Nineteen outstanding individuals and groups will receive a prestigious Australia Day Local Award on 26 January 2022, recognising the incredible achievements of the people who make the Western Downs such a special place to live.
Western Downs Regional Council has revealed the recipients of this year’s Australia Day Local Awards, which acknowledge the amazing achievements of residents in the areas of sport, creative arts, volunteering, and community organisations.
Mayor Paul McVeigh said the Awards were about recognising excellence in the region’s local towns across a variety of categories.
“Our region’s prestigious Australia Day Awards are a fantastic opportunity to shine a light on the people in our community who are achieving incredible things in their local towns,” Cr McVeigh said.
“This year we have 19 individuals and organisations receiving special recognition for their outstanding contributions to the region and excellence in their chosen field whether it be a talented sportsperson, creative artist, outstanding volunteer, or incredible community group.
“Here in the Western Downs, it’s the people that make it – and myself and my fellow Councillors look forward to officially recognising our winners at this year’s Australia Day events.
“This is a special time to come together as one community and celebrate the people that make our region so great, and I encourage everyone to head along to their local event and be a part of the festivities.”
2022 Australia Day Awards – Local Award Winners
Local Volunteer of the Year
Chinchilla & District – Ross Cardillo
Dalby & District – Paige Cartwright
Jandowae & District – Linda Wells
Miles & District – Kerry Mulholland
Tara & District – Brigetta Sternes
Wandoan & District – Robert Williams
Local Creative Arts Award
Chinchilla & District – Grant Dolbel
Dalby & District – Rachel Redlich
Miles & District – Miles Regional Arts Council Playwriting Development Program
Tara & District – Glenmorgan Art Group
Wandoan & District – Wandoan Arts Council Inc
Local Community Organisation Achievement Award
Chinchilla & District – Chinchilla Community Commerce and Industry
Miles & District – Miles Back to the Bush Festival
Wandoan & District – Wandoan Camel Races Committee
Local Sports Award
Chinchilla & District – Gabrielle Hicks
Dalby & District – Jessika Bliesner
Miles & District – Amity Salisbury
Tara & District – William Hallinan
Wandoan & District – Paige Miles
The Regional Citizen of the Year and Young Citizen of the Year will be announced on Australia Day.
