Twenty-four local citizens and groups have been recognised for their outstanding contributions to the Western Downs community as part of this year’s Australia Day Awards.
In the leadup to the region’s Australia Day celebrations next Thursday 26thJanuary, Western Downs Regional Council has unveiled this year’s Local Awards recipients, acknowledging the amazing achievements of residents across four key categories.
Mayor Paul McVeigh said the Awards were about recognising excellence in our local towns in the areas of sport, creative arts, volunteering, and community organisations.
“Our prestigious Australia Day Awards offer an opportunity to shine a lot on those groups and individuals who are going above and beyond in their local towns,” Cr McVeigh said.
“In 2023 we have 24 individuals and organisations receiving special recognition in the areas of creative arts, sports, or through an outstanding effort as a volunteer or community group, and the stories shared through the nominations process have been incredible.
“It’s the people that make it on the Western Downs, and we are so excited to publicly recognise these unsung community legends as part of our Australia Day festivities next week.
“This is a special time to come together and reflect on the many great things about being an Australian, and I encourage everyone to head to their local event and be a part of our active, vibrant community.”
2023 Australia Day Awards – Local Award Winners
Local Volunteer of the Year
- Chinchilla & District – Cath Brandon
- Dalby & District – Gary Carey
- Jandowae & District – John Alexander
- Miles & District – Shirley Makin
- Tara & District – Brent Arnold
- Wandoan & District – Chrissy Blackley
Local Creative Arts Award
- Chinchilla & District – Terri Keller
- Dalby & District – Helen Gleeson
- Jandowae & District – Bell Art Group Inc.
- Miles & District – Anita Thomson
- Tara & District – Jude Salter
- Wandoan & District – Wandoan Show Society Inc. Photo Challenge Competition
Local Community Organisation Achievement Award
- Chinchilla & District – Lions Club of Chinchilla
- Dalby & District – Dalby & District Pony & Hack Club Inc.
- Jandowae & District – Jandowae Timbertown Festival Inc.
- Miles & District – Miles District Rugby League Club
- Tara & District – Tara & District Dirt Riders and The Gums Sports Club
- Wandoan & District – Wandoan Arts Council Inc.
Local Sports Award
- Chinchilla & District – Joshua Griggs
- Dalby & District – Macauley (Mac) Nolan
- Jandowae & District – Callum McUtchen
- Miles & District – Lindsey Doolan
- Tara & District – Alan Bougoure
- Wandoan & District – Matthew Walsh
The Regional Citizen of the Year and Young Regional Citizen of the Year will be announced on 26thJanuary.
