Organising the Logan Eisteddfod for the past 14 years has been a true labour of love for Belivah resident Heather Christensen.
Heather was recognised with an Order of Australia Medal in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list for her work with Quota International Beenleigh and the Beenleigh Yatala Chamber of Commerce.
She has worked tirelessly for Quota in various projects including establishing Junior Quota clubs in three Logan high schools.
Heather was recognised for her work with the BYCC as facilitator for the Beenleigh Yatala Junior Chamber of Commerce and for being a board member since 2009.
She was named Citizen of the Year in the Logan City Council’s Australia Day Awards in 2016.
Cr Karen Murphy extended her heartfelt congratulations to Heather.
“Heather has dedicated over 30 years to serving others including supporting youth through Junior Quota clubs and the Beenleigh Yatala Junior Chamber of Commerce,” Cr Murphy said.
“She has had an immense and positive impact on countless people including myself.
“I am blessed to count her as a mentor, sounding board and true friend, she is one in a million.”
Karen thanked everyone involved in submitting her nomination for the award.
“I’d like to thank everyone and especially Quota charter member Moya McKeown, Cr Karen Murphy and Mark Haestier for putting my nomination together.
“I am so overwhelmed to be thought worthy of this great honour,” Heather said.
She said volunteering, while providing valuable worth to the community also provides huge benefits to volunteers.
“It lowers stress, makes you happier, can boost your skills, opens up new networks and buys you more time,” Heather said.
“Studies have shown that those who give their time to meaningful causes feel capable of accomplishing more.”
Karen said she was especially proud of her work with Junior Quota clubs where students learn how to run meetings, plan events, how to speak in public and realised the importance of supporting the community, including nursing home visits and organising Teddy Bears Picnic.
