Australia Day Award Winners Announced

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Published
26th January 2023

Australia Day Awards Reflect Values of Balonne Shire

 

Balonne Shire Council Mayor Samantha O’Toole was delighted to announce the region’s nine Australia Day Award winners today, saying the calibre of the nominees said something about the Shire.

“We had twenty-two nominations in nine categories, and each of those nominees has enriched the communities in which they live.  It’s clear that the values of hard work, generosity of spirit and a strong desire to help others is alive and well in the Balonne Shire.”

The Mayor presented the awards at an event held at the park at Bollon this morning, assisted by visiting Australia Day Ambassadors Dr Dimity Dornan AO and Peter Dornan AM.

“We are fortunate to have not one but two Australia Day Ambassadors with us for a few days to celebrate our nominees and our winners and learn a little more about the Shire. 

“The Dornans are both high achievers in their respective fields of hearing and bionics, and physiotherapy and men’s health, and have both been recognised with Queensland Senior Australian of the Year awards in the recent past.”

Mayor Samantha O’Toole offered her gratitude to the winners for their contribution

“Congratulations to all the nominees and winners and thank you for everything you do for our community. We are all the richer for your dedication and service.  Our communities would not be the same without you.”

The award event began with a community breakfast, followed by the official Australia Day Welcome and Award Ceremony and ending with morning tea and music after the formalities were completed.

The Balonne Shire Australia Day Awardees for 2023 are:

  • Junior Sports Award - Sienna Beardmore
  • Senior Sports Award - Nate Davis
  • Sports Administrator Award - April McLaren
  • Cultural Award - St George State School
  • Community Event of the Year Award - National Breast Cancer Foundation Fundraiser (organised by Kymberly Wilson, Courtney Dwyer, Sophie and Holly Cooke)
  • Community Group of the Year Award - QCWA St George Branch
  • Volunteer of the Year Award - Victoria Nancarrow
  • Young Citizen of the Year Award - Julia Killen
  • Citizen of the Year Award - Richard Marsh

For more information go to Australia Day – Balonne Shire Council or Council's facebook page.