For Colin Sutcliffe OAM, giving back has never been about recognition; it has simply been a way of life.
That lifelong commitment to community has now been formally acknowledged, with Colin named Citizen of the Year at the Redlands Coast Australia Day Awards.
At Ingenia Lifestyle Sanctuary, we couldn’t think of a more fitting recipient, but Colin said he was genuinely surprised to receive the accolade.
“It’s quite an honour to have been selected,” he said.
“I know how difficult the judging process is, because there are so many great people doing good things in the community. I never expected to be on the receiving end of an award like this.”
Colin’s service journey began in his early twenties and has spanned more than five decades across Queensland. A former teacher, he moved frequently throughout his career, and with each move came a new opportunity to get involved.
Among his proudest professional achievements was founding the Charters Towers School of Distance Education in the late 1980s – an innovative model combining correspondence schooling, itinerant teachers and School of the Air. The model proved so successful it was later replicated across regional Queensland.
In the Redlands region, Colin has played an active role across multiple community and not-for-profit organisations. Through Rotary, he has helped establish at least six Probus clubs, supporting social connection and wellbeing for retirees.
Following retirement, he worked with The Smith Family to promote early-years literacy in the Torres Strait and Aboriginal communities, including Dunwich on Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island). That focus on education and equity later led to governance roles with Mangrove Housing, addressing social housing needs across Redlands, Logan and Wynnum, and with STAR Community Services, supporting aged care and disability services.
More recently, Colin helped spearhead a major community commemoration marking 80 years since Victory in the Pacific. The celebration centred around the historic former World War II radio receiving station at the Birkdale Community Precinct – the site where news of peace in the Pacific was first received before being relayed to General Douglas MacArthur in Brisbane.
“Community organisations helped me meet people outside my own professional circle,” he said.
“You end up learning from electricians, plumbers, bank workers – people you might not otherwise cross paths with. That’s incredibly valuable.”
Speaking to the Redlands Coast Today, Redlands Coast Mayor Jos Mitchell said Colin’s impact had been felt across generations.
“Colin has touched thousands of lives across Redlands Coast and remains an active and influential presence in the local community,” she said.
“As a leader within Rotary, STAR Community Services and Mangrove Housing, he has championed initiatives supporting seniors, families and disadvantaged residents. His collaborative and compassionate leadership inspires others to get involved and give back.”
Colin’s wife, Beryl, was awarded Senior Citizen of the Year at the Redlands Coast Australia Day Awards three years ago. The couple moved to Ingenia Lifestyle Sanctuary in June last year after deciding to downsize from their family home in Birkdale.
For Colin, joining a community in its early stages felt familiar.
“There’s something special about being there at the beginning,” he said.
“You help shape traditions, get to know people as everyone is settling in, and it’s easier to feel connected.”
Ingenia Lifestyle Sanctuary Community Manager Ian Thompson congratulated Colin on his award.
“Residents like Colin are what makes a community truly special,” he said.
“His passion for service and connection reflects the values we see every day at Ingenia Lifestyle Sanctuary, and his involvement has already made a positive impact on those around him.”
