Australia Day

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Council recognises that our wonderful shire is built by amazing people who are deserving of recognition for their contributions. 

Australia Day awards are presented annually on Australia Day to local citizens and groups who have made outstanding contributions to their community.

Australia Day is about acknowledging and celebrating the contributions that every Australian makes to our contemporary and dynamic nation. From our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people – who have been here for more than 65,000 years – to those who have lived here for generations, to those who have come from all corners of the globe to call our country home.

Council is a proud supporter of Australia Day, coordinating and conducting Australia Day events.  

Nominations

  • Nominations for 2023 Australia Day has now closed.

Categories

  • Over 26 years of age.

    A local person who has demonstrated vision, leadership, innovation or creativity, has been a positive role model for their peers/community/region, shown significant and outstanding contributions to their community and demonstrated a high level of personal, academic or professional achievements with demonstrated benefits for others.

  • Under 26 years of age.

    A local person between the ages of 16 and 25 who has demonstrated leadership, innovation or creativity ,has shown outstanding achievement in their chosen field (e.g. academic, sporting, cultural, environment or civic responsibility), is a role model that other young people can aspire to and has shown a significant contribution to the community.

  • A local person or group that has shown vision, leadership, innovation or creativity and has  made an outstanding contribution bringing long or short-term benefits to the arts and/or cultural community of the Balonne Shire.

  • There are 3 categories for this award as below:

    Senior (Over 17 years of age)

    A person or group who has excelled in their sporting achievements, conducted themselves in the spirit of fair sportsmanship and has made a positive impact in their sport and community. Open to people older than 17 years of age as at 26 January in the award year.

    Junior (Under 17 years of age)

    A young person or group who has excelled in their sporting achievements, conducted themselves in the spirit of fair sportsmanship and has made a positive impact in their sport and community. Open to people younger than 18 years of age as at 26 January in the award year.

    Sport Administrator (Over 17 years of age)

    A local person who has made a significant contribution to their sporting community, and displays inspirational leadership, energy and enthusiasm in their role as a sports administrator, coach or official. 

  • A local person who has made a significant contribution at community level through their volunteering and has shown a personal effort that has made a lasting and significant difference to the community.

  • A local community group or organisation whose contributions have brought or will bring social, cultural and/or economic benefits to individuals, community organisations or the community in general as well as having significant volunteer involvement or excellence in their field.

  • A group who has staged an event in the past year that has created a positive impact in the Balonne Shire and helps create a vibrant community utilising our public spaces or online platform

Award Winners

Seven driven and dedicated individuals plus a team of extraordinary event organisers were presented with Australia Day Awards.

The winners’ talents spread across sport, the arts, academics, and community advocacy, but one thing they all share is the unparalleled ability to make a difference as strong leaders. 

  • The Balonne Shire Australia Day Awardees for 2032 are:

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

  • Balonne Shire Australia Day Awardees for 2022 are:

    • Ben Gardiner - Citizen of the Year
    • Yasmin Sullivan - Young Citizen of the Year
    • Andrew Killen - Volunteer of the Year
    • Thallon Progress Association - Community Group of the Year
    • Thallon Truck Pull - Community Event of the Year
    • Balonne Fijian Community Group - Cultural Achievement Award
    • SueAnne Bardsley - Sports Administrator Award
    • Tom McDonnell - Senior Sports Achievement Award
    • Lillian Stenhouse - Junior Sports Achievement Award

  • Balonne Shire Australia Day Awardees for 2021 are:

    • Liz Hill - Citizen of the Year
    • Katie Parker - Young Citizen of the Year
    • Pam Crothers - Community Service Award
    • Marshal Sanford - Junior Cultural Achievement Award
    • Peta Hart - Sports Administrator Medallion
    • Kym Webster - Senior Sports Achievement Medallion
    • Oliver Lockwood - Junior Sports Achievement Medallion
    • Dragon Country Sandgreen Cup (St George Golf Club) - Community Event of the Year

Award Winners 2023

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