Media Release - 2023 Hinchinbrook Shire Australia Day Award Winners

Congratulations to our 2023 Australia Day Award winners as follows –

Junior Sports Award

Lachlan Buckman – 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.

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Lachlan Erba – 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.

Senior Sports Award

Grant Swarbrick – 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 – 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.

Senior Cultural Award

Sarina Di Bella – For her volunteer involvement with Australia Day Concerts and Ingham Junior Arts Festival.  Sarina has coordinated the Australia Day Concert for the past 5 years.  She has also been involved with organising and running the Ingham Junior Arts Festival over a number of years.  Sarina continues to be involved in coaching school students who participate in the Junior Arts Festival each year. 

Individual Achievement Award

Tammy Collins – 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. 

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.

Beryl Prior Memorial – Service to the Community Award

Lesley (Lex) Pryor – 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.

Shire Young Citizen Award

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 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

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 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 Queens Baton in recognition to his commitment to community.