A woman credited with “saving” a 50-year-old community staple has been awarded the city’s premier volunteering honour.
Logan City Netball Association president Karlene Marechal was named ‘volunteer of the year’ at the 2025 City of Logan Volunteer Awards ceremony over the weekend.
Logan’s State Emergency Service unit was at the same ceremony recognised as the city’s ‘outstanding organisation of the year’ for its work supporting locals during Cyclone Alfred.
Without Ms Marechal, mayor Jon Raven said the netball association would have been lost.
He said the club was known for being a “welcoming and supportive place for players and families alike”.
Ms Marechal demonstrated how one person could make a difference in the community, he said.
Ms Marechal said she was honoured to receive the award, but admitted it felt overwhelming.
“I am actually still coming to terms with it. It is a weird feeling to be told you are making such an impact on the community when you just do what you do,” she said.
“I didn’t think what I do is any more special than what other people do.”
When the previous club president retired, no one was willing to fill the gap. That’s when Ms Marechal stepped in.
“I couldn’t let the kids go without a netball association, because if you don’t have a president, a treasurer and a secretary, you don’t have a club.
“It takes up a lot of time… and I love it.”
Ms Marechal also started taking advantage of the Containers for Change initiative where you can exchange a container for 10c. She helped secure thousands of dollars for the association.
Her next mission is to start a sponsorship program – funded by the recycling initiative – to help local families in need.
Cr Raven said Ms Marechal’s focus was to make netball affordable and inclusive.
“She has worked tirelessly to ensure children from all backgrounds – regardless of their skill level or financial situation – all have the chance to participate in the sport.”
Finalists in the Volunteer of the Year category included:
- Kyle Daly, who has brought the community together to ensure the Suicide Prevention Cup is a regular event on Logan’s annual calendar and has raised thousands of dollars and also awareness.
- Zainab Olabisi Burton-Tairu assists children originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, Burundi, and Uganda at Jesus Gate of Peace to further develop their English communication skills. Through the Sunday School Children’s Ministry, she helps them to improve their communication abilities through music, bible study and engaging activities.
- Gary Bramhall’s dedication and hard work at Bethania Community Centre has made a lasting impact. As the centre’s “can-do” handy-man, Gary has taken on a wide range of tasks to keep the centre in excellent condition from repairs and carpet cleaning to gardening and waste management.
The local SES squad was awarded the city’s top organisation for embodying “the highest standards of service and resilience”.
“Because they can mobilise rapidly, operate under extreme conditions and provide essential assistance to our local community, they play a critical role in Logan’s disaster response,” Cr Raven said.
“Their tireless efforts during ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred earlier this year not only helped avoid further damage but also provided crucial emotional and physical support.
“Our orange angels display a spirit of selflessness, courage, and community service, which sets a benchmark for excellence in emergency response.
“In times of need, they put their work and personal commitments on hold to help others.”
Other finalists in the Outstanding Organisation of the Year category included:
- The Australian Pakistani National Association which has been at the forefront of promoting cultural diversity and harmony in Logan.
- Hope Centre/Hope Ventures, which supports individuals and families experiencing homelessness, domestic violence, isolation and loneliness through mental health support and food relief.
- Ladybird Care Foundation Limited, which has touched and changed the lives of hundreds of people directly and indirectly affected by the death of a child.
Mayor Raven commended all the nominees for this year’s awards.
“More than 27,000 people in the city give their time and energy to help others,” he said.
