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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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2023 Australia Day Award Nominees

Junior Sports Award

Lachlan Buckman – Nominated for his achievements in many sports, but particularly javelin. He recently competed in his first international event for javelin at the Oceania Championships where he broke the meet record and placed first in Under 18 Mens javelin (competing as a 16 year old). Lachlan has been ranked number one in Australia for javelin since 2019 and is currently ranked third in Under 17 Javelin in the Commonwealth. Lachlan was also a member of the Queensland School Boys football team at the Australian School Sport Football Championships. 

Alissa Carey – Nominated for her sporting achievements in a range of sports. Alissa is 2022 Ingham State High School Sportswoman of the Year, as well as Netballer of the Year and Age Champion for swimming, athletics and cross country. Alissa gained selection in the Northern Rays Netball team and the Under 19 Queensland training squad. She also coaches, referees and mentors younger players in a range of sports. 

Lachlan Erba – Nominated for his achievements in many sports, particularly squash. Lachlan was selected in the Queensland New South Wales combined team to compete against New Zealand. He is the 2022 Ingham State High School Sportsman of the Year and Elite Sportsman of the Year. Lachlan was also Captain of the Queensland Squash team and is ranked number two in Queensland. Lachlan also excels in touch football and rugby league. 

Liam Fascetti – Nominated for his sporting achievements, particularly in squash. Liam was Under 15 Northern Region Redbacks Champion for club squash. He has captained his team to two grand finals this year. He has represented North Queensland and Queensland in both school and club squash and received the Queensland Sharks Achievement Award for winning seven out of nine of his games at the Australian Championships in 2022. Liam is currently ranked number one in North Queensland and Queensland, and number nine in Australia. 

Jess Furber – Nominated for her sporting achievements in a range of sports. Jess represented Herbert River at the 2022 North Queensland Trials for cross country, athletics and gymnastics. She went on to place the top six overall at regionals for gymnastics. Jess was awarded 2022 Gilroy Santa Maria Junior Sportswoman of the year and was interhouse/interschool swimming, athletics and cross country age champion. She was presented Ingham Branch Best Overall Gymnast in 2022 and awarded Herbert River Netball Junior Most Valuable Player in 2022. Jess also excels at junior rugby league, rugby union and regularly assists with coaching and umpiring duties. 

Liam Murray – Nominated for his achievements in many sports, including rugby league, athletics and rodeo. Levi competed in his first North Queensland Zone Australian Bushmans Campdraft and Rodeo Association winning and placing in Under 11 Steer-ride and Mini Bull Ride. This has qualified Levi for the National Finals for Under 11 Mini Bull Ride being held in Tamworth this year. Levi also represented Herbert River in cross country, touch football, Under 11 and Under 12 rugby league in 2022 and was awarded Our Lady of Lourdes 2022 Sportsman of the Year. 

Ally Rhodes – Nominated for her sporting achievements in squash. Ally was the number one seeded player for North Queensland Schoolgirls Open Squash and Northern Region Redbacks teams. She was selected in the Queensland Under 17 girls Sharks team and is currently ranked number four in her age group for Queensland and number 13 for Australia. Ally also dedicates time in helping to coach and mentor juniors and beginner players each week.

Senior Sports Award

Grant Swarbrick – Nominated for his contributions to Herbert River Junior Rugby League over many years. Grant has held many executive positions during his involvement with the club with 2023 being his third year as President. Grant also coaches and mentors the junior teams. In 2022 he was instrumental in forming the first Herbert River Under 15 Girls Rugby League team in the Townsville competition. He also campaigned strongly in 2021 to re-form an Under 14 boys team in the competition, a team which are still playing today. In 2022 Grant’s commitment to rugby league was recognised by Queensland Rugby League and he was awarded with a trip to the State of Origin. He is passionate about getting kids of all abilities to play and enjoy rugby league. 

Junior Cultural Award

Nikki Crozzoletto – Nominated for her cultural contributions particularly playing violin to a very high standard. Nikki was Ingham State High School Senior Cultural Student of the Year in 2022. She has participated in all school ensemble events and also regularly plays violin at school and community events. Nikki is also a talented artist, entering her artwork in the Ingham Arts Festival and the annual Ingham Show. 

Anthony-Liam Pennay – Nominated for his contributions as a talented young cellist. Anthony is a member of the Ingham State High School instrumental program and plays with a high level of skill. He was awarded the Ingham State High School Overall Junior Cultural Award in 2022. His dedication to his instrument has been recognised and he has been given the opportunity to attend State Honours Ensemble Program in Townsville. Anthony has also entered artwork in the Ingham Arts Festival and Ingham Show. 

Senior Cultural Award

No nominations were received for this category.

Individual Achievement Award

Anne Accorsini – Nominated for her active volunteer involvement with a number of community organisations. Anne is currently Hinchinbrook’s Community Services Director of the Rotary Club, and has for many years coordinated and worked on Rotary projects including stalls at Maraka, Ingham Show, Tasman Turtle and Christmas Carols. She also regularly assists at TYTO Regional Art Gallery openings. Anne has been heavily involved in the Ingham Maraka Festival for a number of years and has held executive roles on this committee. She also regularly volunteers for the Australian Italian Festival. 

Karen Cavallaro – Nominated for her contributions to the community, particularly through her involvement on the Maraka Festival Committee. Karen has spent many years working with the committee, including as Vice President, to ensure the festival takes place each year. She has taken on the role of organising sponsors and following them up for the event each year and assists with running all associated events. Karen is also a former member of the Ingham Lions Club. 

Tammy Collins – Nominated for her contributions to the community through organising fundraisers for Palliative Care. Tammy is a dominant, motivational and proactive force, giving up her time selflessly towards fundraising events. 100% of her fundraising efforts go to Palliative Care. 

Graeme Gibson – Nominated for his contributions to the community, particularly through Forrest Beach Surf Live Saving Club. Graeme has been an active member of the Club for 51 years and has held many executive positions during this time. He is still an active patrol member and is a life member of Forrest Beach and North Barrier Branch. Graeme has also been involved in local rugby league for a number of years as a coach and Senior First aider. He is also a life member of Herbert River Junior Rugby League and Senior Crushers.

He is an excellent role model who always shows respect to the young and the community, always helping out anyone in need. Graeme recently had the honour of being selected to carry the Queen's Baton in recognition to his commitment to the community. 

Sharan Kelley – Nominated for her contributions to the community through the coordination of the Ingham Show over many years. She has held and still currently holds multiple executive positions on the Ingham Show Committee and has done so for a number of years. Sharan researches and assists with developing and lodging grant funding applications to source office equipment and display equipment to assist with improvements for show displays. She takes leave from her regular job each year so that she can assist with the running of the Ingham Show. She has also previously assisted the Ingham Jockey Club and Ingham Rodeo. 

Cinzia McEwen – Nominated for her contributions to the community. Cinzia has been a long time member of the Ingham Theatre Group, holding many executive positions during her involvement. She is also an active member of the Herbert River Jockey Club and Meals on Wheels, volunteering her time to these organisations. Cinzia has also performed and Emcee’d at Forrest Beach and Lucinda Carols by Candlelight and is a past committee member of Ingham Scouts, Ingham Kindergarten and Ingham State Primary School. 

Donald Oswin – Nominated for his contributions to the community as a volunteer for many organisations and clubs, including the Australian Italian Festival Committee (life member), Ingham Sugar City Rodeo, Halifax Bay Hut Owners Association, Herbert River Apex and Ingham Dirt Bike Club. Donald has held executive positions for many of these organisations during his involvement. He has spent many volunteer hours coordinating improvements to the Ingham Dirt Bike Club grounds and seeking advice and assistance from other clubs to help keep the club properly affiliated and running successfully. 

Lesley (Lex) Pryor – Nominated for her contributions to the community in her capacity as a foster carer for over 20 years. During this time Lex has cared for over 50 children. She also regularly assists members of the community who are struggling with financial and/or social challenges by taking in their children in an unofficial capacity for as long as necessary. Lex has a special interest in helping First Nations members of our community and all eight of her current foster children are First Nations people. Lex is always willing to volunteer for anything and everything to assist in the school community. Lex is a well-known, well-loved and indispensable member of the Halifax Community, who never complains, is never too busy and never too tired to help others. 

Helen Shaw – Nominated for her contributions to the community. As an Allied Health and Pharmacy Assistant, Helen brings joy to all those around her. She is always spreading kindness and joy by dressing up for occasions such as Christmas, Easter and Halloween handing out gifts to patients, families and staff. She has fundraised for Hospital Christmas decorations and resources for dementia patients by holding trivia nights. Helen is an active member of the Forrest Beach Progress Association and assisted in coordinating the 2022 Forrest Beach Carols event which delighted 300 locals. She has won awards for her role as Allied Health and Pharmacy Assistant at Ingham Hospital. 

Grant Swarbrick – Nominated for his contributions to Herbert River Junior Rugby League over many years. Grant has held many executive positions during his involvement with the club with 2023 being his third year as President. Grant also coaches and mentors the junior teams. In 2022 he was instrumental in forming the first Herbert River Under 15 Girls Rugby League team in the Townsville competition. He also campaigned strongly in 2021 to re-form an Under 14 boys team in the competition, a team which are still playing today. In 2022 Grant’s commitment to rugby league was recognised by Queensland Rugby League and he was awarded with a trip to the State of Origin. He is passionate about getting kids of all abilities to play and enjoy rugby league. 

Community Event of the Year Award

Noorla Bowling Club – Annual Noorla 4’s – In 2022 the Noorla 4’s Invitational Bowls Competition was held in November with 16 teams of four players attending. Teams from Darwin (two teams), Yeppoon, Mackay, Townsville, Brandon, Yungaburra as well as Ingham teams competed in the competition, all in great spirit, and many returning each year for a great event and for the famed “chicken and spaghetti’ put on by the Noorla ladies. 

Shire Young Citizen Award

Simone DiMaggio – Nominated for her contributions to the community through her role as Ingham State High School Vice Captain. Simone was recognised for her citizenship to her community by receiving the Queensland Order of Australia Citizenship Award. Simone has volunteered at all school events including tuckshop, socials, Anglican Debutante Ball, Kindy Quiz, and Theatre Restaurant to name a few. She also represented her school at all ANZAC Day parades. She has a “can do” attitude and is always willing to help, which makes her stand out from others. 

Caitlin Lenzo – Nominated for her contributions as an outstanding young citizen within the Ingham State High School community. Caitlin is a positive role model who is always putting others ahead of herself. She was an active member of the Ingham State High Schools executive committee in 2022 and volunteered at many school events such as Kindy Quiz, tuckshop and school breakfast program. She is a quiet achiever always working in the background and producing incredible results. 

David Schofield – Nominated for his contributions to the community through a number of local clubs, including Forrest Beach Surf Life Saving Club, Ingham Gymnastics Club and Herbert River Swimming Club. He was Ingham State High School 2021 Junior School Captain and Junior Secondary Scholar. He is a young community leader always assisting and mentoring younger club members. In 2022 David was the upcoming Lifesaver of the Year for Forrest Beach Surf Live Saving Club, represented North Queensland Schools at Queensland Schools Championships, and represented Herbert River Swimming at Queensland Club Championships. He also gained coaching qualifications for gymnastics. 

Shire Citizen Award

Anne Accorsini – Nominated for her active volunteer involvement with a number of community organisations. Anne is currently Hinchinbrook’s Community Services Director of the Rotary Club, and has for many years coordinated and worked on Rotary projects including stalls at Maraka, Ingham Show, Tasman Turtle and Christmas Carols. She also regularly assists at TYTO Regional Art Gallery openings. Anne has been heavily involved in the Ingham Maraka Festival for a number of years and has held executive roles on this committee. She also regularly volunteers for the Australian Italian Festival. 

Karen Cavallaro – Nominated for her contributions to the community, particularly through her involvement on the Maraka Festival Committee. Karen has spent many years working with the committee, including as Vice President, to ensure the festival takes place each year. She has taken on the role of organising sponsors and following them up for the event each year and assists with running all associated events. Karen is also a former member of the Ingham Lions Club.

Graeme Gibson – Nominated for his contributions to the community, particularly through Forrest Beach Surf Live Saving Club. Graeme has been an active member of the Club for 51 years and has held many executive positions during this time. He is still an active patrol member and is a life member of Forrest Beach and North Barrier Branch. Graeme has also been involved in local rugby league for a number of years as a coach and Senior First aider. He is also a life member of Herbert River Junior Rugby League and Senior Crushers. He is an excellent role model who always shows respect to the young and the community, always helping out anyone in need. Graeme recently had the honour of being selected to carry the Queen's Baton in recognition to his commitment to the community.

Barbara Horsley – Nominated for her contributions to the community, particularly through her involvement with Ingham Family History Association. Barbara joined the Family History Association of North Queensland Ingham Branch in 1997.

Cinzia McEwen – Nominated for her contributions to the community. Cinzia has been a long time member of the Ingham Theatre Group, holding many executive positions during her involvement. She is also an active member of the Herbert River Jockey Club and Meals on Wheels, volunteering her time to these organisations. Cinzia has also performed and Emcee’d at Forrest Beach and Lucinda Carols by Candlelight and is a past committee member of Ingham Scouts, Ingham Kindergarten and Ingham State Primary School.

Lesley (Lex) Pryor – Nominated for her contributions to the community in her capacity as a foster carer for over 20 years. During this time Lex has cared for over 50 children. She also regularly assists members of the community who are struggling with financial and/or social challenges by taking in their children in an unofficial capacity for as long as necessary. Lex has a special interest in helping First Nations members of our community and all eight of her current foster children are First Nations people. Lex is always willing to volunteer for anything and everything to assist in the school community. Lex is a well-known, well-loved and indispensable member of the Halifax Community, who never complains, is never too busy and never too tired to help others.

Helen Shaw – Nominated for her contributions to the community. As an Allied Health and Pharmacy Assistant, Helen brings joy to all those around her. She is always spreading kindness and joy by dressing up for occasions such as Christmas, Easter and Halloween handing out gifts to patients, families and staff. She has fundraised for Hospital Christmas decorations and resources for dementia patients by holding trivia nights. Helen is an active member of the Forrest Beach Progress Association and assisted in coordinating the 2022 Forrest Beach Carols event which delighted 300 locals. She has won awards for her role as Allied Health and Pharmacy Assistant at Ingham Hospital.

Mario Torrisi – Nominated for his contributions to the community as a tireless community worker raising money for many charities. Mario is constantly working and lobbying to improve services for the Ingham community. He was instrumental in the building of various monuments in Ingham such as the Alpini Monument, Sicilian Clock and Canecutter Statue to name a few. Mario has also produced a number of pictorial history books in relation to the Herbert River district. He also created cane furniture and has made many donations of his furniture to community groups to raffle as fundraisers.

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