Lynn Atkinson – Citizen of the Year
We are thrilled to announce that local Lynn Atkinson has been awarded Citizen of the Year at this year’s Australia Day Awards.
For almost 40 years, Lynn has dedicated herself to making a positive impact on our community, particularly in the lives of vulnerable children and families.
Lynn’s volunteer journey began with the Giving Grannies, a beloved initiative that ultimately closed. But instead of stepping back, Lynn saw an opportunity to continue her mission. She founded two new charities—Let’s Give and Umbrella – with a focus on supporting children and youth in need.
Lynn’s commitment is evident in the work she does every day. From her garage, she assembles care packs filled with essentials and thoughtful surprises for children. She works closely with local schools to identify children who need additional support, ensuring that they receive the care and attention they deserve.
During the holiday season, Lynn’s dedication shines even brighter as she spends months collecting donations to ensure every child in the community receives a special Christmas gift. The joy and gratitude these gifts bring to children are beyond words, and Lynn’s deep commitment to making a difference is truly humbling.
In addition to her hands-on work, Lynn is passionate about encouraging others to get involved. She regularly shares tips on how to find affordable gifts and personally thanks each contributor on the Let’s Give Facebook page. Week after week, Lynn dedicates her time to collecting, organising, and distributing donations, showing a level of commitment that inspires us all. Lynn has a great group of volunteers that support her and you can too with our office at Mt Ommaney Shopping Centre a collection point.
As one supporter put it: “Lynn is a real go-getter; she is always thinking of others and truly cares for underprivileged children and families.”
Lynn’s recognition as Citizen of the Year is a testament to her unwavering dedication to our community, and we are so proud to see her efforts celebrated. Congratulations, Lynn, and thank you for everything you do.
David Cope – Australia Day achievement Award
We are proud to announce that David Kenneth Cope has been honoured with the Australia Day Achievement Award for his exceptional leadership and dedication to the Centenary Men’s Shed.
Over the past decade, David has been instrumental in establishing and growing the Men’s Shed, serving as president since 2014. One of his major achievements was securing a permanent location and crucial grant funding for the Shed’s facilities at Seventeen Mile Rocks. Under his guidance, the Shed has become a hub for community engagement, offering men of all ages a place to connect, learn, and thrive.
A standout project under David’s leadership was the creation of a detailed scale model traction engine steam train, a labor of love that involved over 15 dedicated members. But his vision for the Men’s Shed extends far beyond just woodworking. David expanded the Shed’s offerings to include art, sheet metalwork, gardening, beekeeping, and IT basics—creating opportunities for skill development and camaraderie.
David’s expertise in securing funding through grants has been key to ensuring the Shed’s ongoing development, including necessary repairs and enhancements. Although David has recently stepped down from his role as president, he continues to contribute significantly to the club’s activities and remains a valued member of the community he helped build.
As one of David’s peers put it, “David is highly knowledgeable, approachable, and effortlessly fosters close connections with everyone as a true friend.”
Congratulations, David, and thank you for your years of dedication to the Centenary Men’s Shed and the local community. Your impact will be felt for years to come.
