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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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2022 Australia Day Award Nominees

Congratulations to the Hinchinbrook Shire Australia Day Award Nominees for 2022 who have made an outstanding contribution to the community, and for their exceptional achievement in a variety of areas.

Junior Sports Award

Alissa Carey – Nominated for her sporting achievements in a range of sports.  Alissa is 2021 Ingham State High School Sportswoman of the Year, as well as Netballer of the Year and Interschool Age Champion for swimming, athletics and cross country.  Alissa gained selection in the Under 19 North Queensland and Queensland netball teams and was selected as Vice Captain of the Under 18 Northern Rays.  She also coaches, referees and mentors younger players in a range of sports.

Lachlan Erba – Nominated for his achievements in many sports.  Lachlan was selected to represent North Queensland in school Open Squash, Northern Redbacks Under 17 Squash and Queensland Sharks Under 17 Squash.  He was also selected in Townsville Blackhawks Under 16 Rugby League.  Lachlan is the 2021 Ingham State High School Sportsman of the Year.  He also willingly volunteers to referee squash, touch football and rugby league.

Millie Gofton – Nominated for her sporting achievements in a range of sports.  Millie has represented Herbert River in school Netball and Touch Football.  She was also the only Herbert River player selected in the North Queensland Primary School Football (soccer) team and Rugby League.  Millie is a great role model due to her great work ethic in training.

Jessica Furber – Nominated for her sporting achievements in a range of sports, but particularly in Gymnastics.  Jessica has completed three levels in gymnastics in one year, which generally takes one level per year.  She also represented Herbert River in gymnastics competitions in which she performed very highly. Jessica participates in interhouse and interschool athletics and demonstrates a hard work ethic at training displaying courage, resilience and good sportsmanship.

Lachlan Buckman – Nominated for his achievements in many sports, but particularly javelin.  Lachlan has been ranked number one in Australia for javelin since 2019.  He also received the Most Proficient Junior Sportsman Award for  representing his school in swimming track and field and cross country.  He was Under 15 Javelin Champion with a personal best of 61.75 metres.  He also played in school Senior Firsts Football and was Captain of Ipswich Grammar Bill Turner Cup team.  Lachlan won the North Queensland Sports Foundation Junior Sportstar of the Year in 2021 and was finalist in the Queensland Junior Sportstar of the Year.

Senior Sports Award

Sarah Sheahan – Nominated for her contributions to Herbert River junior sports.  Sarah was the 2021 Herbert River Junior Touch Coordinator and encouraged a record number of players to compete in 2021, also encouraging parents to get involved in assisting with coaching and training.  Sarah successfully coaches school Junior Touch Football and Soccer teams taking the Senior Lourdes Girls team to win the Romanello Shield in 2021.  She assisted with marshalling competitors at the 100 year Barnes Cup and City Country Swimming Carnival. Sarah has gone above and beyond to ensure the youth in the district have sporting opportunities.

Sarah Castles – Nominated for her contributions to Rugby League.  Sarah was Herbert River Crushers Clubperson of the year in 2021 and has been instrumental in putting the women’s team together to compete in the Townsville and District Rugby League competition.  She also coordinated the highly successful Herbert River Crushers ladies day and presentation night in 2021.

Connor De Campo – Nominated for his contributions and achievements in gymnastics.  Connor placed first in regional competition, fourth in State and ninth all round in Australia – level 10.  He was the only gymnast to score above 70 in the Brisbane area.  Connor is also the training coordinator for Ingham Gymnastics.  

Junior Cultural Award

Nikki Crozzoletto – Nominated for her cultural contributions particularly playing violin.  Nikki was Ingham State High School Junior Cultural Student of the Year.  She has participated in all school ensemble events and also regularly plays violin solo when requested.  She regularly performs at local events such as Ingham Arts Festival Primary school open days, Arts in the Afternoon and TYTO Regional Art Gallery Exhibition Opening.  Whilst Nikki’s passion is her music she has also been recognised for her excellence in Art. 

Dana Kaurila – Nominated for her contributions to the community through performing and volunteering at the Australian-Italian Festival and Maraka as well as other local events both individually and in groups.  Dana also volunteers coaching assistance at gymnastics.

Senior Cultural Award

Vera Di Bella – Nominated for her cultural contributions to the community over many years.  Vera excels in the field of music and entertainment and has volunteered her time from a young age to many community activities including Australia Day, Maraka Concerts, Debutante Balls, Community Carols, School Musicals, church functions and morning teas.  She has also been a member of the Ingham Arts Festival for almost 30 years, most recently as President of the committee.  Vera’s willingness to share her talents with all ages, especially children, gives her a high level of respect in the music fraternity. 

Individual Achievement Award

Rodney Fascetti – Nominated for his contributions to the community, particularly to the Herbert River Football Club (Soccer).  Rodney has volunteered his time to the Club for many years assisting with grounds upkeep, coaching and training.  Rodney is the Reserve Grade Women’s coach and was a past player and coach to other divisions over the years.  Last year he assisted the Reserve Women to reach the grand final as well as winning the Crad Evans Shield.

Brenda Oats – Nominated for her contributions to the community, particularly through her involvement with the Herbert River Athletics Club since 2009.  Brenda has held the position of President, Treasurer and Grants Officer since 2009.  She is a qualified athletics coach and coaches in track, jumping and throwing events, encouraging a number of Hinchinbrook locals to progress to State and National Titles over the years. Brenda has been a willing and enthusiastic community supporter for a number of years assisting schools and sporting clubs within our community to access available grant funding.

Patrizia (Trish) Manassero – Nominated for her contributions to the community through her volunteer involvement with various local organisations.  Trish has assisted with and has coordinated entertainment in the park for the Maraka Festival over a number of years.  She has also been involved with the Australian-Italian Festival, coordinating the Hair and Fashion Show for many years.  Trish assists with hall set up for the RSL Ball and has in recent years volunteered as a swim coach teaching school children to swim.

Guido Giliberto – Nominated for his contributions to the community through his volunteer involvement over a number of years with the Rotary Club of Hinchinbrook and the Australian-Italian Festival.  Guido has worked on many projects through his involvement with these organisations including the Ingham Show and Maraka setting up stalls and also running them. 

Natalie Hulett – Nominated for her volunteer involvement with various local organisations over a number of years.  Natalie has been Treasurer of Herbert River District Brass Band since 1994, a volunteer for St John Ambulance, Australian-Italian Festival Promotions Officer, has been involved with Rotary International Hinchinbrook Community Care, TYTO Wetlands volunteer tourism officer, Relay for Life and is currently Secretary for Audrie’s Angels of Hope. Natalie is a Hinchinbrook Blue Light member and Adult Leader for PCYC Emergency Services Cadets. Natalie shows dedication and commitment to helping and supporting people in the community when in need.

Dana Kaurila - Nominated for her contributions to the community through her involvement with Surf Lifesaving, gymnastics and volunteering at various community events.  Dana regularly performs and volunteers at community events such as the Australian-Italian Festival and Maraka as well as other local events both individually and in groups.  Dana also often volunteers her time providing coaching assistance at gymnastics. She is always willing to assist in any situation.

Sarah Castles - Nominated for her contributions to the community, particularly through her involvement with Crushers Rugby League Club.  Sarah was announced Herbert River Crushers Clubperson of the year in 2021 and has been instrumental in putting the women’s team together to compete in the Townsville and District Rugby League competition.  She also coordinated the highly successful Herbert River Crushers ladies day and presentation night in 2021.

Community Event of the Year Award

Re-discovering Buk Ti: Chinese Settlers in the Lower Herbert Valley – In June 2021 the Ingham Family History Association Inc provided this display at the TYTO Regional Art Gallery showcasing the early Chinese settlers to the Herbert River Valley and the impact they had on the community through business and farming.  The highlight of the display was the recreation of the Buk Ti Temple which was located in Halifax. Over 1,100 people attended the exhibition opening which was also livestreamed and has recorded over 6,000 views to date.  The display won the 2021 Gallery and Museum Achievement Awards (Queensland) and will be on display at the Cairns Museum for three months.

Hinchinbrook Business Awards 2021 – Hinchinbrook Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Tourism coordinated the Hinchinbrook Business Awards 2021 in July 2021 bringing together local businesses to showcase and celebrate innovation and excellence in the local business community. The event recognised many achievements of apprentices/trainees, employees and businesses across a range of categories.  This was the second time these awards have been held and it has quickly become a highly anticipated night allowing business owners, employees and customers to recognise businesses and staff who deliver products and services exceeding normal expectations.

Shire Young Citizen Award

Dana Kaurila – Nominated for her contributions to the community through her involvement with Surf Lifesaving, gymnastics and volunteering at various community events.  Dana regularly performs and volunteers at community events such as the Australian-Italian Festival and Maraka as well as other local events both individually and in groups.  Dana also often volunteers her time providing coaching assistance at gymnastics. She is always willing to assist in any situation.

Jessica Dickson – Nominated for her contributions as an outstanding young citizen within the Ingham State High School community.  Jessica leads by example and is a role model to younger students.  She attended all ANZAC parades, volunteered at the disaster readiness stall and supported the school at many fundraising events including the set up and pull down of the Ingham Show stall. Jessica has been a member of the school ensemble throughout her high school years both playing and singing at many school events. She participated in Lions Youth of the Year, World Day of Prayer, entered Ingham Arts Festival and organised and assisted in many school fundraising activities.

Kannika Piakhan – Nominated for her contributions as an outstanding quiet achiever as Vice Captain of Ingham State High School in 2021.  Kannika has participated in all ANZAC parades, sold tickets at many school and community events, helped set up and pull down the school show display, participated in Lions Youth of the Year and assisted with the primary schools Barnes Cup.  Kannika has been a member of the Ingham High Ensemble playing violin throughout her school years. She organised and assisted in many school fundraising activities and is a reliable and responsible young lady and a great role model to young people.

Sarah Castles – Nominated for her contributions to the community, particularly through her involvement with Crushers Rugby League Club.  Sarah was announced Herbert River Crushers Clubperson of the year in 2021 and has been instrumental in putting the women’s team together to compete in the Townsville and District Rugby League competition.  She also coordinated the highly successful Herbert River Crushers ladies day and presentation night in 2021.

Shire Citizen Award

Kieran Volpe – Nominated for his active volunteer involvement with the Maraka Committee, Hinchinbrook Chamber of Commerce, and the Hinchinbrook Community Support Centre. Kieran’s dedication to customer service to his clients is second to none and he ensures that his business is actively involved in sponsorship of many community events as he is aware that without this support, some of these events may not continue into the future.

John and Paloma Irvin – Nominated for their contributions to the sugar cane farming industry.  In 1985 John developed an inter-row dropper system for sugar cane weed control to reduce the cultivation required for mechanical weeding operations, heralding an era of innovation and change, increasing productivity and profitability for farmers across the industry. Irvin Farm has developed an international reputation for quality and excellence. Over the last 36 years John and Paloma have employed many locals allowing the opportunity for them to gain valuable skills and career opportunities they may not have otherwise found.

Joseph Devietti – Nominated for his many contributions to the community through his commitment to National Service becoming an Inaugural Member of the Ingham Branch when it formed in 2001, he remains a member.  Joe has been a Justice of the Peace since 1961 and has served as Secretary/Treasurer of the Herbert River Farmers League for 43 years.  Joe was also Secretary for both Lourdes Convent and Gilroy Santa Maria College Parent and Friends Associations until all 8 of his children completed their schooling. He has also served as Secretary for the Hotels Association and Ingham Jockey Club.  Joe was Principal of Devietti Holden for many years and recognised throughout Queensland as one of the most respected dealerships in the State.

Guido Giliberto – Nominated for his contributions to the community through his volunteer involvement over a number of years with the Rotary Club of Hinchinbrook and the Australian-Italian Festival.  Guido has worked on many projects through his involvement with these organisations including the Ingham Show and Maraka setting up stalls and also running them. 

Patrizia (Trish) Manassero – Nominated for her contributions to the community through her volunteer involvement with various local organisations.  Trish has assisted with and has coordinated entertainment in the park for the Maraka Festival over a number of years.  She has also been involved with the Australian-Italian Festival, coordinating the Hair and Fashion Show for many years.  Trish assists with hall set up for the RSL Ball and has in recent years volunteered as a swim coach teaching school children to swim.

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