Whitsunday Regional Council marked Australia Day by honouring the region’s high achievers in ceremonies in Collinsville, Bowen and Proserpine, as well as welcoming in those who took the pledge to become our newest Australian citizens.
Mayor Andrew Willcox said it was a great honour to be part of such a special day.
“I am fortunate in my role to be involved with many different facets of our community and I can proudly say our Whitsunday residents truly represent the Australian values,” Mayor Willcox said.
“The winners and the nominees of the Awards come from all walks of life and have excelled in different areas but the one common theme I see amongst them is that they are genuine community minded people.”
Citizen of the Year - Airlie, Proserpine and Surrounds
Helen Mathewson
They say the more you put into a community, the more you get out of it, and this applies in abundance to Helen.
Regularly volunteering at the Anglican Op Shop, maintaining the church gardens and a dedicated member of the ESA and the church council – Helen is a much-loved volunteer, friend and committee member.
A pensioner herself, Helen takes the time to help others – driving people to appointments and regularly hosting morning teas at the pensioner units.
Citizen of the Year - Bowen
Tracey Bazzo
Tracey is dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating fresh water and sea turtles in Bowen, regularly spending many hours rescuing and caring for sick or injured turtles to see them fit enough to be returned to the ocean.
While running her own business, Tracey manages to find time to help others and during Cyclone Debbie she assisted the Queensland Police Service by offering use of her business premises as a storage unit for their rescue equipment.
Citizen of the Year – Collinsville
Janet Lobegeier
A vibrant, kind and loving lady, Janet Lobegeier, is the driving force behind numerous community events and is always willing to offer her time and assistance in any way she can.
Most notably, each year Janice raises much needed funds for the RACQ CQ Rescue Helicopter and was an inspiration to many were affected by the 2020 bushfires, raising thousands of dollars to assist.
She is a member of the Collinsville Lions Club, is on the Collinsville Rodeo committee, Bowen River Rodeo, and assists with programs for the Collinsville Youth Coalition.
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