RAY GRACE AWARD

About Ray Grace

Ray grace was a larger-than-life figure.

Renowned for his boundless generosity and unwavering commitment to making a positive impact for others. His greatest joy was using his influence to improve the lives of those around him.

Born in Boonah, Ray began his career by training as a motor mechanic before relocating to Nambour in 1959. He entered the business world by acquiring a service station, and over time, expanded into the motor vehicle industry. Ray eventually purchased a new and used car dealership, where he skillfully managed the day-to-day operations, leading his business to great success. In 1995, Ray semi-retired due to health concerns, yet his dedication to his community remained as strong as ever.

Ray's contributions to the Sunshine Coast community were vast and varied. He served for 32 years on the Sunshine Coast Show Society, volunteered for 17 years with Apex where he was awarded the Paul Harris Fellowship Award for his service to Apex and the community, and 25 years with the Maroochy Aero Club. Additionally, he was President of the Nambour Chamber of Commerce for 10 years and was a board member of the Sundale Garden Village Nursing Home from 1965 to 1983.

Known for his creativity and enthusiasm, Ray had a knack for generating new and exciting ways to raise awareness for causes he cared about. His efforts helped raise funds for various charities, including the construction of a local swimming pool. He founded a not-for-profit organization dedicated to supporting the Energex Helicopter Rescue Service and was instrumental in establishing the Special Education Unit at Woombye State School. Ray also donated land from his own property to facilitate the creation of the Sunshine Valley Men’s Shed on Blackall Range Road.

One of Ray's most notable achievements was his pivotal role in the founding of the Woombye Community Bank Branch. He helped raise $699,310 in $1 share investments to enable the bank's opening in March 2009, and he continued to serve as a volunteer board director for the following decade, retiring in June 2019.

Ray was a firm believer in the power of community, often saying that being part of something larger than ourselves fosters a deep sense of connection and purpose. In fact, he was even presented with the Sunshine Coast Council Senior Citizen of the year award for his service to the community.

When Ray Grace passed away in 2019, the staff and board members of the Community Bank Woombye sought a meaningful way to honour his legacy.

Thus, the Ray Grace-Bendigo Community Bank Woombye Award was born.

About the Award

When Ray Grace passed away in 2019, the staff and board members of the Community Bank Woombye sought a meaningful way to honour his legacy. The Ray Grace-Bendigo Community Bank Woombye Award, recognizing leadership, volunteerism and community spirit was born of this desire.

In 2026, after several years of declining volunteerism was noted across Australia, we updated the criteria to include a wider range of young people by increasing the nominee age to 25.

It is our hope that celebrating and giving recognition to individuals who are striving to better not only their own lives, but also contributing to the well-being of the community will encourage young people to get actively involved and support the organisations that are doing amazing things within the Woombye community.

The recipient of the Ray Grace Award will receive $1000 with $250 of this to be donated to a local organisation of their choosing.

Who Can You Nominate?

We invite community members to ‘Give a Shout Out’ and nominate an exceptional young person involved in a local group, club, school, or community organisation.

We’re looking for young people who:

• Take initiative on issues that matter to them

• Show motivation and a strong sense of responsibility

• Bring fresh ideas to solving life’s challenges

• Actively contribute to improving their own lives and the wider community

Nominee Eligibility

The nominee must:

• Be aged between 15 and 25 years

• Live, study or volunteer in Woombye & Districts (4559, 4560, 4561)

• Be nominated by someone who has worked with them in a community setting – such as a teacher, employer, coach, mentor, or committee member

• Be making a positive impact within the Woombye & Districts region