Celebrating our nation’s much-loved day
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Whitsunday Regional Council has marked Australia Day 2020 by honouring our region’s high achievers, while also welcoming those who took the pledge to become our newest Australian Citizens.
Community celebrations and official ceremonies were held across the Whitsunday region in Collinsville, Bowen and Proserpine.
Mayor Andrew Willcox said it is a great honour to be part of such a special day across our nation and be amongst the people that call the Whitsunday region home.
“I am fortunate in my role to be involved with many different facets of our community and I can proudly say our Whitsunday residents truly represent the Australian values,” Mayor Willcox said.
“The winners and the nominees of the Awards come from all walks of life and have excelled in different areas but the one common theme I see amongst them is that they are genuine community minded people.
“Today we also welcomed 32 new Australian Citizens coming from 13 different countries. “It’s really exciting to see how much becoming an Australia citizen means to our new citizens and hear about the journey they’ve been on to get to this point.”
The full list of the Whitsunday Region Australia Day Award Winners 2020 are as follows:
Collinsville Citizen of the Year – Heather Brown Young Citizen of the Year – Deacon Whatuira Senior Citizen of the Year – Casandra Woodhouse Senior Sportsperson Award – Renea Batchelor Junior Sportsperson Award – Jack Groocock Sports Administrator Award – Bianca Wilson Senior Cultural Award – Sarah Milne Junior Cultural Award – The Youth Crew Community Event of the Year – Collinsville Community Association: 100 Years of Mining
Bowen Citizen of the Year – Anthony Watters Young Citizen of the Year – Jordan Kelly Senior Citizen of the Year – James Cummins Junior Sportsperson Award – Isabella Bruce Sports Administrator Award – Bowen Golf Club Volunteers Senior Cultural Award – Patricia and Walter Hourn Junior Cultural Award – Poppy Nobes Community Event of the Year – Bowen Tourism & Business: 2019 North Head Lighthouse Walk
Airlie Beach, Cannonvale, Proserpine & surrounds Citizen of the Year – Michelle Brayford Young Citizen of the Year – Jack Handley Senior Citizen of the Year – John Penhallurick Senior Sportsperson Award – Ramon Hutchinson Junior Sportsperson Award – Mikhaila Flint Sports Administrator Award – Mark Erickson Senior Cultural Award – Jo-Anne Fraser Junior Cultural Award – William Kelly Community Event of the Year – Proserpine Whitsunday Junior Rugby League: 2019 Paul Bowen Challenge Wally Hinschen Volunteer of the Year Award – Jeni Borellini