Joe Moro Named Citizen of the Year

The voice of the Tablelands’ horticultural community and prominent businessman, Joe Moro has been named Mareeba Shire Council’s Citizen of the Year for 2020.

Hundreds gathered at Dimbulah to celebrate Australia Day on Sunday at Council’s annual Australia Day citizenship and awards ceremony.

Former Mareeba High School captain Alexis Ford was named Junior Citizen of the Year for her outstanding achievements and contributions to the community.

Mareeba Shire Mayor Tom Gilmore congratulated all award recipients and nominees. “We have some truly inspiring individuals and community organisations, who all, in some way or another, have made this Shire a better place,” he said.

Mr Moro was recognised for his leadership and strategic vision, holding multiple positions to support the region’s agricultural industry and also his dedication and voluntary service to the Mareeba Shire community.

“Joe is a fearless advocate for farmers and progress in the Shire,” he said.

“Joe continues to advocate for water security and safe and reliable transport corridors and always has the farmers’ best interest at heart.”

Mr Moro is influential on a number of advisory boards including North Queensland Growers, Queensland Farmers Federation and the Mareeba Dimbulah Irrigation Area Council to name a few.

“His selfless devotion to the local community through Mareeba Rotary, the Chamber of Commerce and Flexi-Choice is also to be recognised,” Cr Gilmore said.

Junior Citizen of the Year, Alexis Ford is an outstanding young leader, sportsperson and performer. Miss Ford received a number of accolades including Mareeba State High School’s Australian Defence Force Long-Tan Leadership and Teamwork Award and the Caltex-All-Rounder Award for her academic performance, sporting success, leadership and community service.

Mayor Tom Gilmore said Miss Ford was an inspirational emerging leader. “Alexis is an incredible young lady described as a kind and conscientious leader who is always willing to help others in the community,” he said.

“She is a talented dancer and sportsperson who also excelled academically at school and I have no doubt she has a very prosperous future ahead of her.”

Mayor Tom Gilmore congratulated all award winners and nominees on their outstanding efforts.

Citizen of the Year: Joe Moro

Junior Citizen of the Year: Alexis Ford

 Cultural Award: Julatten Theatre Group

Community Event of the Year: Lions International 201Q2 Zone 2 Tablelands District Convention

Sporting Club of the Year: Mareeba Gymnastics Club

Community Group of the Year: Mareeba PCYC Seniors Club

Special Commendation: Western Progress Association Inc. Watsonville

 Community Service Person of the Year: Janette Hodgkinson

Sports Administrator of the Year: Terrinette Neilson

Senior Sportsperson of the Year: Wayne Bryde

Highly Commended: Qamile Myrteza

Highly Commended: Susi Wahjuningrum

Junior Sportsperson of the Year: Jake Bombardieri

Junior Cultural Award: Roeith Geraghty