Greenslopes’ Very Own Receives Citizen of the Year Award

Greenslopes’ very own Seamus Sullivan has been named Citizen of the Year at the 2020 Lord Mayor’s Australia Day Awards.

Brisbane’s unsung heroes were recently recognised at the 2020 Lord Mayor’s Australia Day Awards, honouring individuals who contributed time, resources, and talent to improve the lives of the community and enhance our city. 

Seamus Sullivan received this year’s top honour for his “positive influence in the community, helping residents going through hardship.”

“Seamus also provides foster care to children in need and has been instrumental in promoting Irish culture in Brisbane by helping introduce Gaelic football to Queensland nearly 40 years ago,” Cr Schrinner said.

His peers describe Seamus as a person who willingly helps anyone who approaches him for assistance and continuously offers his support to Brisbane residents facing difficult situations, yet never seeks recognition or accolades. 



“By giving up his own personal time and resources, Seamus’ actions have helped restore dignity and esteem in many individuals and families across Brisbane, positively shaping their futures,” his Winner Profile stated.

Seamus Sullivan is a founding member of the Irish Australian Support Association of Queensland and has served as President of the Gaelic Football and Hurling Association of Australasia. 

Photo credit: Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner / Facebook

“Australia Day is a time to come together to celebrate our fantastic country and part of what makes Australia so great is the giving spirit of people,” Cr Schrinner said

“We recognised 15 people for their contributions to Brisbane including for improving our natural environment, working with children, the elderly and people with a disability and helping those less fortunate

The 2020 Lord Mayor’s Australia Day Awards winners:

  • Citizen of the Year: Seamus Sullivan, Greenslopes
  • Young Citizen of the Year: Cody Schaeffer, Fortitude Valley
  • Senior Citizen of the Year: Paul Dickie, Sunnybank
  • Sports Award: Jeffrey Stewart, The Gap
  • Cultural/Arts Award: Harmony Woollett, Chapel Hill
  • Green Heart Award: Gerald Dunford, The Gap
  • Community Event of the Year:  Jacaranda Festival, Fig Tree Pocket
  • Achievement Awards:
    • Janelle Bodman, Fig Tree Pocket
    • John Child, Durack
    • Marie D’Alton, Auchenflower
    • Peter and Peta Davis, Brookfield
    • James Devereaux, Fig Tree Pocket
    • Brien Hands, Coorparoo
    • Jennifer Maguire, Runcorn
    • Viet Tran OAM, River Hills