Two Carinity employees have been recognised for their contributions to their community at recent Australia Day awards.
Sammie McLardy and Bobbie Walsh were finalists for Citizen of the Year awards through their respective local councils.
Sammie McLardy pictured with Federal MPs Michelle Landry and Nigel Hutton at the Livingstone Council Australia Day Awards.
Sammie's nomination was in recognition of supporting Central Queensland youth at Carinity On Track for the past five years.
The Program Coordinator at Carinity's accommodation for young people in the child safety system, Sammie was shortlisted for two Livingstone Shire Council Australia Day Awards, including Citizen of the Year.
Senior Youth Worker, Crystal Griffiths, recognised Sammie's continued dedication to supporting local teenagers, while transitioning through various work roles.
"Sammie has always been dedicated and passionate, ensuring the wellbeing of the young people in our care, making sure they strive to be the best that they can, and teaching them life skills to prepare them for the world outside," Crystal said.
"She is an inspiration not only to me but to others and I am thankful to have her as our On Track Program Coordinator."
Sammie said her goal is to "provide a nurturing and empowering setting" so young people "can find their own solutions to the barriers they face".
"By carefully listening to our young people and unpacking their concerns we can find solutions that benefit all household members," Sammie said.
"Central to my approach is ensuring that the voices of the young people are not only heard but also validated."
Bobbie, a Registered Nurse who works for Carinity Home Care Hervey Bay, was a finalist for Fraser Coast Regional Council's Citizen of the Year award.
A former nanny, childhood educator and disability support worker who now supports seniors, Bobbie was recognised for 26 years' service in her community as a nurse, educator and first aid trainer who also supports underprivileged students.
"I buy text books and donate to struggling students; adapt first aid training to allow senior citizens to be able to provide emergency care and CPR; and develop and implement an Ambulance booklet for assisted living clients to provide emergency services with up-to-date, accurate information," Bobbie said.
Award nominator, Anne Lee, said Bobbie is an "inspirational figure" who has volunteered to promote public health and improve healthcare access for vulnerable people.
"Bobbie has been dedicated to providing continuous care to the elderly and disabled patients, individuals with chronic conditions, and those facing socio-economic challenges," Anne said.
"She contributed extensively to the professional development of student nurses and has helped shape the next generation of health care professionals."
Bobbie has also volunteered for organisations such as St John Ambulance Australia and Fraser Coast First Aid and supported local disaster relief efforts, providing medical care "during extreme weather events or public health crises."
Bobbie has been presented awards for her work with Family Day Care and St John Ambulance, and received a Queensland Ambulance Service Commissioner's Award.
"She has been a finalist in our Australia Day awards for seven years, nominated by multiple people. Her achievements serve as a testament to her exceptional service … in both the healthcare sector and the community at large," Anne said.
