From school-aged fund raisers to animal carers, the best of our community were honoured on Australia Day.

Albany Creek philanthropist Peter Campbell was named Citizen of the Year at the Dickson Community Awards, held in front of 400 guests, armed service veterans and family members at Norths Leagues Services Club at Kallangur.

The real estate agent was involved in the formation of sports and seniors clubs and kindergartens in the area, as well as being involved with local Scouts, garden and justice groups in the community, as well as funding aspiring artists.

Warner’s Michelle Hewitt, who has raised more than $20,000 for the Royal Flying Doctor Service and was recently awarded an Our Women, Our State award for advancing the role of women in the aviation industry, was named Dickson Young Citizen of the Year.

“I didn’t even know I was nominated, I came to support my Dad who spent 18 years in the army and he invited us along,” the modest 20-year-old said.

“I said of course I’d come, and when they called my name out it was a big surprise.”

Next Ms Hewitt, who also tutors refugees and volunteers for the Engineers Without Borders program, will trek the Kokoda Trail to raise more money for charity.

Siblings Stephanie, Jenna, Ben and Sam Freeman, from Eatons Hill, received the Volunteer Group Award for their fundraising and leadership efforts in the community.

Stephanie and Jenna, 13, have helped raise more than $20,000 for charities over the past three years and volunteer at the Kumbartcho Community Plant Nursery.

Sam, seven, is also a budding environmentalist who has raised $15,000 for the Mater Hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, while Ben, 12, also assists charities and promoted Australia during a visit to British schools in 2008.

Eatons Hill triplets Amy, Kate and Lisa Stevenson, who tied as Dux of Wavell High School last year, were recognised for their academic excellence alongside Albany Creek’s David Shaw and Natasha Gromof.

Mark and Maria Hansen won a Volunteer Award for their untiring work in the Dayboro community over the past 11 years.

“We had been at Boondall for a number of years and when we moved to Dayboro we didn’t know anybody, and I thought the only way to get to know people was to get involved in the community,” Maria said.

Now the Hansens co-ordinate the annual Dayboro Day Festival, are involved with running the town’s show, rodeo and Progress Association, and also raise funds for cancer research.

“Getting involved in your local community you just get to know so many people and they’re all wonderful people,” Maria said.

Warner’s Brent Ledez, Strathpine’s Pearl West and Bray Park’s Beric Foote and Colin Purdon also received Volunteer Awards.

Pine Rivers Koala Care volunteer and Cashmere resident Linda Horstman said the group, established 13 years ago, was delighted to be named the top Environmental Group for the year.

“All of our volunteers will be very pleased because they work very hard,” she said.

“We go out at 1.30 in the morning, answer phone calls to rescue the koalas and wildlife and we do community education.”

Federal Member for Dickson Peter Dutton, who hosted the Australia Day event, said the awards highlighted the generosity, talent and commitment of people across the region.

“Each year we see so many people who give their time and energy to make a difference for all of us and it’s gratifying to see them recognised for what they do,” Mr Dutton said.