Lockyer Valley Regional Council, Media Release, 11 January 2022
The Lockyer Valley will welcome child safety advocates Bruce Morcombe OAM and Denise Morcombe OAM to the region as the 2022 Australia Day Ambassadors.
Co-founders of the Daniel Morcombe Foundation, the couple are committed to making communities a safer place for children. Following the abduction and murder of their son Daniel in 2003, they established the Daniel Morcombe Foundation in 2005 – highlighting their goal to educate young people about how to stay safe in physical and online environments and support young victims of crime in their often-harrowing journey to recovery.
Lockyer Valley Regional Council Mayor, Cr Tanya Milligan said she was truly honoured to welcome the Morcombe’s to the 2022 Lockyer Valley Australia Day Awards and Citizenship Ceremony as this year’s Ambassadors.
“The Morcombe’s story is one that has touched the lives of Australia for close to 20 years now.
“Personally, I have marvelled at their strength and determination to carry on, and the way they have turned a personal tragedy into such a legacy.
“I am truly looking forward to hearing the couple discuss their story in greater detail on Australia Day,” Mayor Milligan said.
Bruce and Denise’s personal commitment to the safety of children was recognised when they were named joint Queensland Australian of the Year recipients in 2012 and by the Medal of the Order of Australia awarded to them in 2013. They are also Child Safety Ambassadors, and through the foundation have delivered important safety education to Queensland and the nation. They were named Queensland Greats in 2020.
The 2022 Australia Day Awards Ceremony will be held at 9am on Wednesday 26 January at the Gatton Shire Hall, with the Citizenship Ceremony following on at 11am.
Mayor Milligan said the Awards are an opportunity to recognise the contributions made on a cultural, environmental, sporting and community level throughout the region.
There will be allocated seating only inside the auditorium – secure your free tickets from 12pm today, Tuesday 11 January 2022 at lockyervalleytickets.com.au
For more information on Australia Day activities being held throughout the Lockyer Valley visit www.luvyalockyer.com.au or contact Council on 1300 005 872 / 5466 3426.
