Image 1: Kieran Horsfall was awarded Mackay Man of the Year at the International Men’s Day Breakfast
Decades of community service, voluntary work and supporting youth was recognised last month as Kieran Horsfall was awarded Mackay Man of the Year at the International Men’s Day Breakfast.
Kieran’s role as Police Coordinator for Project Booyah Mackay sees him help and mentor disadvantaged youth through issues at home, school and with the law.
He is also involved in the community through local sport and organisations, his passion for youth development apparent in every role he fills.
“I’ve always been around youth, to be honest,” Kieran said.
“For me, being a member of the community, it’s all about helping the community and providing a service that supports young men and people in the community to become who they want and succeed.”
Image 2-4: Chances Cafe, TEEN Shed and Vinnies Men's Hostel received cheques for $3,000 thanks to diners and sponsors
Image 5-6: Two pieces of art from the International Men’s Day Art Show were auctioned. Photo credit: Liz Andrews
Image 7: L-R DGH Engineering General Manager Dave Hackett, Shed Happens Mackay Convenor Frank Cowell and Dalrymple Bay Coal Terminal CEO Steve Rae
Image 8: Photo credit: Liz Andrews
Kieran said it was a shock to be recognised as Mackay’s Man of the Year.
“it’s an honour to be awarded with such an accolade,” he said.
“I’ve had good role models, good mentors in my life.
“There are good male role models in the community doing great things and I think it should be recognised.”
Shed Happens Mackay Convenor Frank Cowell said Kieran’s active involvement in the community helped him stand out.
“Kieran impressed us with his enthusiasm for voluntary work and also the things he said about raising his family and the Project Booyah lads, you could tell he had a passion for it,” he said.
Friday’s International Men’s Day Breakfast was the fourth time the occasion has been recognised with a breakfast in Mackay, with 120 people attending the Ocean International Hotel.
The day started with light exercise led by Steve Eden of City Fitness, followed by addresses, speeches and welcomes from Mackay Regional Council Mayor Greg Williamson, Reverend Doctor Solman Zwana, Dalrymple Bay Coal Terminal CEO Steve Rae and Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox.
Two pieces of art from the International Men’s Day Art Show earlier this year were auctioned and donations were given to Chances Cafe, TEEN Shed and Vinnies Men's Hostel.
Group discussions were held throughout the morning, discussing the role of a positive male role model in the community.
“The biggest message that came out of that was that most people’s positive male role model was their dad or their grandfather,” said Mr Cowell.
“We talked about the qualities of a good role model, and they were integrity, honesty, the ability to listen.
“We need to celebrate the good things, when people do good things.
“That’s what International Men’s Day is all about, is celebrating the positives.”