Junior Sports Award
Liam Fascetti – Nominated for his sporting achievements, particularly in squash. Liam was selected as number one player in the Queensland Open boys team at the Secondary Schools State Titles. He was selected as number three in the Australian Trans-Tasman Team to play New Zealand and was Under 17 Northern Region Champion for club squash. Liam is currently ranked number one in North Queensland, number two in Queensland and seventh in Australia. Liam also represented North Queensland in school soccer and was a member of the Ingham Football Club Senior grand final winning team in 2024.
Jack Larsen – Nominated for his sporting achievements in go karting. In 2024 Jack competed in nine North Queensland go kart events and came away with seven first places, a second and a third. Jack also came first in the Queensland State Cup making him top Cadet 12 in Queensland. He also won the top Cadet 12 in Victoria. Jack also secured second place in the Australian Karting Championships making him second in Australia for the Cadet 12’s. In October 2024 Jack completed in the invitational only World Cup Race in Italy where he came away with 18th position in the final, from a total of 63 other drivers.
Jack Larsen – Nominated for his sporting achievements in go karting. In 2024 Jack competed in nine North Queensland go kart events and came away with seven first places, a second and a third. Jack also came first in the Queensland State Cup making him top Cadet 12 in Queensland. He also won the top Cadet 12 in Victoria. Jack also secured second place in the Australian Karting Championships making him second in Australia for the Cadet 12’s. In October 2024 Jack completed in the invitational only World Cup Race in Italy where he came away with 18th position in the final, from a total of 63 other drivers.
Brax Roveda – Nominated for his achievements in soccer and futsal. Brax represented Our Lady of Lourdes for both futsal and soccer. Brax represented Australia in futsal at an international tournament held in Malaysia in 2024. He was also selected for the Jeremy Brockie High Performance Squad for soccer which let him to participate in major competitions across Cairns, Townsville, Gold Coast and New Zealand. Brax also plays for the Northern Pulse Futsal Under 12 squad.
Senior Sports Award
Ally Rhodes – Nominated for her achievements in squash. Ally was the number one seeded player in the North Queensland schoolgirls squash team. She was selected in the Queensland schoolgirls open team to play in the Trans Tasman Series against New South Wales and New Zealand. Ally is currently ranked fifth in Queensland for Open girls.
Junior Cultural Award
Coen Luxford – Nominated for his participation as drummer at all local ANZAC Day parades, rain, hail or shine. He also participates with the Ingham Theatre Group when possible. Coen was Junior Sports Captain and is now Senior School Captain at Ingham State High School. In 2024 he was State Junior Member for the Hinchinbrook Electorate of Queensland Youth Parliament travelling to Parliament House on a number of occasions to represent our electorate.
Kaitlyn Rapista – Nominated for her cultural contributions to the community through performances at numerous community events. Kaitlyn regularly sings and plays piano at various Gilroy Santa Maria College school functions and is always willing to assist in performing at community events, such as Seniors Morning Teas and many Christmas functions.
Senior Cultural Award
Alan Giles – Nominated for his contributions to the community through his involvement with the Ingham Theatre Group for over 20 years. Alan is currently President of the group and has directed recent standout productions like Mystery on the Orient Express and Tymelee Manor. He also coordinates performances for events like the Seniors Morning Teas and Christmas Carols, providing moments of joy and connect for the community.
Individual Achievement Award
Piera Delroy – Nominated for contributions to the community through volunteering with the Australian-Italian Festival since its commencement in 1995. Piera has also volunteered at the Ingham Show cooking for Mama’s Cucina. She also offers her time to sell tickets and help wherever needed. She is Secretary for Ingham Palliative Care and has held this role for a number of years. Piera is always first to put her hand up to volunteer for friends, family and the community and is an outstanding role model.
Bridgette Duffy – Nominated for her contributions to the community through her role as parkrun Director. This is a voluntary leadership role coordinating weekly parkrun events. Under Bridgette’s leadership the parkrun has grown into a thriving event attracting up to 70 participants of all ages and abilities each week. She invests considerable time and effort ensuring each event is safe, welcoming, and enjoyable for everyone.
Alan Giles – Nominated for his contributions to the community through his involvement with the Ingham Theatre Group for over 20 years. Alan is currently President of the group and has directed recent standout productions like Mystery on the Orient Express and Tymelee Manor. He also coordinates performances for events like the Seniors Morning Teas and Christmas Carols, providing moments of joy and connect for the community.
Natalie Hulett – Nominated for her contributions to the community through her volunteer role as Secretary for Audreys Angels of Hope, assisting with events and helping cancer patients in times of need. Natalie is also an active volunteer for the Hinchinbrook Blue Light and PCYC Emergency Cadets. In these roles she assists with fundraising, coordinating and supervising events, and is an Adult Leader for the PCYC Emergency Cadets. Natalie was the instigator of introducing Blue Light Care Bears into the local hospital.
Coen Luxford – Nominated for his participation as drummer at all local ANZAC Day parades, rain, hail or shine. He also participates with the Ingham Theatre Group when possible. Coen was Junior Sports Captain and is now Senior School Captain at Ingham State High School. In 2024 he was State Junior Member for the Hinchinbrook Electorate of Queensland Youth Parliament travelling to Parliament House on a number of occasions to represent our electorate.
Rita Phillips – Nominated for her contributions to the community in a voluntary capacity, particularly through Meals on Wheels and the Anglican Church. Rita and her husband Keith donated land for the new Meals on Wheels complex and oversaw the redevelopment of the new building ensuring it is sustainable into the future. She assists in coordinating volunteers and management of finances for Meals on Wheels including liaising with Government departments. Rita is also Warden and Lay Minister for the Hinchinbrook Anglican Diocese and in this role coordinates management of finances, maintenance, security and good order of the church. She plays organ for church services and coordinates the community Conroy Hall Markets monthly.
Helen Stanton – Nominated for her many years of voluntary contributions through the Forrest Beach Surf Life Saving Club (FBSLSC) and Ingham Gymnastics Training Centre for Tully Gym and Trampoline Club. Helen is an active patrol member, Club Director of Surf Sports and Grants Officer for the FBSLSC. She was awarded Club Person of the Year and the Vigilance and Service Award for her significant contributions. Helen has been involved with Gymnastics since 2017 and during this time has gained coaching and judging qualifications. She arranges classes, coaches, training and leads preparations for competitions.
Community Event of the Year Award
Dean Schifilliti Shield held by Herbert River Junior Rugby League – The Dean Schifilliti Shield is a rugby league carnival that gives 8 year olds the chance to experience a carnival to make new friends, rivalry and companionship. 2024 saw the largest Under 8 Rugby League carnival to date in our district. The carnival attracts teams from several areas of Queensland with nominations hotly sought after.
“Mystery on the Orient Express” – Ingham Theatre Group – This theatre restaurant production was held across three weekends in 2024 and drew over 650 audience members to seven shows. The production involved over 24 local performers aged from 15 to 70, showcasing a wide range of abilities and fostering intergenerational collaboration and strengthening community bonds. The performances attracted visitors from Townsville, Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast, highlighting the events regional significance.
Palm Creek parkrun – The Palm Creek parkrun has grown into a thriving weekly event that attracts up to 70 participants each week, from avid runners to families, seniors and individuals new to fitness. The program has encouraged healthier lifestyles, reduced social isolation and promotes mental wellbeing. It brings together a diverse cross-section of the community, fostering friendships and collaboration among people who may not otherwise have crossed paths.
Rootbound Festival – The Rootbound Festival has been running on Mungalla Station for the past four years. Rootbound Festival is a four day music festival, but also a unique convergence of creativity, environmental stewardship and cultural celebration. People come from as far as New South Wales and Victoria to attend the festival. Over 1,500 people attended the festival in 2024.
Safer Families Event 2024 – Hinchinbrook Community Support Centre – The 2024 Safer Families event saw over 200 community members come together to receive vital information and resources on family safety. This event shines a light on critical issues such as domestic violence, fosters open dialogue and provides essential support to those in need.
Shire Young Citizen Award
Coen Luxford - Nominated for his participation as drummer at all local ANZAC Day parades, rain, hail or shine. He also participates with the Ingham Theatre Group when possible. Coen was Junior Sports Captain and is now Senior School Captain at Ingham State High School. In 2024 he was State Junior member for the Hinchinbrook Electorate of Queensland Youth Parliament travelling to Parliament House on a number of occasions to represent our electorate.
Shire Citizen Award
Yvonne Bosworth – Nominated for her contributions to the community through her leadership as Manager of Canegrowers Mitre 10. She has mentored a number of school based trainees during her time at Mitre 10. Yvonne regularly volunteers her time to support local organisations and events, volunteering at school tuckshop and athletics carnivals. In October Yvonne organised several successful fundraising initiatives to support the McGrath Foundation. Yvonne has served on the Ingham Football Club Committee and was treasurer of Ingham State High School P and C.
Tammy Collins – Nominated for her contributions to the community through her active volunteer fundraising commitments to various charities over many years. Tammy has raised significant funds to support the work of The Palliative Carers Committee so they may continue to work with the palliative and frail aged members of our community. Her energy is boundless and her warm personality and generosity of spirit make her stand out from others.
Piera Delroy – Nominated for contributions to the community through volunteering with the Australian-Italian Festival since its commencement in 1995. Piera has also volunteered at the Ingham Show cooking for Mama’s Cucina. She also offers her time to sell tickets and help wherever needed. She is Secretary for Ingham Palliative Care and has held this role for a number of years. Piera is always first to put her hand up to volunteer for friends, family and the community and is an outstanding role model.
Alan Giles – Nominated for his contributions to the community through his involvement with the Ingham Theatre Group for over 20 years. Alan is currently President of the group and has directed recent standout productions like Mystery on the Orient Express and Tymelee Manor. He also coordinates performances for events like the Seniors Morning Teas and Christmas Carols, providing moments of joy and connect for the community.
Natalie Hulett – Nominated for her contributions to the community through her volunteer role as Secretary for Audreys Angels of Hope, assisting with events and helping cancer patients in times of need. Natalie is also an active volunteer for the Hinchinbrook Blue Light and PCYC Emergency Cadets. In these roles she assists with fundraising, coordinating and supervising events, and is an Adult Leader for the PCYC Emergency Cadets. Natalie was the instigator of introducing Blue Light Care Bears into the local hospital.
Keith Phillips – Nominated for his significant contributions particularly through his voluntary service with the Lower Herbert Halifax Lions Club. His knowledge and skills were instrumental in the construction of the Lower Herbert Seniors Centre at Halifax, a 21 unit apartment complex. Keith and his wife Rita donated land, monetary funds and countless hours of in kind assistance in building work and project management to assist with the establishment of the new Meals on Wheels centre in Eleanor Street.
Rita Phillips – Nominated for her contributions to the community in a voluntary capacity, particularly through Meals on Wheels and the Anglican Church. Rita and her husband Keith donated land for the new Meals on Wheels complex and oversaw the redevelopment of the new building ensuring it is sustainable into the future. She assists in coordinating volunteers and management of finances for Meals on Wheels including liaising with Government departments. Rita is also Warden and Lay Minister for the Hinchinbrook Anglican Diocese and in this role coordinates management of finances, maintenance, security and good order of the church. She plays organ for church services and coordinates the community Conroy Hall Markets monthly.
Helen Stanton – Nominated for her many years of voluntary contributions through the Forrest Beach Surf Life Saving Club (FBSLSC) and Ingham Gymnastics Training Centre for Tully Gym and Trampoline Club. Helen is an active patrol member, Club Director of Surf Sports and Grants Officer for the FBSLSC. She was awarded Club Person of the Year and the Vigilance and Service Award for her significant contributions. Helen has been involved with Gymnastics since 2017 and during this time has gained coaching and judging qualifications. She arranges classes, coaches, training and leads preparations for competitions.