2016 Australia Day Award Winners Announced
Published on 26 January 2016
Rockhampton Regional Council has this morning announced the winners of the 2016 Australia Day Awards at a special awards ceremony at the Pilbeam Theatre.
Mayor Margaret Strelow proudly presented medals to eight outstanding individuals and organisations that have made significant contributions to our community in a voluntary capacity.
“Today we recognise eight Australia Day Award recipients who have demonstrated a commitment to making our community a better place,” Mayor Margaret Strelow said.
“It is an honour to announce Denis O’Driscoll as our 2016 Citizen of the Year who has served as a loyal volunteer in the Rockhampton region for over 20 years.
“Denis dedicates at least five days a week to help people that are less fortunate than him and he gives back to the community by volunteering at numerous organisations including Mercy Aged Care’s Leinster Place, Bethany, Saint Vincent De Paul and Meals on Wheels.
“We often find quiet achievers like Denis never seek any recognition for the work they do, which makes me all the more thankful that he was nominated and awarded Citizen of the Year.
“All of our 2016 recipients are exemplary volunteers who have spent so much of their own time inspiring, teaching and helping others, and it has been an honour to meet each of the recipients.”
The 2016 Australia Day Judges were Carl Burgoyne (Citizen of the Year 2015), Chay Conaglen (Young Citizen of the Year 2015) and Uniting Care Community Regional Director CQ and Wide Bay, Carla Rankin.
“This year we received some outstanding nominations and our judging panel had some very close and tough decisions to make,” Mayor Strelow said.
“The scoring was very close that the panel decided to choose two Community Service Award recipients and two Community Event or Initiative Awards recipients instead of one.
“I congratulate all of our 2016 Australia Day Award Winners and thank you for your tremendous efforts to make a positive change in our wonderful community.”
Citizen of the Year: Denis O’Driscoll
Young Citizen of the Year: Madison Dyer
Sportsperson of the Year: Daniel Withers
Cultural Award: Patricia Thompson
Community Service Award: Rockhampton SES and Sue Davidson
Community Event/Initiative Award: Jessica and Kylie Drew (Luna Markets) and Rodney Dare (Powerkids)