City of Logan 2023 Australia Day Awards

Citizen of the Year dedicated to supporting women

The City of Logan 2023 Citizen of the Year has spent the last 30 years tirelessly advocating against domestic violence.

Rachel Simpkin Bale has held roles at Logan Women’s Health, Ending Violence Against Women Queensland and the Queensland Sexual Assault Service.

A trainer, charity fundraiser, treasurer, supporter, finance officer, presenter, and project worker; there aren’t many roles the Berrinba resident hasn’t taken on in her bid to create a safer community.

Ms Simpkin-Bale has also been a driving force behind a range of community projects to achieve positive outcomes for women and girls in Logan.

This included a morning tea to remind women about the importance of self-care and journaling, an art exhibit raising awareness of sexual violence, and the formation of working groups to create videos around consent and respect.

City of Logan Mayor Darren Power recognised Ms Simpkin-Bale’s outstanding contributions with the City of Logan 2023 Citizen of the Year Award at today’s Australia Day ceremony.

“What an honour it is to recognise Rachel’s contribution to our city with the 2023 Citizen of the Year Award,” Cr Power said.

“It’s hard to comprehend the vast impact that Rachel has made advocating against domestic violence.

“She has shown an immense dedication to her community and has touched the lives of countless women and girls in Logan and beyond.

“Rachel, along with our other Australia Day award winners, have shown an inspirational dedication and enthusiasm to contribute to their community for the better, and it is an honour to recognise and thank them for their incredible efforts at today’s ceremony.”

Bravehearts Youth Ambassador Amelia Ayris was named the Young Citizen of the Year in recognition of her volunteer work advocating for child safety.

The 16-year-old is a member of the child protection advocate Bravehearts Youth Advisory Committee and has delivered keynote addresses at a local and National level on child safety.

In 2022, Amelia appeared before the Queensland Legal Affairs and Safety Committee to discuss the importance of Child Safety within the new Domestic and Family Violence Protection and other Legislation Amendment Bill.

Kingston’s Tammy Robinson was awarded the Spirit of Logan Award, recognising her charitable work with her organisation, ‘Formally Ever After’.

Formally Ever After provides support to young people in Logan to attend their school formals with style and dignity.

Logan’s Australia Day Ceremony also welcomed and celebrated around 110 residents who became citizens.