Media Release - 2021 Hinchinbrook Shire Australia Day Award Winners

Hinchinbrook Shire Council would like to congratulate the Hinchinbrook Shire Australia Day Award Winners for 2021 and thank everyone who contributed to the success of the event.

“All nominees and winners have made an outstanding contribution to the community through sports, culture and service and I offer my congratulations to the winners.” said Mayor Ramon Jayo.

Australia Day Award winners are as follows:

Congratulations to our 2021 Australia Day Award winners as follows -

Junior Sports Award

Alissa Carey – Nominated for her sporting achievements in a range of sports.  Alissa is 2020 Ingham State High School Sportswoman of the Year.  She is also Ingham State High School’s Netball and Athlete of the Year and Interschool Age Champion for swimming, Interhouse Age Champion for athletics and cross country.  Alissa is captain of the Under 16 Magnetic North Steelcats and co-captain of the Under 19 Northern netball team.  She also coaches, referees and mentors younger players in a range of sports.

Senior Sports Award

Jodie-Mae Lino – Nominated for her contributions to the community as President of the Herbert River Crushers Junior Rugby League.  Jodie was instrumental in getting Junior Rugby League running this year with COVID as a major barrier.  Jodie was also the driving force behind the very successful League Tag for juniors which saw 130 boys and girls register for the competition.  She is the Canteen Convenor for the Herbert River Junior Crushers, League Tag and Touch Seniors and was heavily involved in arranging the Dean Schifilliti U8s Shield, which unfortunately could not take place in 2020 due to COVID.

Junior Cultural Award

Not awarded as no nominations were received in this category.

Senior Cultural Award

Gladys Mann – Nominated for her contributions to the community through volunteering her time as a member of Herbert Valley Voices and Sing Australia since their inception.  She also performs at various Carol’s by Candlelight events and the Australian-Italian Festival.  Gladys also submitted many landscape paintings in the local Gallery and assisted in the painting of the mural at Forrest Beach. She ran the ‘Healthy Living’ group, providing gentle exercise, health education and a social outlet for its members and taught belly dancing for over 20 years.

Individual Achievement Award

Ian Merritt – Nominated for his active involvement with Rotary Club of Hinchinbrook, Ingham Maraka Festival Committee, Pony Club, Polocrosse and Hinchinbrook Men’s Shed.  Ian has been involved with some of these organisations for more than 20 years and during this time has held many executive positions, including President.  Ian runs the Rotary Club’s Battery Collection Project with money raised going to Ingham Disability Support Group.  He also volunteers for Meals on Wheels.

Community Event of the Year Award

PCYC Emergency Services Cadets Unit – Nominated for the coordination and operation of the Emergency Services Cadets Unit supporting youth from 12 to 18 years of age in participating in regular training activities.  Successfully maintaining 16 cadets throughout the year, working around COVID restrictions and introducing online training and activities including first aid and radio operations.

Beryl Prior Memorial – Service to the Community Award

Judy George – For her volunteer contributions to the community particularly through her involvement with the Leukaemia Foundation Ingham Branch and QCWA Halifax Branch.  Judy is a Life Member of the Leukaemia Foundation and has held the role of Treasurer since joining in 1995.  She has also been a member of QCWA for 36 years and held the role of Treasurer for the majority of this time.  Judy continues to help with fundraising, selling of raffle tickets and assists with weekly bingos.

Shire Young Citizen Award

Veronica Lawlor – Nominated for her contributions to the Ingham State High School and wider community.  Veronica was an active member of the school well being team in 2020, working tirelessly with the school nurse and other support staff in her enthusiasm to help others.  She was awarded the Year 12 Citizenship Award last year at Ingham State High School and is always willing to volunteer to help anyone who needs it.

Shire Citizen Award

Peter Reitano – Nominated for his contributions to the community through his involvement in numerous volunteer groups for many years.  Some of these groups include Rotary Club of Hinchinbrook, Maraka Festival Committee, Herbert River Crushers, Ingham Theatre Group, Hinchinbrook Chamber of Commerce, Hinchinbrook Australia Day Committee and past member of Junior Chamber International.  Peter has held executive positions on almost all of these committees and is always offering his assistance.  He is passionate about his community and his volunteering, lobbying and participation illustrate his devotion to making the Shire a better place.