22 January 2024
Ten of the region’s most dedicated and deserving stalwarts will be honoured at the upcoming 2024 Australia Day Awards for their dynamic contributions to making the Southern Downs a great place to live, work, play and stay.
Southern Downs Regional Council will host ceremonies in Warwick and Stanthorpe on Friday 26 January to officially acknowledge the following hometown heroes:
• Citizen of the Year Award – Northern Region: Jo Rathmell
• Citizen of the Year Award – Southern Region: Vince Catanzaro
• Junior Citizen of the Year Award – Northern Region: William Morris
• Junior Citizen of the Year Award – Southern Region: Alex Linton
• Sportsperson/ Sports Administrator of the Year – Dual Recipients: Shannon Armbruster and Jake Burnell
• Junior Sportsperson of the Year – Northern Region: Emmett Schnitzerling
• Junior Sportsperson of the Year – Southern Region: Ashley Bell
• Cultural/Community Event of the Year Award – Northern Region: CelticFest Warwick
• Cultural/Community Event of the Year Award – Southern Region: Granite Belt Art Trail Open Studios
• Cultural/Community Person of the Year Award – Northern Region: Clint Kenny
• Cultural/Community Person of the Year Award – Southern Region: Thomas Evans
Southern Downs Mayor Vic Pennisi said the Australia Day Awards serve as an important platform to celebrate the diverse talents, efforts and achievements of community champions and he congratulated all the nominees and award recipients for their contributions to the Southern Downs.
“Our region is built by an army of inspiring individuals who selflessly go above and beyond to make the Southern Downs a great place to live, work, play and stay,” Mayor Pennisi said.
“The Australia Day Awards are an opportunity to express gratitude and appreciation to the individuals who have shown exceptional dedication and service for the betterment of our community.
“Human interaction is at the core of social wellbeing, and every hour of service in our sporting clubs, community groups and arts, culture and civic services is a brick in the house we build for our community.
“I salute every nominee and award recipient. I thank every volunteer across our region. You are the engine room of our community.”
The 2024 Australia Day Civic Ceremonies in Warwick and Stanthorpe will also welcome 18 new Aussies from seven countries including Mauritius, USA, Philippines and New Zealand.
Warwick Australia Day Civic Ceremonies - Citizenship Ceremony & Australia Day Awards
From 9.00 am Warwick Town Hall, Warwick
Stanthorpe Australia Day Civic Ceremonies - Citizenship Ceremony & Australia Day Awards
From 4.00 pm Stanthorpe Civic Centre, Stanthorpe
Introducing our Australia Day Ambassador, Nerelie Teese
Australia Day Ambassador and award-winning bush poet Nerelie Teese will be this year’s guest speaker at the Warwick and Stanthorpe ceremonies where she will share a special Southern Downs and Australia Day-inspired bush poem. She has been an educator for more than 30 years and is a qualified Laughter Yoga Group Leader. She co-founded the international literacy project, Books Through the Seas and was instrumental in sourcing thousands of books for school and community libraries in the Philippines.
Meet the Southern Downs Citizens of the Year Recipients
Citizen of the Year Award – Southern Region: Vince Catanzaro
For more than 20 years, Vince Catanzaro has been an active member of many community organisations in the Granite Belt. His contribution to the Italian community as part of the Italian Australian Welfare Association is admirable and commendable. Vince was also on the founding committee of Community Development Services (now known as the Neighbour Centre) and is known for providing pro-bono legal services to support community initiatives.
Citizen of the Year Award – Northern Region: Jo Rathmell
As a life-long resident of the Southern Downs, Jo Rathmell has contributed to various causes since her teenage years. Working as a nurse in the emergency department, assisting with local not for profit organisations and helping community members without question has made Jo a household name. Jo has continually provided support for people experiencing homelessness, and domestic and family violence, and has often provided hot meals, showers, and places of safety and sanctuary for people in need. Jo continues to volunteer in the community, providing health and medical assistance.
Last edited date 22 Jan 2024