Cream of the Isaac's crop celebrated this Australia Day

A Clermont cattle grazier who shot to national TV stardom for building community bonds, a Nebo barrel racer champion and a rainbow gala event that is leading social change are among the major Australia Day winners in the Isaac region.

Frank Finger accepted the 2023 Isaac Region Australia Day Citizen of the Year award from Isaac Regional Council Mayor Anne Baker at Clermont Showgrounds during local Australia Day celebrations.

The national award winner of the ABC TV’s Muster Dog series has a persistent determination to the agricultural and tourism industry, love for his muster dogs and for sharing his stories with residents at MontCler.

Layney Deguara has been named the 2023 Young Citizen of the Year for her passion and dedication to her sport, local club and her community.

Moranbah Rainbow Collective’s inaugural Rainbow Gala won the 2023 Community Event of the Year for breaking barriers and creating an inclusive, and socially aware safe space.

2023 Corporate Contribution of the Year is Dysart News and Post for demonstrating a strong commitment to their continuous support of local groups, sporting clubs and events.

Former Isaac Regional Councillor and long-time Dysart resident Nick Wheeler accepted the 2023 Spirit of Isaac Award for 44 years of countless achievements and contributions to his community.

Mayor Baker said recognising the outstanding work of Isaac residents is important as Council held eight ceremonial events announcing 51 award winners.

“Congratulations to Frank, Layney, the Moranbah Rainbow Collective, Dysart News and Post and Nick Wheeler, you are the cream of Isaac’s crop today,” Mayor Baker said.

“What we do everyday matters and today’s awards recognise the great things you do.

“Thank you to all our nominees and everyone who attended these events over the past 24 hours.

“We also welcomed 11 new Australian citizens as well and thank you for being persistent in your journey.

“Isaac is a region that’s celebrates our diversity with good intentions and we reflect on the past with acknowledgement.

“On behalf of myself, Councillors and Council staff, I would like to thank our 2023 Australia Day Ambassadors Lakeisha Patterson OAM and Kevin Hughes BM for being part of our celebrations.”

“A very special thank you to our Council team and community for their efforts in making these events happen.”

The 2023 Australia Day Awards is an Isaac Regional Council event assisted by the Australian Government through the National Australia Day Council.

Award

Winner

Citizen of the Year

Frank Finger of Clermont

Young Citizen of the Year

Layney Deguara of Nebo

Event of the Year

Rainbow Gala by Moranbah Rainbow Collective

Corporate Contribution of the Year

Dysart News and Post

2023 ISAAC AUSTRALIA DAY SPECIAL AWARDS:

Spirit of Isaac Award

Nick Wheeler of Dysart

Mayor’s Award

Mark Anderson of Middlemount

David Armstrong of St Lawrence

Douglas Brown of Dysart

Kait Halter of Clermont

Kate Hardwick of Nebo

Lashona Peterson of Carmila

Tamara Waerea of Glenden

Matthew Huggett of Moranbah

Community

Award

Winner

CARMILA

Individual Medallion for Achievement

Individual Medallion for Sport

Group Medallion for Achievement

Group Medallion for Sport

Kristie Thompson

Taya Jeffrey

Carmila Christmas Tree

Carmila Sports Reserve Association Inc.

CLERMONT

Individual Medallion for Achievement

Individual Medallion for Sport

Individual Medallion for Arts and Culture

Group Medallion for Achievement

Group Medallion for Sport

Group Medallion for Arts and Culture

Community Business Medallion

Danny McKay

Michael Erickson

Angela Kai-Sum Chan

Clermont Show Society

2022 Battle of the Mines by Clermont Bears Rugby League Club

Wombat Festival by Clermont Artslink

Clermont Country Practice

DYSART

Individual Medallion for Achievement

Individual Medallion for Sport

Group Medallion for Achievement

Group Medallion for Arts and Culture

Community Business Medallion

Tyler Macklin

Douglas Brown

Dysart Santa Run by the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services in Dysart

Dysart Community Support Group for the Dysart Community Carols by Candlelight

Central Fitness

GLENDEN

Individual Medallion for Achievement

Individual Medallion for Sport

Group Medallion for Achievement

Alison Hely

Milissa Payne

Glenden State School Parents and Citizens Association

MIDDLEMOUNT

Individual Medallion for Achievement

Individual Medallion for Sport

Individual Medallion for Arts and Culture

Group Medallion for Achievement

Group Medallion for Sport

Group Medallion for Arts and Culture

Community Business Medallion

Kim Deluca

Lunetta Friend

Ellie Anderson

CTM Links for their Middlemount Men’s Health Week Activities

Middlemount Community Sports Association

Middlemount Community Gardeners

Middlemount Bakery

MORANBAH

Individual Medallion for Achievement

Individual Medallion for Sport

Individual Medallion for Arts and Culture

Group Medallion for Achievement

Group Medallion for Arts and Culture

Community Business Medallion

Veronica Johnstone

Camden Hopes

Josh Sondergeld

Moranbah State Emergency Service (SES)

Moranbah Arts

Emergency and Long-Term Accommodation (ELAM)

NEBO

Individual Medallion for Achievement

Individual Medallion for Sport

Group Medallion for Achievement

Group Medallion for Sport

Group Medallion for Arts and Culture

Cherry Paine

Lisa Rapmund

Queensland Country Women’s Association Nebo and Sarina Range Branch

2022 Nebo Rodeo organised by the Nebo Bushman’s Carnival Incorporated

Nebo State School for their A Meussical Adaptation production

ST LAWRENCE

Individual Medallion for Achievement

Group Medallion for Achievement

David Armstrong

St Lawrence Public Sportsground Committee Incorporated