Gympie Australia Day Winners Announced

Dedicated volunteer Debra Brown is the 2021 Gympie Citizen of the Year.

Ms Brown was handed the award by Mayor Glen Hartwig in recognition of her outstanding commitment to helping residents of the Gympie region.

“On behalf of Gympie regional council and indeed the residents of the Gympie region I would like to take this opportunity to thank and congratulate Debra for her years of service to this community,” Mayor Hartwig said.

“It take as special person to give so much of their time for others.

“Debra is a very worthy recipient of this year’s award,” he said.

Seven other award recipients were announced today as part of Australia Day celebrations at The Pavilion.

Cooloola Christian College Captain, Charlee Griffiths was awarded Young Citizen of the Year for her continued work in the community which includes roles at the Mayoral Prayer breakfast and Destiny Rescue.

Goomeri resident Emma Schneider took out the Cultural award. The mother of two is recognised for her work with the Goomeri Pumpkin Festival and the Goomeri School P&C Association.

Emma Duffey was recognised for her work with the Kia Ora Pony Club, taking out both the Sports Administration and Youth Sports Awards. Ms Duffey has been a member, volunteer and instructor at the Kia Ora Pony Club since she was 10 years old. She is also the only Queensland representative of the Pony Club Australia Youth Advisory Council.

The Gympie Show Society was named the Community Event of the Year. Due to COVID-19 the Gympie Show was unable to go ahead which left the organisation needing a new source of revenue. This resulted in the Gympie Showgrounds Farmers Market being created, which has proven to be a popular weekend event.

Two Special Australia Day Awards were also handed to Florence Penny and Flynn Hutchison who were recognised for their dedication and outstanding achievements within the Gympie region.

“This has been my first Australia Day as Mayor of the Gympie region and it has been indeed an honour to present these awards today,” Mayor Hartwig said.

“I would also like to take this opportunity to welcome the twelve new Australian citizens to our region.”

“On behalf of Gympie regional council, congratulations to all the Australia day award recipients and our newest citizens.”