Cooper Greats Awards 2025

Our Cooper Greats! 

Celebrating commitment and service to our Community 

The ‘Cooper Greats Award’ is a celebration of those who have shown exceptional compassion, dedication, and leadership in the Cooper Electorate. The awards are organised and awarded by Jonty Bush MP, and the award night took place at Bardon Bowls Club on 17 June.  

We congratulate everyone who received the very well-deserved recognition for their services to our wonderful community. Individuals were nominated by people across the Cooper Electorate. 

Thank you everyone for all that you do for our community!  

Awards Name List (alphabetically by first name/grouped):   

Aidan Ameer, Alan Brake, Amerson Stephenson, Andy Andrews, Ann Edwards, Ann and Jeff Hilder, Anthony Buxton, Anthony Herbert, Ant Mahoney, Balaangala Community Group (Colin and Michelle Peile), Benjamin Peacock, Bianca Manson-Bishop, Brad Holland, Brendon Cook, Brooke Miller, Bruce Barker, Bruce Gray, Carmen Briggs, Carolyn Draper, Caylie Jeffery and Kerry Forsythe, Ceri Wyne, Cheyene, Shaany and Mckenna (from Showdance), Chris Murdoch, Christine Galbraith, Christine Simpson, Chrissy Bowden, Colin Bushell, Corey Allen, Craig Ray, Danni Holman, David Matthews, Dean Wyatt, Deanna Meth, Elisabeth Clough, Ed Bennet, Faye (Woolworths Ashgrove), Fiona Margaret Preston, Gary Morrisby, Gerard Doyle, Gerard Kalinoski, Georgia Pitts, Gillian Marshall, Glenn Ellis, Glenys Carlson, Grant Mitchell, Heidi McKellar, Jayesh Naran, Jim Lewi, Joanne Ingram, John Waters, Joseph Khan, Jude Muduioa, Julia Moorhouse, Juliana Crombie, Juliarna Potiphar, Karen Bessell, Karen Dare, Katherine Kemp, Kaz Willis, Kelvin Barfoot, Kym Bierenbroodspot and Melanie Grevis-James, Leona Reif, Lynette Parker, Madeleine Briggs, Maggie Magafakis, Marina Novak, Matthew Forrester, Max Hadgelias, Melanie Isaacs, Monika Janda, Murray Oke, Nadine Pennisi, Narbey Olwen, Natalie Costanzo, Padma Lal, Patricia Ferrier, Petrina Fraccaro, Phil Bird, Rebecca Adams, Ricardo Bonasia, Ritchie Callaghan, Robert Granger, Ronald Mitchell, Ruth Allars, Samuel Dow, Sarah Batterham and Jodie Garrity, Sean McKinney, Shane McConnell, Simon Putral, Steve Miller, Sue Moller, Susie Berkhut, Susie Green and Bill Martel, Susie McClennan, Toni Mckinnon, Tony Usher, Trevor Bridge, Trevor Ozane, Trish Ferrier, Wade Lewis, Wallace Moorehouse, Wally Vicig, Wendy and Judy Lowe. 

A small selection of supporting comments for nominees: 

Rebecca Adams: 

“Rebecca transformed her personal grief into a lifeline for others, founding a charity that supports widowed people with care, compassion, and strength. Rebecca’s dedication to her vocation is truly special.” 

Phil Bird: 

“Phil is the long-time convenor of the Bowman Park Frog Habitat Group in Bardon… Phil has been instrumental in preserving local biodiversity and creating vital wildlife habitat in the inner west. He is retiring this year …, leaving a strong legacy of environmental stewardship in the Bardon community. Thank you Phil.” 

Ritchie Callaghan: 

“Richie is a familiar face across the community—volunteering at schools, coaching soccer, and serving as an Adopt-a-Cop—bringing heart and dedication to every role.” 

Brendon Cook: 

“Brendan is a proud Wiradjuri man who runs an Brisbane Indigenous Cricket, a sporting group aiming to ensure First Nations people are engaged and connected to sports. Brendon was nominated for his ‘ongoing commitment to championing first nations people in sport, his passion and enthusiasm’”. 

Carolyn Draper: 

“Carolyn is the Coordinator of the Ashgrove Meals on Wheels, she does a tremendous job… Carolyn is nominated for the joy and enthusiasm she brings to the role, for her genuine care of her clients and for being such a strong and ongoing representative for Meals on Wheels.” 

Robert Granger: 

“Robert leads by example with quiet dedication. Thanks to his hard work with the Watercress Farm Bushcare and love for the land, our bushland is healthier, greener, and more resilient. He reminds us that caring for nature is not just an act of service, but a gift to the whole community.” 

Jayesh Naran: 

“Jayesh is a young leader making a big impact—offering guidance, energy, and community-building through his work at Ithaca Presbyterian.” 

Image credits: Jonty Bush MP, Kym Bierenbroodspot, Melanie Grevis-James