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The Lockyer Valley Regional Council has paid tribute to the âgifted womenâ incarcerated in prison who crafted the gifts that were handed to the Australia Day Awards winners in January.
The awards winners were handed timber clocks and weather stations that were hand made by 10 of the women prisoners at the Southern Queensland Correctional Centre. Citizen of the Year Aubrey Kilah and Mayor Tanya Milligan. Photo: Hugh Suffell.
Mayor Tanya Milligan who presented the âamazing giftsâ said they were well received and demonstrated the âgreat partnershipâ between the council and the women in the prison.
Southern Queensland Correctional Centre Prison Director Nick Rowe said the prisoners were engaged prior to Christmas to make the items.
Aubrey Kilah was announced the 2021 Lockyer Valley Citizen of the Year. Citizen of the Year Aubrey Kilah and Mayor Tanya Milligan. Photo: Hugh Suffell.
Lockyer Valley Mayor, Cr Tanya Milligan awarded Aubrey, or Aub as he is known, the honour at the official Australia Day ceremony.
Aub has held the position of president of the local ambulance committee since 1992 and donates two days each week to the Blue Care book sale.
Fittingly, he received a 25-year service medal from the Queensland Ambulance Service for his contributions to the local ambulance committee. Citizen of the Year Award Recipient Aubrey Kilah. Photo: Hugh Suffell.
“Words cannot explain it,” he told the
Gatton Star.
Aub said his main goal is to help the Gatton Ambulance Committee and the Blue Care book sales, fundraising for both organisations. Citizen of the Year Award Recipient Aubrey Kilah. Photo: Hugh Suffell.
He also helps organise the annual Lockyer Valley Christmas carnival at the end of each year.
“I am very proud to be dealing with these three organisations,” Aub said.
Aub said he would spend the remainder of Australia Day with his family at home.
“They are very proud,” Aub said.
Cr Milligan said Aub worked tirelessly to achieve the best possible outcomes for the Lockyer Valley region.