BONNER’S Local Legends have been recognised during a special barbecue to thank them for their selfless acts of kindness during a difficult 2020.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said he put the call out for the community to nominate people who went above and beyond to support others.

“While 2020 has been a trying year for all of us, it has also brought out the best in our local community,” Mr Vasta said.

“I wanted to celebrate that by hosting the Bonner Local Legends Awards and after promoting it over the past couple of months, we received some heart-warming nominations.”

Mr Vasta said he was humbled to meet so many incredible people in the community and learn more about what motivated them to be so kind, caring and compassionate towards others.

“I hope by sharing their selfless stories it inspires others and also provides hope to those doing it tough, that there are always good people out there willing to lend a hand,” Mr Vasta said.

Bonner Local Legends include:

Coast Guard Brisbane volunteers – we couldn’t just have one, because you work as a team and everything you do to keep our boaties safe is a team effort!

Rebekah Barelet – Nominated by her neighbour, Rebekah showed selflessness and care during COVID-19. She rang her neighbour every day to make sure she was okay. Her neighbour also described her as “the most selfless person I know.”

Coral Brenner – Darling Point Special School. Running the before and after school program and vacation care program at Darling Point Special School, Coral works extra hard to support the families who needed their children minded during COVID restrictions. She not only looks after the children’s families but treats everyone with respect and greets all with a smile.

Mark Brittan – President of the Mt Gravatt Hawks Football Club. Mark is described as the heart and soul of the club. He was nominated for his hard work and commitment as a club volunteer, making sure everything is running smoothly. His good humour is always appreciated on game days.

Keoni Driscol  – A Disability Support Worker, Keoni was nominated by the beautiful family she supports. She worked tirelessly to protect Charlotte during COVID-19 and Charlotte’s mother Angela said she and Charlotte would not have managed without her.

Lisa Morrison – Principal of Belmont State School, Lisa has had a year like no other and has led her school community through absolute tragedy. With the loss of three beautiful students earlier this year, Lisa made sure everyone had access to counsellors and guidance officers. On top of this, she had to take on learning from home during COVID, as well as navigate a whole new set of challenges once school resumed.

Christine Rafter – President of Care Kits for Kids Queensland, Chris and her amazing team put together care kits for the thousands of Queensland children in crisis or care.

Michelle Thompson – Opening a dance studio just prior to COVID. Michelle didn’t let that stop her from supporting her local community. She took her classes online and offered them for free to anyone in the community wanting to dance. She ran competitions and lessons on top of her day job and kept everyone’s spirits up.

Nicole Blums – Volunteering for Wildlife Australia, Nicole was nominated for leading an amazing team of volunteers and helping to save thousands of native animals during the devastating bushfires.