9 January 2025
Southern Downs Regional Council is proud to announce the nominees for this year’s Citizen of the Year Awards, recognising outstanding individuals who have gone above and beyond to make a positive impact on their communities.
With the winners set to be revealed on Australia Day, Southern Downs Councillor Morwenna Harslett extended her congratulations to all nominees and acknowledged their dedication to serving the community.
“Each nominee has been nominated because someone in their community respects their contribution and wants their efforts to be recognised and celebrated,” Councillor Harslett said.
“These awards are not just about the recipients, but also about showcasing the strength and spirit of our region and the incredible individuals who embody what it means to live in the Southern Downs.”
Councillor Harslett said the nominees’ stories are a testament to the values of resilience, compassion, and community spirit.
“Each of these individuals has left a positive mark, whether through volunteering, advocacy or leadership and they remind us of the incredible potential we have as a community when we work together.”
Citizen of the Year Award: Beatrice Hawkins, Cathy Halliday, John Skinner, Marissa Clarke, Mary Puglisi, Megan Strong, Morwenna Arcidiacono, Paul Graham, Rebecca Telfer, Sandy Venn-Brown, Sharon Young, Stuart Perrett and Wayne Foster
Junior Citizen of the Year Award: Ashley Wren, Eva Palmer and Isabella Sullivan
Cultural Citizen of the Year Award: Kenneth Parsons, John Telfer and Elise O'Brien
Junior Cultural Citizen of the Year Award: Ryon Gibson
Sportsperson or Sports Administrator of the Year Award: Damien Lawler, Kate Dearden and Shelley Doyle-Peasnell
Junior Sportsperson of the Year Award: Bailey Harm and Hayden Watts
Community Event of the Year Award: Darling Downs Heavy Horse Event, Killarney P-10 State School 150 Year Celebration, NAIDOC Ball and NAIDOC Week Events, Shakespeare Under The Stars - Stanthorpe Little Theatre and WarwickCon Headspace
All award recipients and nominees will be recognised at a special awards ceremony at Dalveen State School on Sunday 26 January 2025 at 9am followed by light refreshments, live music and community games. Visit Council’s events page for more information.
Last edited date 09 Jan 2025