News
8 October, 2025
Community Colonel
CECIL ‘Cec’ Kenny, a true champion of the Caboolture community, has retired as President of the Caboolture Neighbourhood Centre after nearly a decade of dedicated service.
Last month, Cec was presented with a Community Recognition Award by Member for Morayfield, Mark Ryan, with a medallion in honour of his outstanding contributions.
James Keong, CEO of the Neighbourhood Centre, praised Cec’s leadership and work at the centre.
“Cec approached his work at the Neighbourhood Centre with compassion, empathy and a heartfelt desire to improve the lives of vulnerable people here in Caboolture,” he said. “It’s been a pleasure working with you, Cec. You will be greatly missed.”
James described Cec as “very community focused and knowledgeable,” noting he was able to put his military and education background to good use by developing different plans and objectives to help build the different services the Neighbourhood Centre provides.
“Community focus is a thing that sort of gets lost on those in the corporate world, but he definitely had that focus and was able to bring that forward and make the Centre feel open and welcoming rather than an office environment,” James said.
“His guidance, compassion and ability to lead allowed the Neighbourhood Centre to flourish into what it is.”
James also credited Cec with enabling the Centre’s growth to meet the “ever growing socioeconomic downfall that is happening to most,” and for expanding its reach to assist as many people as possible.
Cec’s commitment to the community is rooted in a remarkable career.
With 23 years in the military, where he achieved the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, and later having served as a health and safety officer, Cec brought a wealth of experience to his role.
After leaving the military, he became a primary school teacher, teaching science, maths, and manual arts for five years.
Since joining the Neighbourhood Centre as an ordinary member in 2016 and becoming President in 2018, Cec has been instrumental in expanding the Centre’s services to meet the growing needs of Caboolture’s residents.
His vision and leadership helped transform the Centre into a welcoming space for all, ensuring that support reaches those who need it most.
As he steps down, Cec leaves behind a legacy of compassion, growth, and community spirit. The Centre and the wider Caboolture community are deeply grateful for his years of service.
