Burnie Australia Day award recipients announced

Published on 26 January 2021

As part of the annual Burnie Australia Day ceremony, outstanding local community members and groups are presented the prestigious Burnie Australia Day Awards for Citizen, Senior Citizen, Young Citizen and Community Event of the Year.

The 2021 City of Burnie Australia Day Citizen of the Year has been awarded to Lyndal Thorne. Burnie City Council Mayor Kons said “Lyndal lives and breathes art, and her desired to push for greater recognition of the arts within the City of Burnie and Tasmania is cherished by so many in our community. Nothing is too hard or out of reach, and her efforts are an inspiration to all around her.”

The 2021 City of Burnie Senior Citizen of the Year has been awarded to Beverley Targett. Mayor Kons said “Beverley has been totally committed to the Burnie Senior Citizens Club since joining in 2005. During these years she has worked tirelessly for the club organising bus tours, Tai Chi classes, bingo, bowls and book-keeping as well as researching for a historical book. Beverley has assisted many senior citizens, enabling them to enjoy their twilight years.”

The 2021 City of Burnie Young Citizen of the Year has been awarded to Sunny Beatson. Mayor Kons said “Sunny successfully started his own business, BeaDoughs Donuts. What initially started out as an idea to supplement his family's coronavirus-hit income during the lockdown period has quickly developed into a popular business with a shopfront in the Burnie CBD. The fact that Sunny is only 16 years old and is also balancing business ownership with his studies makes it all the more impressive.”

The 2021 City of Burnie Community Event of the Year has been awarded to Design Eye Creative ‘paper on skin’. Mayor Kons said “Design Eye Creative ‘paper on skin’ 2020 was a true triumph over adversity. Plans were well underway for a new, improved gala event to be held at the Burnie Arts & Function Centre when the impacts of COVID-19 forced its’ cancellation. The committee decided to forge ahead with an alternative plan to film the works, and whist the film showcased incredible artwork from around the globe, the production itself shows the depth of talent among our local community. The decision to forge ahead with paper on skin 2020 was undeniably the right one. An outstanding achievement from all involved.”