Bulimba Electorate Queensland Day Awards - Finalists 2026 - Groups

Tuguluwa Early Education - Karen Broomfield and Lauren Alexander
Nominated by Tabitha Carter, Maryanne Gifford, Stefan Gimenez, Katrina Kostowski, Jaimee Merritt, Lauren Moffat, Luana Oliveira, Sinead O'Sullivan, Phomphone Phommilath and Callum Prineas

Lauren and Karen are co-directors and together they lead with genuine care and have supported our team and community through devastating sadness and lows recently. Karen and Lauren are the heart of Tugulawa community in Bulimba. They truly embody what it means to be a good person and are incredibly deserving of this award.

Following the heartbreaking loss of a colleague to suicide, Karen and Lauren showed extraordinary compassion, leadership, and care for both staff and children during an incredibly difficult time. They thoughtfully organised support for team members to attend the funeral, provided resources to help us process our grief, and guided us in involving the children in creating a wreath in a sensitive, age-appropriate way.

They consistently create a workplace where people feel safe, heard, and genuinely supported. Their empathy, strength, and dedication have helped our team navigate one of the hardest experiences we have faced together. As an employee, I feel understood and valued because of Karen & Lauren’s leadership, which motivates me to give my best every day. Their kindness and commitment to the wellbeing of others make a lasting difference to our workplace and community.

Lauren is one of the friendliest faces you could meet, always approachable, kind and willing to take the time to talk with others. Her genuine care for the people around her creates a welcoming and supportive environment for everyone. She leads with compassion, dedication and generosity, and her efforts make a meaningful difference every day.

Karen puts in countless hours and many long days, consistently showing dedication and commitment well beyond what is expected. Her contribution makes a real difference every day, and her tireless efforts, professionalism and dedication make her an outstanding candidate for this recognition.

I believe Karen and Lauren should be nominated for their willingness to bring people together, and make this community a better place. The work ethic and environment they’ve created here at Tugulawa is truly special and I believe they are the main reason why our service is not only a safe space for families and children, but also for us, early childhood educators.

Lemonade Kids Youth Leaders – Olivia Brown, Charlotte Steele, Darcey Chrisfield, Layla Cullen, Jane Forday, Amelia Gallagher, Ellis Montagner, Bella Piotto, Jade Reeves & Scarlett Revell

Nominated by Rebecca Idiens

Our Lemonade Kids Youth Leaders are an inspiring group, including two young adults, Charlotte and Olivia, and eight young people under 18 (Darcey, Ellis, Bella, Layla, Jade, Millie, Jane and Scarlett) who generously give their time to support and uplift younger members within our community.

What makes this group especially meaningful is that every Youth Leader began as a long-term Lemonade Kids member themselves, with several joining back in 2020. It is also important to recognise and celebrate that Olivia has Down syndrome and is a powerful advocate for young people with disabilities. The ethos of “be what you can see” is especially meaningful in Olivia’s journey and the positive impact she has within our community.

A number of the Youth Leaders are still committed in their own personal growth and wellbeing by actively participating in our weekly Strong Teens Program today. Having personally experienced the positive impact of our programs, they now choose to give back by mentoring and supporting younger children during workshops, holiday camps and weekly classes. They help children feel safe, included, confident and connected while modelling kindness, empathy, leadership and emotional awareness.

The program also provides them with valuable opportunities to develop confidence, communication skills, teamwork and responsibility within a supportive community environment.

At a time when negative stories about young people can often dominate headlines, these remarkable young people are quietly making a genuine difference in the lives of others and their local community. Their commitment to giving back, supporting younger children and contributing positively to their local community is truly worthy of recognition and celebration!