Two Sunshine Coast Paralympians and a community champion who has helped people with disabilities are among those to receive coveted Australia Day honours.
Mooloolaba cyclist Korey Bodington and Maroochydore swimmer Callum Simpson were awarded Medals of the Order of Australia, while Woombye’s Carmel Crouch was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia.
Mr Boddington was acknowledged for service to sport as a gold medallist at the Paris Paralympic Games last year.
He won the men’s C4-5 1000m time trial and was a bronze medallist in the mixed team sprint C1-5. He also snared a silver and bronze medals at the Para-Cycling Track World Championships at Rio de Janeiro last year, in the men’s C4 1000m time trial C4 and the mixed team sprint C1-5 respectively.
Mr Simpson was also recognised for service to sport as a gold medallist at the Paris Paralympic Games 2024.
He claimed gold in the mixed 4x100m medley relay and the men’s 100m freestyle S8, and silver in the mixed 4×100 freestyle relay.
Ms Crouch was acknowledged for significant service to people with disability.
She has been chair of STEPS Group Australia since the early 1990s and managing director since 2008. She was also founder of the STEPS Pathways College in 2017. Ms Crouch is also the chair of Jobs Australia. She was the Senior Citizen of the Year at the Sunshine Coast Council Australia Day Awards in 2021.
“I firmly believe that every person, no matter their ability, has the right to dream, to achieve, and to live a life of purpose and meaning,” she said. “That’s the vision of STEPS, and it’s a vision we’re committed to bringing to life – one student, one story, and one step at a time.”
“At STEPS Pathways College, self-determination is at the heart of everything we do. Our students master practical independent living skills, but they also develop the courage to
voice their aspirations, advocate for their needs, and chase their ambitions.”
The Governor-General Sam Mostyn has announced honours and awards for 732 Australians, including awards in the Order of Australia (General and Military Divisions), meritorious awards and recognition for distinguished and conspicuous service.
“Congratulations to all of the 2025 Australia Day honours recipients,” she said. “Thank you for your work of care and service to our nation.
“To read recipient’s stories is to be reminded that contribution to communities across the country, underpinned by care, kindness, respect and love, is what matter most to all Australians, in every sphere of life. Recipients embody the best of us, and we are grateful to all of them.
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“This year, we mark the 50th anniversary of Australia’s honours system.
“We have a wonderful opportunity over the next 50 years of our honours and awards to reflect our generous, successful and modern Australian society.”
Recipients will attend investiture ceremonies at the Government House in their respective state or territory in coming months to receive the insignia of their award.
Anyone can nominate any Australian for an award in the Order of Australia. If you know someone worthy, nominate them now at www.gg.gov.au.
Mr Boddington, Mr Simpson and Ms Crouch were on the award recipients’ list, with the names of their towns and suburbs.
There were several award recipients whose towns/suburbs weren’t detailed, so if we’ve missed an award recipient from the Sunshine Coast let us know via news@sunshinecoastnews.com.au and we’ll include their details in the story.
