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About Council

Learn more about the Hinchinbrook Shire Council

Citizenship Ceremonies

Hinchinbrook Shire Council Citizenship Ceremonies

Events Calendar

A place where you can find and share events that are happening in the Hinchinbrook community.

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2020 Australia Day Award Nominees

Congratulations to the Hinchinbrook Shire Australia Day Award Nominees for 2020 who have made an outstanding contribution to the community, and for their exceptional achievement in a variety of areas.

Junior Sports Award

Lachlan Buckman – Nominated for his achievements in athletics, touch football, soccer, swimming, cross country and rugby league.  Lachlan is the 2019 Ingham State High School Sportsman of the Year and Elite Sportsman of the Year. He has represented his school and district in Soccer, Swimming, Cross Country and Rugby League and has represented North Queensland in Athletics and Touch football. In December 2019 Lachlan represented Queensland at the Australian Athletic Championships where he came first in javelin with a throw of 49.55 metres.

Alissa Carey – Nominated for her sporting achievements in a range of sports.  Alissa is 2019 Ingham State High School Sportswoman of the Year.  She represented North Queensland in Netball and Touch Football and has represented Herbert River and her school in a range of sports.  She is a member of the Under 16 Steelcats netball team and umpires and coaches netball and touch football.

Senior Sports Award

Alana Romano – Nominated for her achievements in many sports, but particularly cricket and rugby league. Alana was selected in the Queensland Rural Open Women’s Country Cricket team in 2019 and 2020. In 2019 she Captained the NQ U/18 Women’s Rugby League Team and the North Queensland Squash Team in 2019. Alana was awarded Gilroy Santa Maria Senior Sports Person of the Year and was a finalist in the North Queensland Sportstar Awards in 2019. 

Junior Cultural Award

No nominations were received in this category.

Senior Cultural Award

Rita Phillips – Nominated for her contributions to the community through volunteering her time as President of the Ingham Arts Festival for almost 30 years. Rita also coordinates Sing Australia and has done so for the past five years. She was a music teacher in our district for approximately 40 years and regularly volunteers for Meals on Wheels.

Individual Achievement Award

Amber Henderson – Nominated for her commitment to environmental conservation and preservation. Amber always has the welfare of the environment in mind and volunteers in many beach and ocean clean-ups both locally and afar.  She is passionate about preserving our natural environment, particularly through the reduction of the use of plastic, but also through upcycling, reusing and recycling.

Amanda Griffiths – Nominated for her promotion of the Hinchinbrook Shire through her business, social media and podcasts. Mandy’s ‘Bush Belles on the Backroads’ podcast features well known identities and lesser known residents and often discuss what they love about living in the Hinchinbrook region. She was winner of the ‘Most Inspiring Microbusiness – Hinchinbrook Business Awards’ and Australian finalist in the Spirit Category of the ‘Harvey Norman Shine Awards’.

Judy Reardon – Nominated posthumously for her volunteer involvement as an active member of Relay for Life Committee, Audrey’s Angels and the Halifax Local Ambulance Committee. Judy was also the face of Relay for Life and compare of the Survivors and Carers Afternoon Tea. Judy herself was a long term sufferer, but her attitude and selfless efforts were an inspiration to all sufferers, carers and volunteers.

Mario Torrisi – Nominated for his involvement with the Alpini Monument and the Canecutter Statue.  He has also run the flags for the Australian-Italian Festival for many years.

Giovanni Tantalo – Nominated for his excellent community leadership in areas of supporting our youth and combating domestic and family violence highlighted in an annual public event. Gio is an active member of many groups such as Hinchinbrook Blue Light, Emergency Services Cadets and Lower Herbert Neighbourhood Watch.

Des Rooker – Nominated for his volunteer involvement within the community. Des has held the positions of Lions Club District Governor, President, Treasurer and Secretary of his Lions Club.  He is also the coordinator of ‘Christmas Cheer’ which gives thanks to other people who help the community and is a lovely treat for the elderly members of our community. Des recently had the privilege to be chosen to carry the Olympic flag. Des is an excellent role model who shows respect for family, community and anyone in need.

Community Event of the Year Award

Ingham Relay for LifeNominated for the Annual Relay for Life fundraising event.  Relay for Life provides and encourages sufferers, survivors, carers, family and friends an avenue to meet people who have been through a similar journey and to assist them to deal with the significant impacts they are experiencing. The first event was held in 2009 and since that time the event has raised almost $350,000 towards finding a cure for Cancer.

Shire Young Citizen Award

Tyler George – Nominated for his involvement in Scouts over the past 11 years.  He is currently undertaking the role of Youth Helper.  Tyler regularly gives up weekends and holidays to attend youth events to assist and support the younger youth members. He attended the 2018 Queensland Cuboree where he helped run an activity base for the event.  Tyler is regarded as having an overall positive and friendly attitude.

Trent Altadonna – Nominated for his outstanding leadership as School Captain of Ingham State High School in 2019.  Trent’s positive outlook and “nothing is too hard” attitude has meant the students had a very positive role model. He has lead all school community events and coordinated and participated in many fundraisers throughout the year.

Shire Citizen Award

Judy Reardon – Nominated posthumously for her volunteer involvement as an active member of Relay for Life Committee, Audrey’s Angels and the Halifax Local Ambulance Committee. Judy was also the face of Relay for Life and compare of the Survivors and Carers Afternoon Tea. Judy herself was a long term sufferer, but her attitude and selfless efforts were an inspiration to all sufferers, carers and volunteers.

Mario Torrisi – Nominated for his active involvement in fundraising for the relocation of the Alpini Monument.  He was also instrumental in the installation of the Sicilian Clock, the Canecutter Statue and bringing Rete Italia Italian radio station to Ingham. Mario is constantly lobbying for better services for the people of Ingham from Local and State Government. He also volunteers his time with many local Festivals and organisations.

Amanda Griffiths – Nominated for her promotion of the Hinchinbrook Shire through her business, social media and podcasts. Mandy’s ‘Bush Belles on the Backroads’ podcast features well known identities and lesser known residents and often discuss what they love about living in the Hinchinbrook region. She was winner of the ‘Most Inspiring Microbusiness – Hinchinbrook Business Awards’ and Australian finalist in the Spirit Category of the ‘Harvey Norman Shine Awards’.

Giovanni Tantalo – Nominated for his excellent community leadership in areas of supporting our youth and combating domestic and family violence highlighted in an annual public event. Gio is an active member of many groups such as Hinchinbrook Blue Light, Emergency Services Cadets and Lower Herbert Neighbourhood Watch.

Des Rooker – Nominated for his volunteer involvement within the community. Des has held the positions of Lions Club District Governor, President, Treasurer and Secretary of his Lions Club.  He is also the coordinator of ‘Christmas Cheer’ which gives thanks to other people who help the community and is a lovely treat for the elderly members of our community. Des recently had the privilege to be chosen to carry the Olympic flag. Des is an excellent role model who shows respect for family, community and anyone in need.

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