told Lee it was his father’s turn to wear the shoes. She wasted no time getting him his own pair and that moment will forever be the […]
COMMUNITY CHAMPION: RHEENIE ROWE
Born at the Dysart Hospital in 1989, Rheenie Rowe’s roots in Dysart run deep. After completing all her schooling locally, Rhiannon moved to Emerald in 2008 before returning to Dysart in 2012 when her partner took on the family cattle property next to Lords Table Mountain. Rhiannon’s passion for volunteering started young, inspired by her […]
COMMUNITY CHAMPION: JAY PIETZNER
At just 17 years old, Jay Pietzner has already made a lasting impact on the Moranbah sporting community. As a coach, umpire and player for the Moranbah Bulldogs AFL Club, he has embraced multiple roles, proving that age is no barrier to leadership and community spirit. Jay’s coaching journey began in 2022 when he noticed […]
COMMUNITY CHAMPION: Rebecca Huggett
Rebecca Huggett has called Moranbah home for eighteen years. She arrived in 2007 for her second teaching posting however, Rebecca’s involvement in the community extends far beyond the classroom. “I’ve been a teacher since the early 2000s. At Moranbah, I have been a Teacher, Year Coordinator, Head of Department, and now I coordinate a partnership […]
COMMUNITY CHAMPION: Kyle Kermode
We have often had a story with a Community Champion in @ The Coalface who speaks about how hard it is to encourage younger people to volunteer in their local community. Well, we have found a young volunteer in Singleton who does plenty. Kyle Kermode grew up in Singleton, going through to Year 12 at […]
COMMUNITY CHAMPION – LISA JAMIESON
Lisa Jamieson is an extraordinary community champion whose dedication and tireless efforts have left a lasting mark on the Mackay region. With a Mechanical Engineering Degree, a Master of Business Administration, and over 30 years of experience in project management, Lisa has held various roles throughout her career, shaping her approach to volunteering. For the […]
COMMUNITY CHAMPION: LEX FLACK
Lex Flack’s journey from a seasoned sales representative to a devoted volunteer for Mackay Isaac Tourism captures a deep-seated passion for the Mackay Isaac region. After retiring from his full-time role in 2005, Lex initially sought to volunteer in tourism, a venture that although started unassumingly at an airport stand, has blossomed into a profound […]
COMMUNITY CHAMPION: Lexi Croce
At just 16 years old, Moranbah State High School Grade 11 student Lexi Croce is taking the entrepreneurial world by storm. Between juggling school and sports, she’s carved out time to run her own business, Elsie Grace, which recently won her the Young Rural Business of the Year award. Lexi’s journey began just by spending […]
COMMUNITY CHAMPION: Meg Southcombe
For as long as she can remember, the mines have been the hole in the ground that puts food on Meg Southcombe’s table. 20-year-old Meg has a very different outlook on the mining industry compared to other people her age. “Without the mines, I would have never gone to St Joseph’s, my parents couldn’t have […]
Community Champion: Trevor Prior
Trevor Prior’s tireless efforts to bridge cultural divides, uplift youth, and infuse life with music and culture make him a person worth celebrating. At the age of 17, Trevor’s early foray into community service saw him involved in youth work. Sponsored by the Rotary Club, Trevor took a two week trip to New Zealand to […]
Community Champion – Andrew Hughes
At every local fundraiser or sporting event, there’s a company name that always seems to pop up. A Plus Contracting & Poly Welding. When it comes to a business giving back to its local community you would be hard pressed to find one more generous then Branxton business, A Plus Contracting & Poly Welding. Harry […]
Community Champion – Amanda Raymond
In Moranbah where community bonds are strong and genuine, Amanda Raymond embodies community dedication and leadership. Her many contributions, ranging from her support for the Girl Guides to her role as President of Moranbah Arts, are a testament to her commitment. “I’ve always wanted to live in a place where I could wave to everyone […]
Community Champion: Brian Collard
For almost seven decades Brian Collard has been proud to call the Upper Hunter home. While he should be enjoying a well-deserved retirement, Brian is still giving back to the community he loves. When we asked Brian to be this month’s community champion he was reluctant. As with most people who volunteer, Brian isn’t after […]
Community Champion: Peter Panther
In the tight-knit community of Moranbah there is a man who you could say is its heartbeat. Meet Peter Panther, a beloved figure whose infectious love for life and passion for drumming has left a lasting mark on the town and its people. Ever since he was a kid Peter has always marched to the […]
Community Champion: Gayle Butcher
Singleton resident Gayle Butcher is one of the unsung Hunter residents who quietly go about volunteering with Lifeline so it can help others in the community in need. Gayle has been volunteering at Lifeline’s Singleton shop for a year. She helps for between six and nine hours a week, usually over two days. A Singleton […]
