Mayor Whitney presenting awards at the Bowen PCYC
One of the highlights of the Australia Day ceremonies in the Whitsunday region is seeing locals rewarded for their contributions to the community.
Mayor Jenny Whitney gave out the awards to the deserving recipients in three separate ceremonies in Collinsville, Bowen and Proserpine.
Each winner earned their prize through hard work and dedication to help make the community a better place through selfless sacrifice.
“The Awards are a gratifying part of Australia Day, each year allowing us the opportunity to celebrate the achievements and contributions of Whitsunday citizens,” Mayor Whitney said.
“Our award winners come from all walks of life and have excelled in different areas, but they all share a common commitment to the local community and represent excellence in our region.”
During the events there were over 30 new Australian citizens welcomed to the country as they read the affirmation in front of their family and friends.
Here is a full list of award winners in each of the venues.
Collinsville
Citizen of the Year – Lorna Simpson
Young Citizen of the Year – Rohan Gordon
Senior Citizen of the Year – Davis Passmore
Senior Sports Award – Leslie Fordham
Junior Sports Award – Jessi Horvat
Sports Administrator Award – Ann-Marie Williamson
Senior Cultural Award – The Collinsville Community Association
Junior Cultural Award – Toby Jones
Community Event of the Year – Pit Pony Launch
Bowen
Citizen of the Year – John Finlay & Anne Smith
Young Citizen of the Year – Eden Hedges
Senior Citizen of the Year – Patricia Tracey
Senior Sports Award – Lona Kaifoto
Junior Sports Award – Elliarna Mitchell
Sports Administrator Award – Chris Monsour
Senior Cultural Award – Sam Denning
Junior Cultural Award – Lachlan Bon
Community Event of the Year – Heli Taxi Bowen Offshore Superboats
Airlie Beach, Cannonvale, Proserpine Region
Citizen of the Year – Margaret Shaw
Young Citizen of the Year – Keisha McEwan
Senior Citizen of the Year – John Powell
Senior Sports Award – Leanne Knox
Junior Sports Award – Sarah Dobe
Sports Administrator Award – Ken Crittenden
Senior Cultural Award – Carmel Lee
Junior Cultural Award – Cody McCarthy
Community Event of the Year – Proserpine State of Origin Fan Day
Wally Hinschen Volunteer of the Year Award – Mark Connors
