On 25 August 2023, at a ceremony hosted by Logan City Council at Fitzy’s Loganholme, Yarrabilba community advocate Melinda Hartley received the Stan Wells Award for her leadership with local charity 5Fold.
The Stan Wells Award, named after the late Jimboomba Neighbourhood Watch area coordinator, recognises outstanding contributions to community safety and wellbeing. Melinda, who founded 5Fold and serves as its director, said the recognition was a surprise and a team effort.
“The community work I do is much bigger than me,” Melinda said. “My husband, Peter, does so much behind the scenes — we have a wonderful partnership — and our 5Fold crew are simply amazing.”
From local pastors to local problem-solvers
Melinda and her husband have been actively involved in Yarrabilba for eight years, originally as founding pastors at Dunamis Church. Seeing needs arise across the neighbourhood, they launched 5Fold in 2022 to provide practical, people-first support.
What 5Fold delivers each week
- An op shop and low-cost services such as affordable haircuts and counselling
- Emergency relief, training and support, and social connection programs
- Over 2,000 free breakfasts weekly across four Yarrabilba schools and a community hub through the Yarrabilba Breakfast Clubs
City of Logan Mayor Darren Power congratulated Melinda and acknowledged the many individuals and groups recognised at the 2023 Safe City Awards for their contribution to community safety across the region.
Building stronger communities together
Melinda also participates in the Yarrabilba Stakeholder Collaborative Network Group, helping coordinate community-led initiatives and encouraging neighbours to get involved in local events like the Easterville family day.
“We believe strong communities are built by strong individuals and families — when people grow, our community grows too,” Melinda said. “We’re welcoming more volunteers and community-minded business partners to help expand our services.”
To learn more or get involved, visit 5fold.org.au or email connect@5fold.org.au.
Also recognised in 2023:
- Forestdale Neighbourhood Watch — runner-up in the Volunteer Awards for their crime prevention efforts and community events
- Christine Baker (Crestmead NHW) — Silver Award for five years of service
- Raj Aggarwal (Mundoolun NHW) — Bronze Award for five years of service
Editor’s note (attribution): “This article was compiled from publicly available reporting and council announcements about the 2023 City of Logan Safe City Awards.”