Warren Entsch (Leichhardt, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

I rise this afternoon to place on the record and pay tribute to those in my community who were recently named as Citizens of the Year at recent local government Australia Day Awards ceremonies in my electorate. These awards are always one of the highlights of the year, as they acknowledge those who work tirelessly to ensure that their community is a great place to live, work and play. Sadly, due to current events, ceremonies were held virtually or with capped numbers.

Cairns Regional Council named Rick Hanlon from AFL Cape York House as its Citizen of the Year, while, up the road, Douglas Shire Council named former local principal Deborah Kachel as its Citizen of the Year for her almost 50 years of service to various charities across the shire. Cook Shire Council named Lou Norgard as its Citizen of the Year, and Stephanie Savage took home the top gong at the Torres Shire Council Australia Day Awards. Last, but certainly not least, Rose Robbins was named Weipa's top citizen.

I also want to take this opportunity to acknowledge the many other unsung heroes in my community who didn't make any official list but whose work in our community over the past year certainly hasn't gone unnoticed. To those people I say thank you. Our communities are far richer for your tireless and selfless contributions.

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