Australia Day Award Recipients Announced

Individuals that have made an outstanding contribution to the community this year were honoured at a special ceremony held at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre (PEC) on Thursday.

This is the first time the Australia Day awards were staged as one inclusive and united community celebration following a decision by Councillors last year to consolidate the separate events across the Whitsundays.

Collinsville retained their Collinsville Community Association Australia Day Awards which were announced at a special breakfast attended by Mayor Julie Hall.

The inaugural Whitsunday Australia Day regional event began with a family fun day which included free activities, live music and a free barbecue for all.

The official Citizenship Ceremony and Australia Day Awards were then opened by traditional owners with a Welcome to Country and a smoking ceremony.

Mayor Hall said it was an honour to be involved in her first Australia Day Awards Ceremony.

“I am extremely proud of the fantastic Whitsunday community we live in,” she said.

“One of the great delights of Australia Day every year is the opportunity to honour the commitment and achievements of outstanding individuals within our community.

“These regional awards are all about acknowledging our community heroes who have made positive contributions to the lives of others, without asking for anything in return.

“It is the community spirit and thoughtfulness of the people in our region that makes the Whitsundays such a special place to live,” Mayor Hall said.

“The award winners today are true champions and their passion for our community should be an inspiration to us all.”

Alongside the Australia Day Awards, 27 new citizens from 10 different countries were welcomed to the Whitsunday region.

“I am so excited to welcome these new residents to our community,” Mayor Hall said.

“Many of the new citizens have already contributed a great deal to our workforce and our community and we warmly welcome the prospect of your future contributions.”

The Whitsunday Australia Day celebrations and award ceremony will now rotate across the region each year while the community organised traditional Citizenship breakfast at Collinsville will still take place.

The full list of the Whitsunday Region Australia Day Award Winners 2022 are as follows:

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Whitsunday Regional Council Awards

Community Event of the Year Award - Bowen Neighbourhood Centre & Cooinda Family Fun Day

Volunteer of the Year - Marlene Reiffel

Environmental Achievement Award - Kidz at the Beach Childcare Centre

Arts and Cultural Award - Lisa Stanley

Citizen of the Year Award - Graham Smith

Young Citizen of the Year Award - Mac Rogers

Senior Sportsperson of the Year Award – Anne-Marie Attlee Kehres
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Collinsville Community Association Australia Day Awards

Citizen of the Year – Graham Smith

Young Citizen of the Year – Jack Groocock

Community Event of the Year – Springlands Campdraft Association Young Sports Award – Rilee Mackie

Senior Sports Award – Gregory Fuller

Environmental Achievement Award – Carol Cosentino

Volunteer of the Year Award – Christine Pennay

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