Central Highlands Regional Council Mayor Kerry Hayes and fellow councillors are proud to announce eighteen individuals, two community groups and four events as winners of the 2021 Australia Day Awards.

Mayor Hayes congratulated the winners and extended recognition to all nominees.

‘I would like to extend my congratulations to our region’s Australia Day Award winners and nominees,’ Mayor Hayes said.

‘To each and every one of you, whom so selflessly and tirelessly work to make our community the best it can be, I express my sincere gratitude for what you do.’

Blackwater / Duaringa Citizen of the Year                           Olive Smith Young Citizen of the Year              Jordan Jackson Cultural Award                                  Blackwater Arts Society Senior Sports/Administrator       Annette Boase Community Event of the Year     Blackwater Netball Carnival Capella / Tieri Citizen of the Year                           Becky Scarlett Young Citizen of the Year              Emielia Jansen Cultural Award                                  Harvey Jones Senior Sports/Administrator       Rod Green Junior Sportsperson                        Mollie Evans Community Event of the Year     Capella State School Eco Club Emerald / Gemfields Citizen of the Year                           John Hall Young Citizen of the Year              Kirra-Lee Gittens Cultural Award                                  James Raschle Senior Sports/Administrator       Sue Fehlhaber Junior Sportsperson                        Logan Weaver Community Event of the Year     Laughing Kookaburra – CTM Links Springsure / Rolleston Citizen of the Year                           Kurt Mayne Young Citizen of the Year              Belle Priddle Cultural Award                                  Eclipse Street Emporium Group Senior Sports/Administrator       Geoff & Suzie Pederson Junior Sportsperson                       Kyle Taylor Community Event of the Year     Combined Christmas Eve Mardi Gras

The Central Highlands joined towns and regions across the nation in welcoming its newest Australian citizens as part of its celebrations in Emerald also.

Eleven new citizens from eight countries chose to officially become Australian citizens.

Event image galleries Emerald event
Citizenship ceremony
Blackwater event