Community Celebrates Achievers On Australia Day

The Whitsunday Regional Council Australia Day Awards celebrated citizens in our region that weer recognised as community achievers.

All winners and nominees should be proud of their efforts, without them and their generosity the Whitsunday community could not thrive as it does.

Mayor Ry Collins said the awards highlight the people and groups whose contributions help shape strong, connected communities across the Whitsundays.

“Today we’re recognising the individuals and organisations who go above and beyond for others,” Mayor Collins said.

“Our award recipients and nominees are community achievers from dedicated volunteers and emerging leaders to those who quietly support others behind the scenes, and these awards celebrate more than individual achievements; they recognise the values of generosity, resilience and community spirit that define the Whitsundays.

“Taking time on Australia Day to acknowledge these contributions reminds us why our region is such a great place to live.”

Local Legends Celebrate Win In Australia Day Awards

The Australia Day Awards held at Bowen PCYC earlier this week was a huge success, with over 200 people in attendance to celebrate the nominees and award winners.

The winners of the Whitsunday Regional Council Australia Day Awards are:

Citizen of the Year Award – Peter Goodman

Young Citizen of the Year – Allegra Bradley

Mayoral Awards – Cooper Wilde, Gregory Buckler, Whitsunday Running Club and Wurra Yumba Kangaroo House

Spirit of the Whitsundays Award – “Weary” Brian Dunlop

Community Event of the Year – Proserpine Rock Wallaby Festival

Volunteer of the Year Award – Bowen Community Centre

Community Champion Award – Justin Butler

Australia Day Achievement Award for Outstanding Members of the Queensland SES – Greg Yuskan

Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Ry Collins warmly thanked everyone who submitted nominations for the event, noting the day was a wonderful celebration of community, connection and the people who quietly and selflessly make a difference within the region.

"I really want to thank everybody that submitted nominations to celebrate the amazing people right across our region and I think you all agree we have an immense number of worthy nominees here today," he said.

"To our Australia Day, nominees and recipients, I want to say how genuinely impressed I am by each and every one of you. The depth of service, commitment and care represented here today is truly extraordinary - you give your time, you give your energy, you give your passion and your skills, not for recognition, but because you believe in our community. You believe the people in it."

Mayor Collins highlighted those who had been dedicating their time for years, thanking them for their continued commitment to bettering the community.

"Some of you have been doing this work for decades others are only making impact in newer days," he said.

"All of you are leading by example, mentoring young people, support those doing it tough, strengthening our local organisations and institutions, and helping shape the Whitsundays into a community we are so proud of today."

Citizen of the Year Peter Goodman said he was over the moon and that the win came as a surprise.

Peter has devoted a lifetime to serving the Bowen community with dedication, humility and generosity. He has been a long standing member of the Lions Club, holding every office, including Zone Chairman , and contributed countless hours to community invitations.

Peter has given many years of dedicated volunteer service through Meals on Wheels, the Proserpine Historical Museum and numerous church fundraisers. Known for his quiet generosity, he has also personally supported community events by collecting local produce at his own expense, making him a valued and unsung local contributor.

Young Citizen of the Year Allegra Bradley said her award completes her aims and goals for last year, with it being the cherry on top of a fantastic academic year.

Allegra is a dedicated volunteer and leader, contributing to community events including the Great Barrier Reef Festival, school musicals, Anzac Day services and charity fundraising. She combines creativity, service and strong academic achievement in the performing arts, making her a worthy Young Citizen of the Year recipient.

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Australia Day Awards Ceremony Winners. Photo credit: Daniel Heggie

Whitsunday Citizen of the Year Winner Peter Goodman with Councillor John Finlay, Member for Burdekin Dale Last MP, Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox MP, and Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Ry Collins. Photo credit: Daniel Heggie

Whitsunday Young Citizen of the Year Allegra Bradley with Member for Burdekin Dale Last MP and Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Ry Collins. Photo credit: Sebastian Conidi

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