Some have spent half a century standing beside veterans. Others have taught more than 1000 Logan children to swim, delivered food to struggling families or kept young people connected to culture and community.
On Friday, dozens of people behind those largely unseen acts of service were brought into the spotlight at the 2026 Local Legends Awards at Logan Diggers Services Club.
Treasurer and Member for Rankin Jim Chalmers said the awards recognised residents who rarely sought applause.
“Those who make the greatest contribution in our community are often some of the most modest,” Mr Chalmers said.
“These awards are designed to give people who are making a difference the recognition they deserve.”
About 160 people—including recipients, relatives, friends and community leaders—attended, according to Mr Chalmers’ office.
The office’s award summaries reveal community service measured not merely in hours, but decades.
Greenbank RSL Sub-Branch volunteer Doug Watts was recognised after more than 50 years supporting veterans, while Jan Forrester has served as a Justice of the Peace for 45 years.
Coral Cassidy has volunteered at Logan East Community Neighbourhood Centre for 30 years, founding the Queen Beez Craft Group to help combat social isolation.
Bec Bailey was honoured for volunteering with Formally Ever After Queensland, teaching more than 1000 Logan children to swim and mentoring future instructors.
Seven Mabel Park State High School recipients were collectively credited with more than two centuries of teaching and student support.
The awards also exposed how many vital services depend on people giving their time for free.
Nahed Alagha supports Arab-speaking families with translation, food and essential items. Beengull Ali provides vulnerable women and children with legal guidance, crisis support and settlement assistance.
Mukay Tut Sein has spent more than a decade running a Karen language school, while Felise Lemalu has devoted decades to Samoan youth mentoring, crime prevention and elder support.
Logan Roos Football Club was recognised for bringing together people from more than 35 nationalities.
When club founder Abdul Samim Khan previously spoke to MyCity Logan, he explained the club began as somewhere to meet, have BBQs, talk to the kids and mentor them.
“The club is multicultural, all inclusive,” he said.
Mr Chalmers said volunteers such as these made Logan and the southern suburbs of Brisbane so special.
“It’s the hard work of legends like these that makes our community the best place in Australia to live, work and raise a family,” he said.
The awards began in 2015, when 50 people and groups were recognised.
Nominations for the next awards are expected to open later this year.
“Our community thrives on the kindness, compassion and commitment of our legends—we can’t thank them enough for what they do,” Mr Chalmers said.
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