Andrew Willcox (Dawson, Liberal National Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Australia Day is more than just a public holiday; it's a time to reflect on our history, appreciate our freedoms and celebrate the values that unite us. Each year the Australia Day Awards shine a light on the quiet achievers, those who dedicate their time, energy and passion to helping others without seeking recognition. Through volunteer work, community service, environmental efforts, sporting achievements or cultural contributions, these individuals and groups strengthen the fabric of our society. I attended a number of Australia Day award events across the electorate of Dawson, and I'm honoured to congratulate a long list of winners.

Award recipients for Mackay were Citizen of the Year Rebecca Cooper; Young Citizen of the Year Murray Macgroarty; Lori Burgess Community Volunteer of the Year Bonnie Spratt; Brenden Borellini Access and Inclusion Achievement Award winner Peter Sumpter; senior sports award winner Lutie van den Berg; young sports award winner Monique Bobongie; arts and culture award winner Steven Pritchard; environmental achievement award winner Maya Harrison; and community group award winner the North Mackay Sinkers.

Awards recipients for Whitsundays were Citizen of the Year Matt Stokes; Young Citizen of the Year Cooper Groocock; mayoral award winners Dr Arthur Trezise, Brittaney O'Brien and Susan Gravelle; Volunteer of the Year Natasha O'Neil; community group award winner the Whitsunday Brahmans; senior sportsperson award winner Michael Kimpton; young sportsperson award winner Jure Portelli; environmental achievement award winner Eco Barge Clean Seas—well done, Libby; arts and cultural award winner Seagrass Theatre and Music Company; and Suzanne Connors and Kevin Maude, who received Australia Day achievement awards for outstanding members of Queensland SES.

Award recipients for Burdekin were Citizen of the Year Scott McLean; Young Citizen of the Year Nicole Cervoni; Young Citizen of the Year Achievement Award winner Jacob Machin; the Community Event of the Year, Giru State School 100 year fete; the Community Event of the Year Achievement Award winner, the 2024 Burdekin Water Festival, 'Bring it back'; Volunteer of the Year award winners Ben Lawry, Kellie Lawry and Bella Lawry; Volunteer of the Year Achievement Award winner Mark Vass; Junior Cultural Award winner Jacob Machin; Junior Sportsperson of the Year Ashlee Colls; Senior Sportsperson of the Year award winners Jennifer Fotinos and Kristy Wassmuth; Lifetime of Service Gold Award winners Betty Durrant and Gwen Marshall; and Lifetime of Service Silver Award winners Joan Andersen, Shirley Gilmore and Linda Scott.

Unfortunately, nominees in Townsville from my electorate missed out this time around.

I'd like to take this opportunity to say a big thank you. We are so proud of you.