There’s something special about Australia Day.

As those snags start to sizzle and you take in that sea of Aussie flags and green and gold in our region’s parks, you know there’s a sense of celebration in the air.

Unfortunately, wet weather disrupted a few gatherings this year, but Australia Day remains a day of enjoyment with family and friends, and, according to Corporate Services portfolio leader and Toowoomba Region Australia Day Committee Chair Cr John McVeigh, it is also an occasion of immense pride.

“The celebrations reflect pride in our country and pride in the exceptional people who have made our region such an amazing place to live,” Cr McVeigh said.

“And that’s why I heartedly endorse our Australia Day Award winners for 2012 because they epitomise the commitment and dedication that we look for in leaders, whether on the sporting field, in artistic circles or the general community. These are the people who give their time and efforts for the betterment of their communities and their fellow man.

“I said it last year and the message remains just as accurate in 2012: ‘Communities thrive when good people come together wanting to make a difference’ and that’s why I hope everyone joins me in acknowledging these fine individuals and applauding their contribution to a better society,” Cr McVeigh said.

The 2012 Australia Day Award winners are:
(Thank you to the various individuals and committees for supplying information on the award winners)

 

Regional Citizen of the Year – Shane McDonald:
Shane was raised in the inner Brisbane suburb of Woolloongabba and was the only son of a dad who drove a trucks for the Works Department.

Life was never an easy affair for a lad who never knew his mum and Woolloongabba was certainly not the desirable place to live in that it is today.

Shane left school before graduation to help the household expenses, however, always wanted to be more than just a worker. When her later met and married his wife Lyn, he decided that he wanted to do something, be something more, someone his children would be proud of.

Shane subsequently returned to night school and obtained his High School Certificate and OP, which in turn allowed him to obtain a position at QUIT to study Law. Since that time Shane has forged ahead in his career, but he has never forgotten the hard times or stopped appreciating how truly lucky he has been and still is.

Shane did not sit down one day and just decide to try and help other less fortunate, he is by nature a very generous and compassionate man. Shane was evolved and continues to evolve into what we would wish all our citizens could be.

Shane’s service to the community really got underway when he joined the Apex club of Gatton he came the President of the Gatton Club within two years of joining Apex, it was a position that he filled with both pride and a firm determination to make a difference.

Shane has never been one to simply warm the seat and was (and is) always willing to show the way.

In 2003, Shane took up the position of District Governor for Apex, his efforts during his term stood him in such good standing with his fellow Apexian’s that in 2004 Shane became the Queensland Vice President.

Apex’s 75th birthday saw Shane as State President, during that year and the two prior, Shane travelled tirelessly to every club and event he could humanly attend.

The proof of Shane’s overwhelmingly praiseworthy performance is attested by the truly remarkable letters of recommendation that were put forward when he was recently awarded life Membership of the Apex Club of Toowoomba.

Shane may recently have retired as an active Apex member, but he still puts in the hours week in and week out, he is only ever a telephone away from helping.

Shane is currently spending a lot of time and resources in helping the local residents participating in the Grantham Land Swap by providing all the professional fees in relation to the conveyancing  of the land swap for free, along with legal advice in relation to other issues including insurance disputes.

Shane has recently joined the Board of Directors for Lifeline Darling Downs; it is his desire to continue his commitment to helping under-privileged and disadvantaged with Lifeline.

Shane’s firm MacDonald Law carries a significant number of Pro Bono cases; these include or have included major crime appeal matters, crime, family law matters and estate matters.

Shane’s commitment to helping others in the community is quiet diverse, he gives his legal expertise free of charge to those in need, he will cook steaks and sausages for charity even though he is a vegetarian, paint buildings, build playgrounds, shovel mud and remove debris, become a furniture removalist when the need arises, coordinate events for charity or to help our communities children - you name it and he will give it a go if it is to help someone in need.

Shane is a role model to everyone who meets him. He is what we would want all our citizens to be – compassionate, considerate, altruistic, a person that you know will always be there to help you when you are in need.

 

Regional Young Citizen of the Year – Samantha Gluer:

Samantha Gluer was a Tiny Tot winner at 2.5 years old and a Junior Showgirl at 12 and a runner up in both the Charity and Overall categories.

As a Darling Downs Showgirl she had the opportunity to represent Crows Nest at the regional finals and subsequently won which enabled her to go to State Finals in Brisbane

Samantha has been a representative for Queensland Shows and Rural agricultural societies in Queensland.

At QUT, she has been involved with Peer Mentoring, East West, QUT Connect, Orientation, Global Café and has helped connect international students with domestic students.

She has also helped organise orientation week, which allows new students to feel comfortable within the Uni and also encourage them to make friends.

Samantha proved a popular mentor for new incoming students in the faculty of Science and Technology

She was part of the Crows Nest Girls Brigade for 12 years and received most of the awards along the way including a Pioneer Pin (national award) and a Queens award (international award).

She completed her Queens Award Community Service at the nursing home in Crows Nest and spent many weeks visiting the residents, reading to them, talking to them and listening to their stories.

Samantha was able to enjoy a very rare honour when she was invited by the Governor of Queensland to attend her official luncheon on the occasion of Her Majesty the Queen and His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh’s visit to Brisbane.

Samantha is also an enthusiastic dancer and began dancing in Preschool with Dee’s School of Dance.

She continued to dance for another 13 years encompassing many different styles, primarily ballet and jazz and was also a tap teacher at Dance Central Crows Nest for two years.

After completing her schooling at Fairholme College, Toowoomba, Samantha took a gap year to Germany where she worked as a nanny for 12 months and learnt to speak fluent German. She also had a chance to travel around Europe.

 

 

Clifton:
Clifton’s Australia Day celebrations were held at the Senior Citizens Centre Rose Garden Area.

Local awards were presented to:

Citizen of the Year Award – Tim Logan
Tim Logan is an exceptional local Citizen in the Clifton area.

Tim has been a member of the Clifton Lions Club for many years (possibly more than 20 years) and has been a very active member and it is through his club that he has contributed most to the community.

He has held several positions in the club, including Providore, a position that requires much time and commitment to ensure that events such as barbecues and drink stalls are stocked and arranged as smoothly as possible

In 1996-97 and 2005-06, Tim was the President of the Clifton Lions Club.

As part of his Lions duties, Tim sells goose club tickets at the Clifton Arms Hotel on a regular basis. He works on the recreation grounds gate during Show weekend in February each year and, whether it is a Lions duty or not, is ever willing to assist local citizens in the community who may be having a difficult time managing their own tasks.

He ensures that the scooters that needy residents have provided to them by the Clifton Lions Club, are maintained on a regular basis and repaired as needed. Tim collects the scooters from their homes and has them dropped off for servicing.

Tim has probably cooked the most barbecues in the district and along with his dedicated Lions Club, Tim is a regular accessory seen turning endless amounts of sausages on the hot plate.

Tim is always in attendance at Australia Day Celebrations and has been seen at Country week celebrations, Leyburn Sprints, and the Clifton Street Carnival, volunteering on barbecues and entry gates and the like.

In the lead up to the Clifton Show, Tim assists with putting up marquees and tents and other jobs that he can put his hand to.

This year he was part of the Clifton Lions Club team who helped clean the flooded and damaged Toowoomba Christmas Wonderland light display storage sheds.

Tim is a true Lions member and lives by their motto: We Serve.

He upholds the Lions Club of Australia Purposes and Code of ethics. He is one of the first to put his hand up to help.

For many years Tim had also volunteered as a member of the Clifton Jockey Club, assisting with maintenance and repairs in preparation for the annual Clifton Race Day and also volunteering on race day itself.

Tim is a local farmer and all that he contributes to our community is on a voluntary basis.

Tim is a down to earth Australian character who never willingly seeks thanks or recognition for his significant contributions to the Clifton Community.

Whether it is a Lions duty or not, he is never too far around the corner, at the ready to help, responding “too right” to any request for assistance.

He is reliable and committed to his community, never afraid to roll up his sleeves and enjoys nothing better than a quiet chat and dissection of the state of affairs as it stands.

Many other community members would certainly share the same view.

Tim has an honesty and integrity that is a great example to the community and for this reason would be deserving of the local Clifton Citizen of the Year Award for 2012.   

Young Citizen of the Year Award – Hayden O’Leary
Hayden O’Leary has been nominated for a Young Citizen Award for his contribution to the Show Society, taking on the role of event organising

The role requires keeping events in the main ring running to time and making sure things are in place for whatever event is taking place. This is Saturday afternoon.

Saturday morning he can be found at the show jumping ring helping with the placing of equipment etc.

On Sunday, he is available to Steward in the Horse Ring.

Hayden also works with the Clifton District Progress association helping with events that are held in the Community and his work is greatly appreciated – especially his help with getting ready for events and tidying up after.

He was elected as new Show President for 2012 for the Clifton Show Society.

Sports Award – Jack Mantova
At 14 years of age, Jack Mantova’s commitment to the tough sport of Polocrosse is impressive to say the least.

He has worked his way to the top of his sport by sheer hard work and determination after a serious horse accident when he was just 10 years old.

While playing polocrosse as a sub-junior at the Goondiwindi Polocrosse Carnival, his mare, Susie, had a heart attack under him while he was at full gallop down the field.

The horse fell and rolled on Jack, pinning him underneath her.

It was a very traumatic event for young Jack, as not only had he lost the horse he loved with a passion, but he was left unconscious and ended up in both the Goondiwindi and St Vincent’s Hospitals with bruising to the brain.
 
He subsequently had to have a month of complete rest, no sport, horse riding etc, to allow for the healing process.

Many people thought Jack may not want to continue in the sport after his accident, but he returned the same season on a different horse, determined to pursue the sport he loved.

Jack has played for the Clifton Polocrosse Club since its inception in 2007 and won the club’s most improved junior player award in his first year of playing the sport.

His potential was so great, that Jack was also named the recipient of the South East Qld Zone Polocrosse junior encouragement award in 2009.

He has gone on to be selected in representative teams, with the pinnacle being his selection for his State to contest the Australia Junior Polocrosse Championships in Albury, New South Wales, in April of 2011.

This was a great honour for Jack to be selected for Queensland at such a young age.

He undertook a national coaching clinic in the lead up to the Australian championships, at which his Queensland team defeated New Zealand, Victoria and the Northern Territory in the lead up to the finals, and was narrowly defeated by one goal by New South Wales in the grand final.

Jack was also selected in July 2011 to represent the South East Queensland zone at the Queensland Zone Championships held at Cunningham.

His team, South East Queensland 1, won the mixed junior competition, going through the championships undefeated.

Jack was also named best number 2 junior player at the Dirranbandi Polocrosse Carnival in July.

In September, playing for Clifton’s number one junior team, Jack was also successful winning the B Grade juniors at the Queensland Club Championships held at Chinchilla.

This season, in the lead up to and during his representative and Club Carnivals, Jack has exercised his horses each day (30-45 minutes each), from February to September, in frost, rain, and at night - such is his commitment to do well in his chosen sport.

He is an inspiration to other players, as not only does he have to be fit and healthy to play the sport, he also has to ensure his horses are also fit and healthy to perform at their optimum.

Jack is also a keen swimmer, and has for the last two years won age champion and the most successful swimmer at the Clifton High School swimming carnival, as well as being named champion junior boy swimmer for the past two years.

He represented his school at the Darling Downs Secondary School’s Regional Swimming Trials in 2010.

  

Local Sports Administrator Award – Michelle Duggan
Shelley Duggan has been Secretary to Central Down Rugby League for many years.

Shelley has continued this role even though she no longer has children playing this age group and has not since 2007.

Shelley is a very efficient administrator and organiser for both the u35kg/under 10 and u43/u/12 teams.

Shelley, with her committee, ran an efficient organisation and work hard to keep costs down so no players are excluded due to a financial reason.

She leads by example and any committee that Shelley is a part of always portrays honesty and fairness.

Shelley, together with Peter Cavanagh, oversaw the best run rugby carnivals locally with the U35kg/u10 carnival in 2008 and the U43/u12 carnival in 2011.

The carnivals run like clockwork with comments such as: “The best carnival they had been to” and “you people certainly set the benchmark when it comes to running a footy carnival”.

Behaviour, sportsmanship, and the game’s code of conduct are issues Shelley actively supports to ensure the best possible outcome is achieved for the kids and the players.

She is truly an inspiration and a great leader. 

Cultural Award – Dave Wellings
Dave’s nomination is based on his dedication to the cultural enrichment of the community.

Dave exemplifies those special qualities that make up our Australian identity, particularly our willingness to help others through volunteering ourselves and using our skills and knowledge to assist our community.

Dave is a very cheerful and modest man, a quiet achiever who makes himself available to help others.

He is an excellent role model for senior citizens in Australia due to his fearlessness with learning and adopting to the new technology in order to share his literacy and photographic talents.

He is a quiet achiever who thrives on being involved in the creative arts and his love of writing has been a major part of his life.

He is a foundation member of both the Clifton Writers’ group and the Clifton Photography Group which have been active in the Community for a number of years.

Dave’s modest, cheerful and conciliatory nature means he is happy to work as part of a team

He is always willing to volunteer his services to help with any cultural activities or projects associated with groups.

He is always available to give practical assistance to his fellow members and he is also keen to help other writers and photographers who seek advice and assistance with their own cultural pursuits.

The Clifton Writer’s Group is especially appreciative of Dave’s efforts over the past 12 months.

He was instrumental in the production of our audio CD book launched in October 2011 with copies being donated to local groups and the library.

Dave’s current role is “Producer and Writer” of a play which will be staged in Clifton during October 2012.

As a not-for-profit group, the Clifton Writer’s Group was fortunate to receive a grant from the USQ ‘Connecting Communities’ Fund to help stage the play and any surplus money from the Clifton Progress Association’s role as ‘banker’ for the grant money.

It is very apparent that Dave is a positive role model for senior citizens as he shows us that age is no barrier when it comes to learning new skills that aid his cultural pursuits.

He welcomes the challenges of the era of Information Technology by using it to share his writing via his Blog, adapting to the technology of the audio book, and recently he has uploaded an e-book that can be obtained through the amazon.com website.

Further evidence of his fearlessness when it comes to learning new skills is his decision to learn to play the clarinet at the age of 71.

An insight on Dave:

• Dave has led an extremely interesting life which he has detailed in a number of books allowing readers to be privy to his experiences via his non-fictional accounts which depict the extraordinary accounts of his adventures during travel and employment in the Africa.
• Dave has also produced works of fiction in the form of novels and short stories and an audio book. A number of his short stories have won writing awards.
• Dave and his wife Juanita have lived in the district since 1989. Both Dave and Juanita have enriched the district’s cultural life since their arrival. Indeed, Juanita is a gifted artist and she is a previous winner of a Clifton Shire Council Australia Day Cultural Award.
• The Clifton Writer’s Group  was established in 2005 and Dave is a foundation member.
• The aim as a writer’s group is to support and encourage other writers in the area. Dave has shown a willingness to help other writers by reading their works and offering advice and editing when required.
• At Dave’s suggestion, the group decided to produce an audio CD book called “17 Things you must hear before CD’s become obsolete…”. As volunteer Project Manager, Dave was instrumental in organising the readers and recording of the book. He located two sound engineers who recorded the works for free. He persuaded some of the authors to read their works and contacted amateur actors who volunteer hours and numerous trips about the Toowoomba area Dave had to undertake to see this project through to completion.
• Current project – play to be staged in October 2012
  As mentioned above, we were the recipients of a grant to enable our group to write a play and produce it during the Clifton Country Week in October 2012.  Our aim is to bring in as many community members as possible to help with the production. Any surplus money from the entrance fee will be donated to local charities. Our group is again indebted to Dave as he has accepted a role of producer and he has completed a 3 act play that is currently being workshopped by the writer’s group members and local volunteer actors. Again we are extremely grateful to Dave for taking on the unenviable task of writing a new play.
• Dave is a very active member of the Clifton Photography Group and he is always willing to help Nelma Ward, the volunteer co-ordinator. During this year Nelma and Dave were approached by the Clifton Progress Association and asked to organise a photographic competition during the Clifton Country Week in October 2011. This was a new experience for both Nelma and Dave and their work ensured that the competition and the opening night festivities were a success.

A quote on Dave’s participation: “He’s always first on the scene to assist with hanging at our exhibitions, and does most of the physical work, and he also helped me hang a solo expo, which was very kind of him, and he will always man the gallery and collect the display boards. They are extremely helpful things and the displays wouldn’t get done without them”.

Community Group/Event Award – Clifton Progress Assoc.
The Clifton and District Progress Association has been nominated for its Country Week event held October 16 to 23.

This week-long event included art displays from six Primary Schools and one State High School, participation from the Museum, the Photography Group, the Clifton Lions, Golf Club, Tennis Club, Bowls Club, Garden Club and Race Club and Show Society. Various businesses also contributed.

The occasion provided:
                Saturday – a street market, which enabled the Hospital, Museum and several schools to fundraise, a quilt display held in conjunction with this day (proceeds to Breast Cancer), the Iris & Rose Show, which gave “Greenthumbs” of the district a place to showcase their talents and a destination for Steam Train enthusiasts. Not forgetting the younger set which delighted with their participation in a very popular Wii Sport Challenge.
                Sunday - Featured the local Museum and a car rally organised by the Lions Club.
                Through Monday to Friday, various sporting venues were used to highlight entertainment for “Mums & Dads”, with a movie night rounding it off.
                Saturday - the Clifton races finished the week-long “extraordinaire”.

The event united the citizens and groups of the district and provided awareness of the Progress Association and their aims. The District came together and enjoyed a whole week of Community awareness.  A great many groups, clubs, schools, mums and dads provided input and assistance during the week making entertainment and providing information and support for all levels of the community and the many visitors - this would be Australians at their best.

 

 

Crows Nest:
Crows Nest’s Australia Day celebrations were held at the Community Centre.

Local awards were presented to:

Citizen of the Year Award – Christine Sharp
Christine Sharp is a long-term resident of Crow’s Nest who has, through her business and volunteering efforts, contributed to the welfare and wellbeing of the local and regional community.

Back in 1995, Christine became involved with the Scouting Association when her eldest son joined Cubs.

She also undertook the role of treasurer of the Crows Nest Group for a couple of years.

Then followed her six-year leadership of the newly formed Joey Mob for 6 and 7 year olds.

In 2003, on the retirement of the then Group Leader, Christine stepped in to fill this position, and with her ability to dot all the I’s and cross all the t’s, Crow’s Nest became the first group on the Downs to be chartered (accredited) in this year.

A positive and active tie for youth members and leaders alike continued with Christine in the GL’s position for the next eight years.

In June this year, she took a sideways step to become chairperson of the Group Committee and in this capacity is helping the new Group Leader settle in.

When required, Christine has assisted all other youth sections, when they were short on Leaders.

During the last decade, the Groups Scout Troop has sent two contingents to Jamborees in Victoria and NSW.

This entailed a lot of fundraising, enabling a much-reduced cost to Jamboree attendees.

Christine’s ability over a number of years to set up a test base on an all-night operation Nighthawk activity has benefited participating Scouts from a large area of Queensland.

In 1997, Christine was the president of the Steering Committee involved in the establishment of the Crow’s Nest Childrens Centre.

She has shown herself to be most deserving of the Crows Nest District’s Citizen of the Year Award.

Young Citizen of the Year Award – Samantha Gluer
Samantha Gluer was a Tiny Tot winner at 2.5 years old and a Junior Showgirl at 12 and a runner up in both the Charity and Overall categories.

As a Darling Downs Showgirl she had the opportunity to represent Crows Nest at the regional finals and subsequently won which enabled her to go to State Finals in Brisbane

Samantha has been a representative for Queensland Shows and Rural agricultural societies in Queensland.

At QUT, she has been involved with Peer Mentoring, East West, QUT Connect, Orientation, Global Café and has helped connect international students with domestic students.

She has also helped organise orientation week, which allows new students to feel comfortable within the Uni and also encourage them to make friends.

Samantha proved a popular mentor for new incoming students in the faculty of Science and Technology

She was part of the Crows Nest Girls Brigade for 12 years and received most of the awards along the way including a Pioneer Pin (national award) and a Queens award (international award).

She completed her Queens Award Community Service at the nursing home in Crows Nest and spent many weeks visiting the residents, reading to them, talking to them and listening to their stories.

Samantha was able to enjoy a very rare honour when she was invited by the Governor of Queensland to attend her official luncheon on the occasion of Her Majesty the Queen and His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh’s visit to Brisbane.

Samantha is also an enthusiastic dancer and began dancing in Preschool with Dee’s School of Dance.

She continued to dance for another 13 years encompassing many different styles, primarily ballet and jazz and was also a tap teacher at Dance Central Crows Nest for two years.

After completing her schooling at Fairholme College, Toowoomba, Samantha took a gap year to Germany where she worked as a nanny for 12 months and learnt to speak fluent German. She also had a chance to travel around Europe.

 

Sports Award – Steven Spark
Steven Spark has just completed Year 10 at Crow’s Nest State School where he received the Year 10 award for Health and Physical education.

Although only starting to compete in boxing in early 2010, Steven has excelled in the sport under local trained James McKay.

In 2010, he won the South East Queensland title and was runner-up in the Darling Downs titles.

In August 2010, he won the 46kg division of the National Golden Gloves boxing tournament in Caboolture.

At the same tournament, he also stepped up a class and competed in the Junior A division, defeating a quality opponent.

He was runner-up in the Queensland State titles.

In September 2011, he competed at Inala against a Queensland champion in the weight class above his, winning the non-title bout on points by pressuring his taller opponent constantly for the entire three rounds.

In November 2011, he competed in a freestyle wrestling tournament in Brisbane where he won two of his three matches, losing only to the current Australia junior champion.

Steven recently travelled to Thailand to train for three weeks in preparation for the Queensland State Titles, where he won the 57 kg division at the weight of just 54.3kg.

This has been a great achievement and means he will now go on to compete at the Australia titles in Tasmania in February 2012.

He is now also training twice a week with Brendan Smith of Smith’s Gym, the former trainer of champion Michael Katsidis and will be part of a team of Boxers Smith will take back to Thailand to train in preparation for the National titles.

Steven also trains three times a week at the PCYC Gym in Toowoomba.

In November 2011, he competed in freestyle wrestling tournament in Brisbane where he won two of his three matches, losing only to the current Australian junior champion.

In 2012, Steven will attend Centenary Heights School to compete Years 11 and 12 during which time he will take on a school-based traineeship with Target Fitness as a personal trainer.

Cultural Award – Dominic Crosato
Dominic showed an interest in drama and dancing from a very early age.

He had tap and jazz dancing lessons from the age of 4, and drama classes from the age of 8.

He won several awards for his drama including a first place in the Toowoomba Eisteddfod in 2007 for his mime performance.

However, in the last couple of years he has begun to focus on his real love - music.

He has been playing the piano for nine years and the clarinet for seven years.

He has also taught himself to play the saxophone, harmonica, dijeribone, charango and guitar.

He will be in Year 12 at Centenary Heights State High School in 2012.

At this stage he is not sure what he will go on to study but it will definitely include music.

Dominic has sat his Australian Music Examination Board Theory exams up to Grade 3 (for which he received Honours) and has passed all his practical exams up to Grade 6.

He is now studying Grade 7 practical and Grade 4 Theory with Mrs Meg Cunningham, attending lessons in Highfields every week.

He participated in the Toowoomba Eisteddfod for the first time this  year, scoring a very creditable 84 and 85 points for his two pieces.

Dominic started playing the church organ at the age of 11 and for the past two years has been on the organist’s roster, playing once a month and also filling in when needed.

When he is not playing the organ, he is usually playing the clarinet with Rob Crosato on the guitar and Barry Miller as the organist. The congregation has dubbed them the ‘Two –and – a –half Musicians.

In 2008, he played his clarinet for the Anglican Church services at Kooltoopa each month. Unfortunately he was unable to continue in 2009 as it was during school time.

Dominic has played the clarinet in the Centenary Heights Show Band for two and a half years.

This year it included performances in TYME (Toowoomba Youth in Music Education) and a three-day tour to schools in northern NSW in October. He has had to be at Centenary Heights by 7.30am every Thursday morning during school terms for practice.

Dominic played at the Hampton Food and Arts Festival in 2008 and 2009 and played at the Lutheran Church Concert in Crow’s Nest until 2009, when he moved to Centenary Heights State High School and the concert clashed with his School Band Tours to NSW.

He has also played at Crow’s Nest ‘Christmas in the Park’ since 2007. Dominic was a founding member of 1st Crows Nest’s ‘Christmas in the Park since2007’ and also a founding member of 1st Crows Nest Boys Brigade when it began in 2001.

He achieved several awards, the highest honour being the Sir William A Smith Award which included level 3 Service to the Community Badge as well as Skills, Hobbies, Boys Brigade Knowledge, Physical and Expeditions.

After 10 years with the Brigade, Dominic resigned in 2011 to focus on his musical commitments.

He has also attended levels 1 and 2 leadership courses run through the Boys Brigade Queensland. The courses run for nine days each year during the July School holidays and cover different aspects of leadership each year.
 
Dominic also has a very keen interest in movie-making. He participated in the Screen-It competition and the Origin8 Fast Film Festival in 2011. For the Screen-it Competition, he and two teammates submitted an individual entry (not connected to school work) of a seven-minute mockumentary to the theme of ‘Respect”.

The Origin 8 Fast Film Festival required him and his four team-mates to make an eight-minute film between 8pm Friday night and 8pm the following Saturday night. They were given a choice of four themes to choose from.

He also edited Haden State School’s entry in the Khaki-it competition, where the students at the school filmed a short skit and submitted it.
At the Centenary Heights ‘Walker Awards’, Dominic group received the ‘Best Soundtrack’ award for their short film.

In his spare time, Dominic likes to make short comedy films.

Some, such as ‘Knife’,’Operation M’ and ‘Agent Story’ can been seen on his YouTube channel, Vertical Cyanide.http://www.youtube.com/user/VerticalCyanide 

Community Group/Event Award – Crows Nest Garden Club
Crow’s Nest Garden Club has been in existence for just over 15 years and currently has a membership of 42 who meet monthly at the Crow’s Nest CWA Hall.

The aim of the club is to:

• Share a love of gardens and gardening
• Help each other by sharing knowledge, cuttings, plants and gardens
• Visit gardens and nurseries, garden days and specialty events
• Invite guest speakers to meetings to share knowledge
• Encourage others to enjoy their gardens

The year 2011, was a busy one for the club with guest speakers, bus trips, working bees at gardens of members needing a hand, exhibiting in the local show and supporting a business who held a seedling information morning.

By far their biggest and most successful achievement to date has been the inaugural “Garden Gathering” held in Centenary Park during Crow’s Nest Festival Week.

This event was put together by an enthusiastic planning Committee and was a huge success, not only for the club, but for the town itself which saw an influx of visitors for the day.

The day was officially opened by “gardening guru” Brian Sams who admitted there were plants available that day that even he had not seen.

Speakers and activities throughout the day kept the large crowd enthralled.

Crow’s Nest Garden Club plays an important role within the community and deserves the recognition of an Australia Day Award for their efforts.

 

 

Goombungee:
Goombungee’s Australia Day celebrations were held at the Goombungee Public Hall.

Local awards were presented to:

Citizen of the Year Award – Brian Sorensen

Brian Sorensen has served the Goombungee and wider community as a volunteer for numerous organisations for the past 30+ years.

This nomination is supported by the Goombungee Public Hall Committee and members of the Goombungee community who recognise the very significant contribution Brian has made through his involvement with the Hall Committee, Guides and Scouts, Goombungee State School P&C, Goombungee-Haden Show Society, Goombungee Rodeo and the local Australia Day organising committee.

Brian chairs the Goombungee Hall Committee and although volunteer numbers are small, the hall remains a viable community facility catering for large gatherings.

Brian retains a keen interest in preserving the history of this significant cultural building and with his very small committee has undertaken extensive maintenance including recent external painting, major drainage and electrical maintenance thus ensuring a well-presented facility for use by all levels of the communities.

He is a very active member of the Goombungee-Haden Show Society and is caretaker of the show grounds. The grounds are fully maintained by him and their presentation ensures the annual show continues to expand and attract quality exhibits and competitors.

The grounds also host the annual rodeo, numerous horse and carriage events as well as providing a venue for local charities and organisations to stage a large fundraising events.

These organisations are grateful to the support they receive from Brian which is always over and above the 'norm'. He is a most willing helper and no task is too much to ensure the success of any event he is involved with.

For many years Brian headed the local Australia Day Committee which saw significant celebrations staged in Goombungee. Today he remains a committee volunteer and supporter of Australia day celebrations and as overall venue coordinator ensures celebrations and activities are enjoyed by all who attend.

Brian is a quiet achiever who is always willing to support events and activities that provide enjoyment and benefit to his community. This nomination is submitted as recognition of a community's appreciation for many, many years of community work.

Young Citizen of the Year Award – Kent Tonscheck
Kent concluded Year 12 at the close of 2011.

He performed creditably in several subject areas at Oakey State High School and was awarded for Year 12 music, graphics, and accounting.

At the 2011 Annual Awards Night, Kent was awarded the Ray Hopper Medallion for Leadership within the School and Community for his commitment to his academic studies, his service to school and community in music (CGen, TYME, Glee, Assemblies, etc),Tip leader in 2011, attaining Gold Award Level across his subjects, Chairman of Student Council Welfare Committee, and being a capable team member.

However, Kent is nominated for an Australia Day Cultural Award for his commitment and dedication to musical performance both at school and beyond.

Kent was part of the Oakey State High Drum Corp in 2008,2009,2010.

He was part of the school’s musical entitled”Back to the Eighties” in 2007, and was part of the performance troupe for Wakakirri in 2008.

He was part of the school’s instrumental music program and concert band in 2007,2008, 2009 playing bass guitar.

In 2010, Kent opted to take music for Year 11 and 12 - a little break from the demands of his OP subjects.

Under the tuition of his music teacher, Mr Ryan Gornall, Kent expanded his guitar playing to include acoustic guitar and dabbled with his interest in keyboard.

From this humble beginning and his teacher’s recognition of a special talent, Kent began an almost meteoric rise.

At the end of 2010, he auditioned for a featured vocalist position in the mega production Creative Generation – State Schools Onstage 2011 which ultimately brought together 1500 students from more than 100 State Schools from Weipa to the Gold Coast and west to Roma.

He was one of 84 CGen Students from across Queensland who were invited to attend the Young Artist’s workshop over the Easter Holidays which was an intensive week-long workshop at the Brisbane Powerhouse.

These talented students worked with highly respected professional artist to hone their skills and gain real-life performance experience.

Kent was successful in his endeavours, and performed centre stage as a solo artist in the opening segment of the show in July after eight months of auditions, rehearsals and much travelling to Brisbane.

Juggling his studies in Year 12 was no small feat for Kent, but he managed to balance his workload in the thick of rehearsals.
Since the start of 2011 Kent has been a regular soloist for the National Anthem at School assemblies, and often performed in lunchtime concerts at school.

He featured in the school’s inaugural Glee Choir in the last half of the year, and is now a regular music leader at Kingsthorpe Church of Christ.

If all goes to plan, Kent intends to expand his musical knowledge and performance in Creative Arts at University of Southern Queensland in 2012 - Oakey State High School wishes him our very best for the future.

Sports Award – Goombungee Golf Club Inc.
As the only Golf Club in the District, the Goombungee Golf Club is reliant on the tremendous work put in by a band of willing volunteers.

The club provides a valuable community resource regarding health and recreation for locals and visitors and last year celebrated its first 50 years -1961 to 2011.

It marked the significant milestone with a 50th Anniversary Open Carnival and Celebration Dinner. 

Cultural Award – Nicki Laws

Nicki Laws, Textile Artist, has been nominated for the Goombungee District Cultural Award 2012 in recognition of her services to the arts, in particular textile art and to her contribution to the preservation of local and social history though her exhibitions Acland....fragments and memories from a township undermined and Country Couture – Frock and friendship.

Acland....fragments and memories, through stitch and collage has preserved the history of the small town of Acland and at the same time created public awareness in finding the balance between mining development and small local communities.

A record 250 people attended the opening with more than 1400 visitors from throughout Australia visiting Rosalie Gallery and Goombungee for this exhibition.

Not only did it provide a 'cultural experience' but delivered economic benefits to the local community through visitor support for local businesses.

Acland is now a travelling exhibition with a number of rural Queensland and New south Wales galleries taking the opportunity to present the exhibition to their communities.

Country Couture – Frocks and friendships resulted from Nicki's research associated with the Acland exhibition.

Through this, Rosalie Gallery was offered the opportunity to host the exhibition – a collection of frocks spanning 50 years. Most importantly the exhibition told a friendship between two well-known identities – Mrs Mason (Oakey) and Mrs Beutel (Acland).

It told a story of Mrs Mason a well-known fashion icon and Mrs Beutel renowned Acland seamstress – Mrs Mason designed and Mrs Beutel sewed.

The collaboration of these 2 women has preserved the rich history of the 'country dance and balls' with each frock a portrait of exquisite sewing skills and fashion acumen.

The exhibition broke all previous attendance records at Rosalie Gallery – 350 attended the opening and more than 1800 visited the gallery and Goombungee during a 12 day period.

Again local business benefited significantly with at least 2 hospitality outlets recording their 'best ever' food and beverage sales.

The exhibition also offered the opportunity to promote Goombungee to city dwellers with 50 visitor attending for a 'long lunch' fundraiser held in the Gallery in conjunction with the Australian Koala Foundation.

Country Couture also inspired a community to celebrate, with Goombungee 'Skirting its trees' in salute of two ladies who bought fashion and fame to the area more than 50 years ago.

Rosalie Gallery congratulates Nicki Laws on her outstanding commitment to arts and wholeheartedly supports her nomination for the 2012 Australia Day Cultural Award.

Community Group/Event Award – Back to Brymaroo Reunion
Despite cold blustery winds buffeting the Region, 350 past and present Brymaroo residents gathered at the local rodeo grounds on September 10, 2011 for the Back to Brymaroo reunion.

The reunion embraced a celebration of life at Brymaroo, and in particular, the centenary of the dedication of St. Lambert’s Anglican Church.

Although the former St Lambert’s Church is currently a private residence, owners David and Cheryl Vonhoff offered members of the public the opportunity to view the interior of the former Church, which is now a comfortable dwelling.

People travelled from as far away as Sydney to participate in the festivities.

Chairman of the Back to Brymaroo Committee, Colin Ambrose, welcomed those present and introduced special guest, writer  Jane Grieve, who recited her published poem focusing on the children’s mode of transport to Nungil School.

Formalities included the launch of the ‘Back to Brymaroo’ book by former CEO of Rosalie Shire Council, Ross Phipps, who served council for a period of 28 years.

The book, written by members of the Back to Brymaroo Committee and compiled by Diane Marsh, details an extensive history of the first 100 years of settlement in the Brymaroo district.

An additional highlight of the occasion was the cutting of the Centenary Cake by Thurlow and Ella Wockner, who are descendants of some of the earliest settlers of the Brymaroo district. The cake featured a photo of the front cover of the book.

A spectacular entrance by a Blackhawk helicopter from the Oakey Aviation Centre was appreciated by the gathering.

The helicopter landed in the campdraft arena and was open for inspection throughout the day.

A Powerpoint presentation of many aspects of life at Brymaroo was shown during the event and was available for purchase.

Entertaining the crowd with his accordion was well known musician Les Weedon, from Maclagan.

In addition to a comprehensive range of local displays, support was received from the Rosalie Historical Society, Goombungee QCWA, Wedgetail Ridge Estate Winery and other individuals from Oakey and Jondaryan who conducted stalls.

A display of 30 unique paintings completed at Brymaroo during the Second World War greatly enhanced the displays.

A serviceman attached to the camouflage section of the Civil Construction Corps at the Brymaroo airstrip painted many images of life on the land, road building, airstrips and aircraft maintenance. The committee was very privileged to gain access to these paintings.

The committee also recognised two local historic school sites at the former Brymaroo and Nungil Schools, and interpretive bells were positioned at these sites.

Thanks goes to the members of the Back to Brymaroo Committee who hosted the event and catered for the large crowd.

As a result of the positive response to the event, the committee is extremely pleased with the outcome and is delighted with patrons already asking: “When will the next reunion be held?”

 

 

Greenmount:
Greenmount’s Australia Day celebrations were held at the Hodgsonvale Sports Club.

Local awards were presented to:

Citizen of the Year Award –  Marion Bernier

Marion relocated to Cambooya in 1975 and, being new to the community, she quickly immersed herself in local life.

She forged many relationships through holding playgroup mornings at her house, helping other mothers in her role as a nursing mother and supporting the local tennis club.

She gained a position as a teacher aide at Cambooya State School and will celebrate 25 years of continuous service next year.

Marion has a way of valuing and taking time for everyone she encounters and has a loving way with children.

She has worked tirelessly in the school community and is valued and respected by both teachers and students alike.

Marion was involved in the Cambooya State School 125th celebrations and worked tirelessly to prepare the book.

She has been very involved in the local Catholic Church, taking the time to welcome new families into the Parish, organising family days and Easter/Christmas celebrations.

She has also been involved in Religious Instruction in the school, taking classes in her own time to prepare children for receiving their sacraments.

Marion helps in assisting local families in need and is always willing to help out with community events.

She is an extremely generous, caring person who is always giving of her time and always putting others ahead of herself.

She works tirelessly and gives 100% to everything that she dedicates her time and efforts towards.

 

Young Citizen of the Year Award – Hannah Mason

Hannah started playing piano at six years and the trumpet at nine years.

She has been singing in the Glennie choirs since Year 2 and is a recipient of performing arts awards since Year 3.

She sang with the Australian Youth Choir for three years from nine to 12 years old when she left to join the Toowoomba Municipal Band.

Hannah is in concert and performance choirs and big bands at Glennie and has played in the big band at the International Music Festival in Sydney in 2009 (when they won a silver award).

Hannah studied four subjects in French in Year 8-10 and in September 2011 went to France for four weeks with her class.

Through school and Rotary, Hannah has shared her home with Japanese girls twice and had a three-month visit from an American girl.

With the Municipal Band, Hannah has played in the Qld Band Championships in Maryborough, Maroochydore and the Gold Coast for the past three years.

She has played in carol services at the Toowoomba Hospice, at Wilsonton, Gowrie Junction and the Christmas Wonderland.

Hannah has marched with her father at a number of Anzac Services in both Toowoomba and Greenmount, having a personal recognition of the significance of Anzac Day.

She played with three other trumpeters for the Christian Outreach College Anzac Service in 2010 and has represented the Toowoomba Municipal Band by playing solo trumpet at the Greenmount Anzac Day Service in 2011.

Hannah plays trumpet in a Rangeville Community Church Music team and also helps with the under five-year-old children.

Sports Award – Josie Hughes
Josie Hughes has been nominated for her achievements in the sport of field archery.

Josie had a great year for her archery competitions in 2011.

Her most prominent win was at the National Field Archery Titles in Mildura Victoria where she competed in the U12 B Grade events and she came home with a Silver Medal in the ABA round and a Bronze medal in the 3D round.

Josie’s other Archery wins in 2011 included.

• Renegades State ABA Titles – 2nd Place
• Roma gold Cup – First Place
• Lakeside Regional ABA Titles – First Place
• Darling Downs – 1st Place

All in all, Josie had a great year with her archery, and this has all been done whilst enduring two cochlear implant operations (Josie is profoundly deaf).
 
Josie also plays numerous other sports such as netball, where she was the Cambooya School Junior ‘Best and Fairest Winner’ in 2011, and little athletics where Josie qualified for the State Relay titles in December.

Cultural Award – No award given

Community Group/Event Award – Ramsay Community Group
A group of Ramsay Community members wanted to help a local community which had suffered from the floods early in 2011.

After a few days talking among neighbours, the planning for three activities was in place:

• A flood support barbecue
• Helping at Murphy’s Creek State School clean-up working bee
• Collection and delivering of donated items for the flood-affected families.

A Flood Support Barbecue:
Permission was sort and gained from the Ramsay State School Principal (Mr David Gordon) to hold the barbecue at the Ramsay State School on January 23, 2011.

A number of community members donated money to purchase items for the barbecue and a number of community businesses donated their services and /or goods as well as items for a raffle and community members organised stalls with all money raised going towards the flood fundraiser.

Murphys Creek State School Clean Up Working Bee:
A team of approximately 20 people from the Ramsay Hodgsonvale area travelled down to Murphy’s Creek State School on Saturday, January 22 to help at the clean up working bee.

The focus of the working bee was to get the grounds and gardens tidied up ready for the start of the school year on Monday, January 24. As well as helping at the working bee the group provided all workers with a sausage sizzle lunch.

Collection and delivering of donated items for the flood-affected families:
As well as flood support, donations of toys and children’s clothing were also being collected.

Over the couple of weeks at the end of January and early February,  every spare space of the Ramsay School Sport Shed (as well as a shed at Hodgsonvale) were filled with donated items – a lot more than just toys and clothing.

All of these items were packed on a truck and a number of utes and delivered to the collection depot in Grantham for distribution to the families who were affected by the floods.

Three very different activities with the one focus - to help people and communities in need.

It was great to see so many people from the Ramsay and Hodgsonvale areas lend a hand at one, two and even three of these activities. This displayed the Australian values of mateship and helping a mate/stranger who is down. Well done to the Ramsay Community Group.

Highfields:
Highfields’ Australia Day celebrations were held at the Highfields Pioneer Village and the Highfields Cultural Centre.

Local awards were presented to:

Citizen of the Year Award – Jim Flood
Jim has been volunteering since 2002 with his wife Aileen, on a weekly basis.

Jim has restored many tractors, etc and has been involved doing the gate and counting off donations as he is always able to help with groups, the Southern Cross Museum and barbecues.

He has attended the Crows Nest Festival 2006-2010 and Esk 2009-2011 as well as the Mill outlook 2006-2009 - representing the Pioneer village.

The Highfields block party is another event where Jim will be representing the village.

Jim’s main motivation is being able to help and be involved, friendship and making a difference in the community.

Volunteering to Jim is like being a part of a second family, being around people with like-minded views and dedication for preserving old machinery and history.

Young Citizen of the Year Award – No award given

Sports Award – Riley De Jong
Riley enjoys many sports and he completed Year 8 at Toowoomba Grammar School in 2011, where he competed in soccer, volleyball and athletics and represented the school in the GPA cross country series. However, it is in the sport of orienteering that he has really begun to shine.

Riley and his family discovered Orienteering in 2009. Right from the start, he showed great enthusiasm and potential and was invited to join Orienteering Queensland’s Mini Cyclones Squad for 12-14 year olds. He remains in the squad for 2012.

Although only 13 this year, Riley competed in the Junior Boys (15 and under) event at the Darling Downs Schools Orienteering Trials in March.

He was selected in the Darling Downs team and travelled to the Qld Schools Championships in Brisbane in July.

He finished fourth, competing against boys up to two years his senior, and was selected in the four-member Qld Junior Boys team to compete in the Australian Schools Championships in Wagga Wagga in October.

The Qld Club Championships are a two-day carnival and were held in August in Maryborough.

Riley finished 2nd in the Men’s 14 year event with a very consistent 2nd place both days.

At the Australian Schools Championships, which were part of the nine-day Oceania Carnival, Riley’s best result was seventh (fifth Australian) in the Oceania Sprint Championships against New Zealand.

For the second year running, Riley won the best Orange competitor (14 and under) in Orienteering Queensland’s Orienteer of the Year Competition. This is a series of nine races throughout the season, with the best five to count and is open to all orienteers in Queensland.

Also for the second year in a row, he was awarded Range Runners Orienteering Club (Toowoomba district). Most Outstanding Junior (Under 21). He has been awarded a Gold Badge in the Mens 14 from Orienteering Australia for achieving a very high standard in selected events this year.

Coach’s comments: “I have been coaching Riley for two years and have always been very impressed by his attitude to the sport, to his elders and to his peers. He always offers to help out wherever he  is needed at events, including getting there early to help set up and staying late to help collect controls. He has already enrolled in the 2012 Course Setter’s Course to be run in Toowoomba, so he can set course and be even more involved in the administration of the sport. He will organise his first event for Range Runners Orienteering Club at Picnic Point in February. I believe Riley is a very worthy nominee for the Highfields Australia Day Sports Award”. 

Cultural Award – Aileen Flood
Aileen has worked for many years in the jewellery industry, and has enjoyed the constant challenge of silversmith making and selling silver and other types of jewellery. Aileen combines modern techniques with old-school jewellery making.

Aileen worked for many years as an ACE coordinator and is a very experienced workshop tutor for jewellery making, having worked for many years with The Western College of Adult Educ. Here she toured and taught in many remote and outback areas of NSW as well as Work-shopping in many other less remote areas.

Aileen enjoys the privilege of working from the Silversmith Shop at Highfields Pioneer Village and offers workshops in silver jewellery making every Thursday.

Aileen conducts regular U3A classes as a volunteer tutor for over 55 year olds and teaches silver-smithing and jewellery making on a volunteer basis, giving senior citizens a new interest and an added interest in their ‘third age’ for which Aileen is being nominated for this Cultural Award for Australia Day.

Aileen has had a lifelong interest in all things “Heritage” especially handmade jewellery.

Aileen’s collection on display at Highfields Pioneer Villager consists of hundreds of pieces of handmade and hand finished silver jewellery, refurbished silver antique items and collectibles. The work is combined with garnets, peridot, rosequartz, rose zircon, resin, blown glass, nickel silver, coins and antique silver. All pieces have been hand worked and finished by Aileen Flood between 1990 and 2010.

Community Group/Event Award – Highfields Pioneer Village, Museum and Park Inc.
Throughout 2011, the Highfields Pioneer Village have provided a commendable, community based Village.

Organisations come and look at yesteryears gone by from the retired to the young school children - even mum and dad.

Throughout the year they hold a number of fundraisers for the Cancer Foundation, the Hospital and Children’s Hospital.

On Australia Day they have an open day where people can come and see the workings of all the Village, where they have milking, shearing, spinning wool, blacksmith and animal demonstrations. With all these events going there is always something to see.

When you visit the Village it shows us what it was like to be a pioneer in the area and what it was like to be an early Australian.

 

 

Millmerran:
Millmerran’s Australia Day were held at the Cultural Centre, Walpole Street.

Local awards were presented to:

Citizen of the Year Award – Patricia Walsh
Pat Walsh is an outstanding citizen who contributes so much to the local community.

Pat has lived in the Millmerran area since 1972 and has three children, two of whom still live in the area.

Pat is the Secretary/Treasurer of the historical Society at Millmerran and spends a good number of hours each week ensuring the Museum and surrounds are well organised and kept in good repair.

She is a tireless worker who helped organise the very successful”100 Years of Rail Open day” held at the Millmerran historical Society In November of 2011. This event was a great success and really got the community involved in the Historical Society and was great credit to her.

Pat was the treasurer of the Red Cross at Millmerran whilst there was still a branch here and was again a tireless worker fundraising and the like for the Red Cross.

Every month Pat gives of her time to care for the disadvantaged and disabled for Respite Care.

This is a great cause and gives the full term carers and family members a much needed break.

Pat is very generous and is always a ball of energy and fun. She has the knack of making people feel welcome and appreciated and it is always a pleasure to be around her.

If all of the above was not enough, Pat is also the treasurer (for some 15 years) of the Hospital Auxiliary Committee.

This Committee fundraises throughout the year to raise monies for much needed equipment to keep patients comfortable at the Millmerran Hospital.

A lot of the equipment needed is not provided by Government Funding and without the likes of Pat Welsh we would be a much poorer community indeed.

She was one of the instigators of the Helipad at the local Hospital.

She saw the need for such a service and applied for grants, fundraised etc until they had the funds to put in the helipad.

This has been a godsend for many people in this area and is definitely worthy of recognition on her part.

Pat is a great member of this community and she is a shining example of how we could all give of ourselves for the betterment of our community.

She is a lovely lady and always very accommodating and modest.

Young Citizen of the Year Award – No award given

Sports Award – Conor McLoughlin
Connor Mc Loughlin is an outstanding sports person and has been a valuable member of the Millmerran Swimming Club for many years.

During 2011, Connor competed at the top level of his chosen fields which include both swimming and athletics.

Swimming in 2011 saw Connor make it through to the State Swimming Championships in Brisbane where he competed in Butterfly, Backstroke and Freestyle events.

Prior to this, Connor’s swimming achievements for the year included:

• Swimmer of the Year – Millmerran Swimming club 2010/2011
• Millmerran State School Age Champion – 12 years
• Millmerran State School Record holder – 50m Freestyle and Breaststroke
• Inner Downs representative Freestyle, Breaststroke,Backstroke, and Butterfly
• Darling downs representative – Freestyle, Backstroke and Butterfly

Connor also is a gifted athlete on many other fronts including Track and Field and was selected to compete at the Australian Athletics titles in Darwin competing in discus (4th place) and the shotput relay (1st place team).

His other achievements include:

• Millmerran State School – age champion 12 years
• Millmerran State School, Gore Highway and Inner Downs record holder in discus and shotput
• Inner Downs Track and Field representative. Darling Downs track and field representative
• Rugby League – Selected to the possible’s and probable’s team at the State Championships
• Cross Country – Millmerran State School Age Champion.

To add to this list of achievements, Connor attains high grades academically and is considered to be a great classmate and friend to many students at his school and in his swimming club.

Cultural Award – Grant Uebergang
Grant Uebergang is a grain grower on the family property ‘East Lynn’.

Grant has served in a distinguished voluntary capacity at the Millmerran and District Historical Society and was a founding member (1978), secretary from 1983-2006 and patron from 2010. Life membership was awarded to him 2003.

For the 100-year celebration of railway service to Millmerran and open day at the museum, Grant spent the previous 18 months on research and gathering photos and information for his book titled ‘From Beauaraba to Back creek’ which was launched by CR Paul Antonio on the November 13, 2011.

Publications of the Millmerran historical society written by Grant include:

• 1986 – The establishment and first year of operation of the Millmerran Butter Factory for the 50th anniversary of the opening.
• 1989 – Millwood hall and district: a brief history 1939-1989.
• 1992 – Water baby: The Yandilla steam launch.
• 2003 – Twenty-five years of Millmerran and District Historical Society (1978-2003)

Other Publications include:
A chapter on Yandilla – Back creek and beyond 1881-1981
1992 – on behalf of the historical society, Grant lodged a four-page submission with Millmerran shire council and Queensland Department of Transport on the naming of the ‘Gore Highway’ between Toowoomba and Goondiwindi.

Community Group/Event Award – Millmerran Museum “Celebrating 100 years of Rail Open Day”
The Millmerran Historical Society “Celebrating 100 Years of Rail Open Day” event was held on November 13, 2011.
This event was organised by the Historical Society to celebrate 100 years of Rail in Millmerran, the opening of a new exhibit, the Yandilla Cream Shed, and also the launching of Grant Uebergang’s book “From Beauaraba to Back Creek”.

It was an absolutely beautiful day, great weather and a large turnout and there was so much to do and so much to see.

The Historical Society ensured that local organisations would be able to hold stalls, etc at the celebration and a number of community groups were in attendance (eg the local Scouts, Lions etc). This is a great aid to these groups as it provides them with an opportunity to fundraise.

The Society had organised a great fashion parade with dresses from 100 years ago right through to the present. It was certainly a marvellous event and a real eye opener for the many children present (particularly a pair of 1936 Speedos!!!),  not to mention the adults.

This event was great in that it enabled the Historical Society to show the current generation some of what our forefathers went through and endured in order to open up the local area and ensure it became the thriving community it is today.

The day was a great credit to the volunteers at the Society who give so much of their time to ensure that our heritage is preserved for future generations.

The 100 Years of Rail is particularly poignant in that at this stage the railway line is currently not open and it is uncertain if in fact it ever will run again due to severe flood damage in 2011.

This part of our history is not often recorded and the way the Historical Society brought it to life for the people who attended was just extraordinary.

This event brought many people from the community and surrounds together and really enabled them to see how much of a struggle life was for our founders. It was a great day and totally worthy of the Community Group / Event of the Year Award.

 

 

Oakey:
Oakey’s Australia Day celebrations were held at the Oakey Cultural Centre.

Local awards were presented to:

Citizen of the Year Award – George Florentzos
George has been an active member of the Oakey community and some of the various committees and activities he has been involved with include:

• Oakey State Primary School P&C – member and executive member
• Oakey State High School P&C – Member and Executive member
• Lions Club member for 32 years and Zone Chairman for a term
• Oakey Chamber of Commerce – Member and Executive member
• Member of the founding committee for the “Oakey Beautification Group”, now known as Landcare
• Greek Community of the Darling Downs President
• Winner of the Australian Migrant Family Award

George owns the local Mitre 10 Hardware store where he works full-time and it is a testament to George’s commitment to the local community that he still managers to find the time to be involved in various committees.

Since coming to Oakey in 1959, George has been a dedicated servant to the Oakey and district community.

In his early days, George was restricted in the time he had for volunteering by working seven days and nights in the family café.

However, he still managed to find time to be on the committee of the State primary school P&C, when his children started attending that school. He undertook the role of treasurer and also vice president.

When his children started attending the local high school, because of the importance he placed on their education, he joined the High School P&C committee and when Doug Darr retired as president, George took on that role for about two years. As president he was responsible for handing out the school speech awards.

After taking over the hardware store (he still runs) he had a little more time up his sleeve and he joined the Lions Club.

Because of his commitment to Oakey and district, he was a committee member of the local ambulance services and remained on that committee until he was disbanded after the state government took over control of ambulance services.

Making Oakey a better place has always been on George’s agenda and he was instrumental in setting up the Oakey Beautification committee and served for approximately seven years. It is now Oakey Urban Landcare Council.

George joined the Chamber of Commerce in the late ‘70s and was instrumental in the Santa Fair night and he still plays a big role in this event.

The recent successful Street Market Day was one of his many suggestions and he played a big part in the day.

George’s Lions service:

• Joined 1977
• President 1981/1982 – That year initiated Senior Citizens BBQ picnic, as well as free gas BBQ’s in the Lion’s Park
• Zone Chairman 1982/1983 – Controlled and assisted 5 clubs in region including Clifton and Millmerran visiting them all
• President 2008/2009 – Lions raised over $10,000 for Careflight
• Lion’s Cake Chairman for over 25 years
• Lions Chairman recycled spectacles
• Involved in all Lion’s activities for over 35 years, Youth of the year, Youth Exchange, Miss Personality, Paper Drive, Donuts, Cake Drives, Senior citizens BBQ etc
• Heavily involved in Lions recent 50 year anniversary.

Young Citizen of the Year Award – Jessica Gorton
Jessica Gorton has been actively involved in the Girl Guide movement since the age of seven.

Rising through the ranks of Brownies and Guides she is now one of only three Ranger Guides attached to the Oakey group.

Jessica has always been a reliable member demonstrating a maturity beyond her years and extraordinary compassion and patience. Consequently she has been granted permission to undertake some Guiding levels a little earlier than normal.

Jess completed her Junior BP Award in 2005, and commenced working towards her BP Award in the next year.

In 2008, she received her Silver Endeavour Award before completing her BP Award in 2010. It certainly was a test of commitment to task.

As part of the process, Jess was required to run a guide camp from start to finish (including planning and preparation); organise an activity and ensure all support and safety measures were in place; and many other challenges which had to meet specified criteria.

In addition to her involvement with Guides on Thursday evenings, Jess is a Junior Leader and regular volunteer at brownies each Saturday afternoon. She is a conscientious member of the leadership team and is particularly helpful with two girls who have special needs.

In 2008, 2009 and 2010 Jess enthusiastically participated in an annual week-long camp for young people with disabilities.

The Scout organised camp known as AGOONARRE is held in the Samford Valley each September.

At this camp Jess has worked with children with intellectual disabilities. The camp ‘guests’ are not limited to the Guide and Scout members but can include young people from various communities. At the end of 2010 camp, Jess received the Bravo Award for outstanding commitment to the ideas of Agoonaree.

Unfortunately in 2011, Jess was unable to be part of the camp due to her traineeship commitments.

Jessica Gorton was a school captain at Oakey State School in Year 7, and was actively involved in the student council at her primary school.

At Oakey State High School in 2011, Jessica was elected as one of the two vice captains of the sporting house of Achilles, and in 2012, Jessica will chair the Fundraising committee of the school Student council.

Since starting at Oakey High School Jess has also served as a class representative on the council for several years.

On November 28 and 29, 2011 when year 11 students from around the state were enjoying the first week of summer holidays, Jess was one of a large contingent of Oakey High’s Inter year Program (TIP) in 2012. TIP is designed to assist Year 8 students to assimilate to high school life smoothly and confidently. The two-day course expanded her knowledge of mentoring and support of young people.

On November 30, when Year 7 students from various feeder schools attend orientation Day at High School, a large percentage of the Year 11s were on hand to greet them and show them the ropes. Jessica was one of the leaders who willingly returned to school to utilise many of the strategies and knowledge they had acquired on the previous two days to help orientate the visiting year 7s.

Throughout 2011, Jessica was part of the Year 11 hospitality team and worked at various schools and community events in the preparation, presentation and service of food and refreshments. Jessica volunteered at the Oakey Show Ball, St Anne’s Anglican Luncheon and the school formal, as well as Open Day and Melbourne Cup Day Luncheons at Oakey State High School.

Jessica applies the same amount of commitment to hospitality as she does to other areas of her life, and sometimes works with a local caterer at various functions.

In addition to her school studies and her hospitality work, Jessica is currently working through her traineeship in hairdressing which involves one day a week, during school terms and holidays.

Jessica is a conscientious, hardworking, compassionate and patient young woman who goes about her tasks at home, at school and in the community quietly and efficiently. She is one of Oakey’s quiet achievers who is always striving for a goal of some kind or other, and is a great asset to our community.

Sports Award – Jessica Street
At age 14, Jessica is an outstanding runner, who is very passionate about her athletics.

Jessica has had huge challenges to face in her short life; she was born with a degenerative hearing impairment and was fitted with cochlear implants last November at Mater Children’s Hospital.

Jessica has had to face challenges with her schooling and day to day life, and also now is very close to having no hearing in her left ear, so she turned to running.

She is no longer able to compete in contact sports, so this has made her passion for athletics much greater than ever before.

Since taking up running in the last couple of years, Jessica has competed in Darling Downs AWD, cross country events and general athletics days through primary and secondary schooling.

In 2009 and 2010, Jessica has won eight gold medals and two bronze medals in the State Track and Field championships held in Brisbane. These being for 200m, 400m, 800m, 1500m, and long jump. She broke the record for 200m, 400m, and 800m.

On July 17 and 18, Jessica competed in state cross country with AWD, she won bronze and gained selection in Queensland Team to compete in Canberra during August 2011. Here she won gold and silver for the relay.

Jessica competed in athletics championship held in Brisbane in October 2011 winning four gold in 200m, 400m, 800m, and long jump and bronze in 1500m. She broke the record for the 800m.

For her efforts, Jessica has been acknowledged by Sports Darling Downs and was presented with the Amalgamated Pest Control Incentive Award on April 29, 2011. She was also awarded junior sports star for Centenary Heights State School on October 25, 2011.

Along with travelling to school in Toowoomba daily, Jessica trains two to three times a week.

As well as running, Jessica helps with a voluntary wildlife group caring for sick or injured animals and she was also a Girl Guide at the age of seven (having recently stopped due to entering High School). She a bubbly young woman willing to help anyone out in any time of need.

Jessica travels to Brisbane on a regular basis since the operation to the Mater Children’s Hospital for mapping with the cochlear. She also attends to the Toowoomba Base Hospital each fortnight for speech therapy.

Jessica wishes to help all children with hearing difficulties as she knows first -hand how hard it is for anyone. Her dream is to not only run for Australia but to become a teacher to help and inspire young people. She is helping her younger brother Jayden on a daily basis who has the same hearing impairment as she has. She is a great help to him with school work and emotional support.

She is committed to helping people in her community and schooling and is an outstanding young Australian sport star.

Cultural Award – Kevin Weber
Kevin Weber is a local talented harmonica player and a country music singer.

Through his love of music and with his talent, he has given many hours of enjoyment - not only to the folk in the community but many other places as well.

His dedication and his ability to organise can be seen within the many concerts he has produced.

Over the past year, Kevin has organised five Country Music concerts at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church Hall in Oakey. The aged folk of the local area attend these afternoon concerts and find that they are very enjoyable and affordable and always keenly look forward to the next concert.

Kevin has raised more than $5500 through the proceeds of these concerts for local charities (CWA House, McDonald Nursing Home, Oakey Historical Museum, Oakey TomNet and Oakey Play Group). He plans to continue with these fundraising concerts in 2012.

The quality and quantity of local and visiting artists that Kevin presents at the concerts is rather surprising and outstanding and this gives them a great opportunity and encouragement to use their talents to bring enjoyment to the elderly within the community.

Community Group/Event Award – Friends of McDonald Nursing Home (Community Group) and Oakey Flood Relief Concert (Community Event)

Friends of McDonald Nursing Home (Community Group)
Friends of McDonald Inc is a small committee of dedicated members committed to fundraising to assist in making the lives of residents of the nursing home more enjoyable and rewarding.

The current committee raises the majority of present day funding via an annual cent sale, internal and external raffles, a Bunnings barbecue and a recent variety concert. There has even been a Red Faces night.

Funds raised go to purchasing games, quizzes, LCD TVs DVDs, etc and such things as Invacare Chairs and decorations for events through the year.

Other items include Aromatherapy Oils, items for Snoezelen trollies, kitchen equipment, raised garden beds for use by some residents, walkaway blinds, furniture and outdoor furniture settings etc.

All of the McDonald Nursing Home residents participate in Arts and Crafts Indoor Bowls, Bocche and other outdoor games, as well as movie matinees, café days in the recreation room.

The current committee is proud of a 300-metre cement path that was recently completed around the grounds for walks by residents and their families.

The path came about through fundraising, grants and a lot of hard effort and perserverance.

The path opening day on Thursday 8th September 2011 was the highlight of recent years with a variety of stalls of all types around the path and great support from the Community.

 

Oakey Flood Relief Concert (Community Event)

One night, several days after the January 12 2011 flood, Craig Commens was sitting at home, house still looking like a war zone, watching TV and chatting to people on Facebook. He started thinking: We need something to uplift the town and the people who have been the most effected by the flood”.

He suggested the idea of a fundraising concert and got a very good reaction from everyone, so thought “What the hell? Why not? Let’s give It a go”.

He contacted David Totenhoffer from the TRC the next morning and said “I need the Hall for a flood concert and I’m not paying for it.”

David suggested calling Justin Trig who was thinking of having a street party, so Craig and Justin got together to get the show on the road. From that point, a whole heap of organising was done in a very short time.

Haylie Briese made a Facebook event for the concert and lots of people shared it to help spread the word, within five minutes of it going on Facebook, Darlene Dougherty called to say that she wanted to be part of it and could get helpers and performers, likewise Andrew Langton joined the team on behalf of the Chamber of Commerce.

It was unbelievable how many people offered help in some way or another - Beef City and Oakey Abattoirs donated lots of meat, Homestyle donated bread.

Almost everything was donated, and people came from everywhere to either help or to watch the show.

The chefs and other workers from Spotless volunteered to handle all the food (Darlene may have twisted a few arms there though).

Megan Achilles, Alicia Sires, Jacob Bradford, The Traditional dance group, Darlene Dougherty  and Gary Pimm provided the entertainment, while George Elliot took care of the alcohol. A multi-draw raffle and auction was included in the day as well.

The organisers were hopeful of raising $10,000, but that was blown out of the water after Beef City donated $6700 and Rolls Royce donated $25,000.

The whole concert was way beyond anyone’s wildest dreams and it ended up netting $62,000, with another $8000 coming in soon after.

The end result was worth $70,000.

The proceeds were given to flood-affected families in the form of vouches to be spent in Oakey, to keep all the flood money in town and help the whole town.

It was refreshing to see so many people working together for a good cause, but I guess that’s what the Aussies Spirit is all about.

The whole thing was thrown together in 10 days and there are many people who helped who haven’t been mentioned here , but they know who they are and so do 500 people who were there for the day.

 

 

Pittsworth:
Pittsworth’s Australia Day celebrations were held at the Pittsworth Pioneer Village.

Local awards were presented to:

Citizen of the Year Award – Yvonne Cornford
Yvonne joined Mt Tyson Branch of the QCWA in 1952 and transferred to Pittsworth Branch in 1956.

In the late ‘60s, she was part of a group of young mothers that formed the Beauaraba QCWA and was president of this branch for three years, but on obtaining full-time work she dropped her membership until her retirement. In 2003, she re-joined Beauaraba Branch and held the position of treasurer for seven years and is the current president.

During 1961 to 1979 (the years her children were attending Pittsworth State School & High School), she was involved with fundraising ventures –fetes etc and held positions as president, treasurer and tuckshop convener at various times, with both school auxiliaries.

She was president of Girl Guides committee and coordinator for camps – functions etc.

During her 25 years working at Beef City, Yvonne was part of the group that formed The Beef City Social Club and was treasurer of this club at various times. Prior to retirement she had been in this position for seven years continually. This club organised trips – social functions and a children’s Christmas party each year for the workers. When the Union Members decided to form a Workers Emergency Fund, she was appointed secretary-treasurer and held this position for several years.

Yvonne was also secretary of the Pittsworth Rugby League Club for a period of eight years. At this time, she was the first woman to hold a position in any of the TRL clubs (commencing full-time work forced her to regrettably resign this position).

Yvonne began helping out at the kids at the Uniting Church of Australia club about 12 years ago. These children meet each week for devotions, craft, cooking, music and games and for children from all religious denominations. Following the then leader leaving to pursue other interests, Yvonne and some other women took over as leaders. Over the past eight years, they have organised the activities of this club with some help from some younger members of the community.

Following retirement from full-time employment Yvonne once again became involved in community volunteering, rejoining QCWA as a volunteer assistant cook for meals on wheels and continued as a KUCA Leader and joined the Pittsworth Lions Club.

She holds a position as elder in the Uniting Church and has been President of the Adult Fellowship for the past five years as well as a period of Zone President.

Yvonne is in her fourth year as treasurer of the Lions Club and has been awarded the District Governors “Excellence in service” award of the international association of Lions.

She is a committee member of Blue Care Auxiliary and has eight years behind her helping out at street stalls and catering at sales, etc. in the position of provider.

Young Citizen of the Year Award – Fraser McIntyre
Outstanding young citizens with a true social conscience and commitment to the local community are a rare occurrence in these modern times.

Fraser McIntyre is a fantastic young citizen who not only devotes endless hours of his own time to many worthwhile pursuits, but has the charisma to attract others to involve themselves as well.

Fraser has enjoyed an outstanding 2011 at Pittsworth State High School taking on the office of school vice-captain and prefect with diligence and pride.

He has portrayed a positive role model to younger students and led numerous initiatives throughout the school year.

Listed below are a sample of the activities and awards that recognise Fraser’s achievements throughout the year:

                Awards Night

• Citizenship award
• Elich Family and Lions public speaking award
• George Cain memorial vice-captain award
• Golden West Vocational Excellence award
• Subject award – Technology Studies

Representing Pittsworth State High School with distinction in the wider community, Fraser was the Department of Education and Training trainee of the Year Winner for the Darling Downs and South West Queensland in 2011 and went further to be a Queensland State Finalist.

In addition to this fantastic achievement, Fraser has been named as a State finalist for the Queensland Rural Industry training council Inc. in the following categories:

• Agricultural production Award
• Chairman’s Young Achiever Award;
• Yvon WIgley Scholarship

Both of these awards stress the importance of young educated people returning to rural areas and towns so as to allow the towns and rural communities in general to remain vibrant and progressive communities, an initiative close to Fraser’s heart.

In addition to the above notable awards, Fraser has received a Principal’s Recommendation for tertiary study at the University of Southern Queensland in 2012.

Despite all these outstanding commitments Fraser has made to Pittsworth State High School, he continues to contribute to the communities of Pittsworth and Mt. Tyson with focus and enthusiasm. He has devoted himself to a wide range of pursuits representing many varied organisations within the community including:

• Fundraising, administration and awareness campaigns for the DEBRA foundation
• Participant in the Crime prevention and Community Safety Workshop as a youth representative for the Toowoomba Regional Council.
• Foundation member of the Men’s team and 100+ game for the Pittsworth Vikings Soccer Club
• Youth leaders Forum
• Red Cross Youth Donor

Although the achievements and activities highlighted in this submission focus on the 2011 year, the plain fact is that to have such an outstanding year of leadership and success relies on the establishment of the reputation for hard work and strength of character over many years.

Fraser’s commitment to the Pittsworth State High School and surrounding communities is a credit to him and the inspiring young citizen he is.

Sports Award – Clint Berghofer
This young man has excelled on the judo mat, as well as on the football fields.

Clint started out as a very shy boy and has now developed into a strong, confident, well-mannered youth.

Clint commenced judo lessons in October, 2008 and began entering competitions in August, 2009 as a member of the Judo Federation of Australia, Qld (JFAQ).

He trains twice a week at the Pittsworth Judo Club under coach Sensei Robin Day, Craig and Trish Hindmarsh, travelling regularly to Brisbane as a member of the Qld state Judo Team, in preparation for the national Titles which were held in Perth on the June long week-end.

In 2011, Clint travelled west to Roma, east to Brisbane and Gold Coast, North to Sunshine Coast, south to Lismore and further west to Perth.

In total he has gained seven gold trophies, five silver medals and a bronze medal at the Nationals, fighting judokas (judo players) from interstate teams.

Tiffany Day, who competed at Beijing Olympics in Judo and is held in the highest respect for Clint, has assisted him with training and is there to support him wherever possible.

In his first year, Clint picked up the annual trophy for Most Improved Judoka, in 2010 Best technique Award.

In 2011, Clint was awarded Perpetual Trophy for Judoka (player) of the year.

On the football field, Clint enjoys playing rugby league for the Pittsworth Danes.

He started playing aged 5 in the Under 7 club competition, has played every season since and loves the team immensely.

Now having just completed the 2011 season with under 10’s, he was awarded the perpetual trophy for Best and Fairest.

Clint has accumulated many weekly awards for Best Defensive Player and Player of the Week.

At a representative level, Clint played in the U10’s Zone 4 development team, competing against Roma, Ipswich and Shane Webcke carnival in Brisbane where he earned Best Tackler Award.

Aside from football and judo, Clint enjoys participating in school sports, including swimming and athletics.

Honour comes from doing your best, not being the best.

Cultural Award – Lachlan James Wheeldon
Lachlan Wheeldon can mesmerise a packed auditorium when he so proficiently plays the piano.

He can bring a tear to the eyes of the sombre groups gathered for ANZAC Day when he plays the Last Post as the sun rises and he can make us tap our feet and feel like dancing when he plucks the strings on his guitar playing a piece of rock music.

Lachlan Wheeldon is a most talented young musician and fortunately for the Pittsworth community in general, Lachlan is more than willing to share his musical talent with so many people in so many ways.

It is for Lachlan’s musical talent (but also his willingness to share this talent and foster it in others) that he is worthy of this nomination for the Australia Day Cultural Award.

Lachlan has grown up in a home where music is an integral part of who they are.

He has always been encouraged to perform music for his own enjoyment and for the enjoyment of others – music has not just been about performing for points at an eisteddfod, it is indeed a real cultural part of who he is.

In the last 12 months, Lachlan has performed and entertained the audiences at:

• Musicfest in Brisbane
• Toowoomba Eisteddfod
• Spring TYME an Education QLD initiative held in 2011 at USQ
• Pittsworth High School Music Recital
• As a member of Black Inc. the Pittsworth Community Band
• Performances with his family band for the Senior Citizens, Happy Wanderers and Beauaraba Lodge
• Performances of Christmas Carols at St Stephen’s Catholic Church
• Performances at St. Andrews Anglican Church spring concert

His continued support of the local ANZAC Day marches and commemorative services is greatly appreciated by the community and many people have been visibly stirred by Lachlan’s playing of the Last Post at ANZAC services since 2005, and particularly the past two year at the Dawn Service.

Lachlan has matched his cultural pursuits in the broader community with a wide range of cultural and academic awards from the High School.

Lachlan, who was a very deserved and inspiring music captain in 2011, was awarded four subject excellence awards, a Cultural award, an Academic excellence award and a Music Achievement award at the school’s Awards Night held in November.

He is recognised by both his peers and staff at the school as being culturally accomplished, and is a positive role model for younger students in the cultural areas.

His confident and enthusiastic approach to cultural activities has made him an integral part of the school cultural programmes, and he will be very much missed in 2012.

In the mould of the true Australian Character, Lachlan is a quiet achiever who does what he does without need for fuss or fanfare and this contributes to the very accomplished and likable young man he is.

Community Group/Event Award – Ride for Rural Kids
Sunday, November 23 saw the Pittsworth community host the 2011 “RIDE FOR RURAL KIDS” fundraising event.

Pittsworth was the first leg of this event where sponsored bike riders travelled on to Dalby and eventually to Emerald.

Hundreds of locals and some from outside the district turned up to support this worthy cause and to turn it into one of the largest morning events ever held in Pittsworth.

Local TRC distributor, Rob and Annabelle Raff, were the local Organisers and sponsors of the Family Run Breakfast in Centenary Park.

The presence of Ronald McDonald was a big hit, with the children’s decorated bike competition one of the morning’s highlights. Organisers were blown away by the level of response with around 150 bikes and eager owners presenting an unenviable job for the judges.

Emma Freedman from the Channel 9 Today show did live half-hourly weather crosses from the park - giving the community great exposure.

The Broxburn Music Club entertained the crowd, and Lee Kernaghan, the popular Country and Western music singer was a huge drawcard.

Pittsworth State School students sang their new school song “Pittsworth United as One”.

Catering was supplied by Café crème, the Cook’s soft drink van which was named by the Junior Rugby League Club, and the Pittsworth Rotarians who had possibly their biggest barbecue with long queues of customers lining up for the Family Fun Breakfast.

This enormous support by the Pittsworth District allowed these catering outlets to donate more than $15,000 for the Ronald McDonald House Charities – a wonderful concept to aid very sick and terminally ill children.

In all, this event displayed the great community spirit of Pittsworth and District when it comes to supporting a great cause.

Organisers and sponsors also showed great faith in the Pittsworth community by holding such an event.

 

 

Toowoomba:
Unfortunately, Toowoomba’s Australia Day outdoor celebrations were cancelled but award presentations were still held at City Hall.

Local awards were presented to:

Citizen of the Year Award – Shane McDonald
Shane was raised in the inner Brisbane suburb of Woolloongabba and was the only son of a dad who drove a trucks for the Works Department.

Life was never an easy affair for a lad who never knew his mum and Woolloongabba was certainly not the desirable place to live in that it is today.

Shane left school before graduation to help the household expenses, however, always wanted to be more than just a worker. When her later met and married his wife Lyn, he decided that he wanted to do something, be something more, someone his children would be proud of.

Shane subsequently returned to night school and obtained his High School Certificate and OP, which in turn allowed him to obtain a position at QUIT to study Law. Since that time Shane has forged ahead in his career, but he has never forgotten the hard times or stopped appreciating how truly lucky he has been and still is.

Shane did not sit down one day and just decide to try and help other less fortunate, he is by nature a very generous and compassionate man. Shane was evolved and continues to evolve into what we would wish all our citizens could be.

Shane’s service to the community really got underway when he joined the Apex club of Gatton he came the President of the Gatton Club within two years of joining Apex, it was a position that he filled with both pride and a firm determination to make a difference.

Shane has never been one to simply warm the seat and was (and is) always willing to show the way.

In 2003, Shane took up the position of District Governor for Apex, his efforts during his term stood him in such good standing with his fellow Apexian’s that in 2004 Shane became the Queensland Vice President.

Apex’s 75th birthday saw Shane as State President, during that year and the two prior, Shane travelled tirelessly to every club and event he could humanly attend.

The proof of Shane’s overwhelmingly praiseworthy performance is attested by the truly remarkable letters of recommendation that were put forward when he was recently awarded life Membership of the Apex Club of Toowoomba.

Shane may recently have retired as an active Apex member, but he still puts in the hours week in and week out, he is only ever a telephone away from helping.

Shane is currently spending a lot of time and resources in helping the local residents participating in the Grantham Land Swap by providing all the professional fees in relation to the conveyancing  of the land swap for free, along with legal advice in relation to other issues including insurance disputes.

Shane has recently joined the Board of Directors for Lifeline Darling Downs; it is his desire to continue his commitment to helping under-privileged and disadvantaged with Lifeline.

Shane’s firm MacDonald Law carries a significant number of Pro Bono cases; these include or have included major crime appeal matters, crime, family law matters and estate matters.

Shane’s commitment to helping others in the community is quiet diverse, he gives his legal expertise free of charge to those in need, he will cook steaks and sausages for charity even though he is a vegetarian, paint buildings, build playgrounds, shovel mud and remove debris, become a furniture removalist when the need arises, coordinate events for charity or to help our communities children - you name it and he will give it a go if it is to help someone in need.

Shane is a role model to everyone who meets him. He is what we would want all our citizens to be – compassionate, considerate, altruistic, a person that you know will always be there to help you when you are in need.

Young Citizen of the Year Award – Hannah Nugent
Hannah Nugent is just 14 years old, but an exceptionally talented young clarinettist, who has made significant contributions to The Arts at Fairholme College.

Her proficiency was identified at the age of 10, and she was invited to join the Senior Concert Band at Fairholme College.

The Senior Concert Band is usually reserved for more mature, experienced, Senior musicians, but Hannah accepted this challenge and has been playing with the Band for the last four years.

A large proportion of the time Hannah dedicates to the Arts is devoted to voluntary performances.

She has been involved in performances for the elderly at nursing Homes, Junior School Assemblies, Mayoral School Achievement Awards ceremonies, an Assembly to Farewell the Fairholme School Principal, and many church services.

Hannah has performed at the annual Fairholme Spring Fair for the last five years, White Ribbon Day, Presbyterian Assembly Rallies, Art presentation Evenings, Kaleidoscope of the Arts Evenings, Sydney Tour Farewell Concerts and End of Year Award Ceremonies.

She also plays the clarinet for the Children’s Christmas church services at St Thomas Mores Church each year. Hannah has shown incredible commitment, leadership and dedication to The Arts despite a vast array of other Academic, Sporting and community commitments.

Her dedication this year is demonstrated by her participation in the three-day Fairholme Music Camp at the QLD Conference and Camping Centre in Mapleton.

She also participates in the QLD Symphony Orchestra Musical Workshop with Principal Clarinet-Irit Silver in February, and the Fairholme college Choir Workshops in February, April, and June.

Hannah participated in the Fairholme College Choir five-day Tour to Sydney where they performed “Mass of the Children” at the Sydney Opera House.

Hannah demonstrates her leadership ability by helping her peers with musical problems they may be experiencing, and taking on leadership positions at her school, where she is currently Middle School Leader of Teaching and Learning.

This role comes with many opportunities for Hannah to lead assemblies and to fundraise within the school, which Hannah thoroughly enjoys doing.

Not only is Hannah dedicated to performing on the clarinet, but she is also proficient on the piano.

Hannah has had personal achievements outside of the arts.

She was DUX in 2010 for Year 8 at Fairholme College, awarded Proxime Accessit in 2009, awarded “The Wendy Grubb Award for Consistent Academic effort” in 2008, and was successful in her application for a student Exchange Programme to Samuel Marsden Collegiate School in Wellington, New Zealand in March 2011.

Hannah won a gold medal for English in the international competition and Assessments for Schools (ICAS)in 2005 and 2006, attended a GERRIC Scientia Challenge extension Program for Gifted children at University of NSW, and completed a course on Experimental Fiction in 2010.

She received a Young Achiever Award in 2010 and 2011 for Australian Unity Bryan Kelleher Literacy Awards, and has had numerous pieces of poetry and writing published in books and magazines.

Hannah has also excelled in gymnastics, swimming and ballet for a number of years.

Hannah demonstrates dedication, motivation and spirit far beyond her years. She has an incredible attitude to all she is involved in. Her tireless efforts and focused determination drive her to always do her best, despite tiredness and frustration she continues on.

Whether she wins or loses, she accepts this graciously. When she loses she takes it in her stride, working towards improving her skills, rather than being crushed by defeat.

When she does experience success, rather than comparing scores with her peers, she is humble about her achievements with respect for others. Whether it is a cultural endeavour, an academic pursuit, community based projects or sporting challenge, Hannah takes on the responsibility to extend her talents, and commit herself to pursuit of excellence in all that she does.

She is incredibly self-motivated and works independently to get her job done.

Hannah displays respect, not only for her peers, but for her teachers, coaches, parents and family. She displays common-sense and maturity far beyond her 14 years. She is able to coherently express herself, and shows confidence in all she does.

Her unwavering determination serves to encourage other, and inspire them to take positive action with their own lives. She is an inspiring young Australian who exemplifies the potential of her generation.

A few of the personal qualities which make Hannah inspirational is persistence, she never gives up trying, her self discipline and integrity.

She is creative, energetic and innovative in all she does. She is conscientious, well organised, dedicated to any task she sets her mind to and enjoys a challenge.

She is able to get along with others, is articulate, calm and hard working. I believe she is a wonderful role model to other students. She is willing to take on leadership roles, and through her behaviour and interactions with others, aims to be a positive reflection for her school.

Fairholme College has requested Hannah as a school representative on many occasions and Hannah has gladly fulfilled these roles.

She possesses vitality, a passion for life and the belief that women are able to achieve anything they set their minds to.

She was recently awarded the “Best of the West, Go West Secondary School Student award for Mathematics” from the University of Queensland. This award recognises female students who are excelling in subject areas which are traditionally male dominated.

She is focused on personal growth, has a zest for voluntary participation, and is always dedicated to the pursuit of excellence.

Above all else she is immensely grateful for all she has been able to achieve and the opportunities she has been given.

Sports Award – No award given

Cultural Award – Elaine Coates
To everything she does Elaine brings passion and dedication.

She has an insatiable curiosity about the world and its people and a strong interest in helping individuals to maximise their potential through music.

Elaine has sung all her life – solos, duets with her sister, and in choirs at school and university.

She had her first conducting experience while still at high school and found the experience gave her great joy and satisfaction.

After several past lives as University student, mother, operator of an isolated family beef property, School of the Air home supervisor and business manager, she moved to Toowoomba and was able to reconnect with her early love of singing and acting.

Her abilities as teacher, chorister and musical director have seen many of the regions singers and choirs blossom under her careful tuition.

A member of the Toowoomba Vocal Ensemble since its formation and its musical director since 2011, Elaine had guided this polished group from strength to strength.

Under her direction they have been highly successful at Eisteddfods and have had various invitations to perform publicly both as artist support groups and with other very well regarded choirs.

The Toowoomba Vocal Ensemble were also successful in reaching the Queensland semi-finals of ABC Classic FMs Choir of the Year inaugural “sing out” competition in 2006.

They performed as onstage chorus for Opera Queensland’s performance at the Empire Theatre in Toowoomba and have been the supporting act for a number of performer for their shows in Toowoomba.

Elaine was invited to reform the University of the Third Age Chamber Choir in 2005 after it had lapsed.

Under her guidance and direction, this group has grown from a handful of eight or nine singers to a strong choir of nearly 30. As well as singing for their own enjoyment, this group has become a performing choir under Elaine’s baton, appearing at a variety of Christmas events (e.g. Christmas Tree Festival @ St Luke’s and the Lions Christmas lights in Queens Park) as well as other events throughout the year.

The Women in Harmony Multicultural Choir was formed in 2006 with a grant from the Federal Department of Migration and ethnic affairs.

Elaine was invited to take on the role of Musical director.

She began a journey, which continues to this day to devise ways in which to merge such a diverse group of women, into a cohesive singing group – each individual having respect and acknowledgement of their sisters unique contribution to the choir.

When the grant period concluded in January 2007, the choir members (with the support from Elaine), elected to continue and become and incorporated body.

A committee was elected and Elaine was invited to continue as musical director, a position she retains to the present day.

Women in Harmony has become well known in the region as a performing choir with cultural understanding and friendship as its mantra.

In 2011, under Elaine’s guidance, the choir was selected as a Queensland Multicultural Award Winning Finalist and was highly commended at the award ceremony in Brisbane.

In August of that same year on Elaine’s instigation, the choir hosted their sister choir “Women in Harmony Christchurch” for a weekend of song and friendship – a healing time after the tragic January earthquakes saw many of them lose their homes and some, their friends.

When the Toowoomba Philharmonics Society produced “South Pacific” in 2004 the organising committee invited Guiseppe Sorbello to be guest Musical Director. He in turn invited Elaine to work with him in the project as his assistant director.

Elaine’s performing roles have included both Principal and Chorus parts in Toowoomba Choral Society, Empire Theatre and repertory Theatre productions.

She has been backstage crew member and dome operator at the Empire Theatre for Choral and Philharmonic Society shows, and assistant fly operator at City Hall.

She produced, directed and was musical director of the Chamber Opera, “Carolaine” in Toowoomba at Charol Hall in 1998. She directed “Nunsense II” (2004) and Meshugga Nuns (2007), two sell-out musicals for Repertory as well as a number of straight plays. She has also played lead and support roles in a number of other Pepertory theatre productions.

Elaine was instrumental in setting up and coordinating The Performer’ Club Inc., a Venue designed to provide performance experience for students of music, dance, speech, and drama.

For six years, Elaine taught singing to actors in the theatre department at the University of Southern Queensland.

She was, during this time, musical director for several of their productions including “Androcles and the Lion”, “Grapes of Wrath” and “Man from Muckinupin” as well as directing music theatre mini scenes for students performance assessment.

After being a member for the Toowoomba Eisteddfod Association for 20 years, Elaine stepped up to the Presidency in 2010 when a lack of contenders for this key position threatened the demise of the annual event.

Her aim over her three-year tenure is to ensure continuity of the committee by producing a comprehensive dossier of the administrative load will make the positions more attractive and thus more easily filled in the future.

Elaine also maintains a busy teaching schedule at her private studio in Toowoomba with students of all ages from primary school to more mature adults.

As part of her teaching repertoire she holds regular “master Class” sessions where her students are able to perform and have their efforts constructively critiqued by both herself and fellow students. Her students are gently encouraged to push their boundaries and grow in their music craft by performing at eisteddfod, auditioning and performing in shows, and sitting for music exams.

In 2010 Elaine applied for and won a grant from the regional Arts Development Fund to Finance the organisation and direction of an inaugural, “Sing from Scratch” performance of Schubert’s Mass. Her motivation behind this was to offer choirs, choristers, soloists and regular citizens the opportunity to be part of this unique event without having to travel as far afield as Brisbane or Sydney for the experience. Over 90 choristers attended this exceptionally successful one day event which she intends to repeat in 2012.

Eliane has directed and sung in choirs at St Luke’s Christmas Tree Festival for the last few years and in 2010 was approached by the organisers and asked to plan and direct an inaugural finale event for the festival in 2011.

Although Elaine’s core business is as a teacher of singing, a very large proportion of what she does through her involvement in societies, choirs and the community bring no financial recompense. Those of who have been privileged to work, play or sing with Elaine admire her warm and selfless personality, her skill and endless patience as a teacher, her prodigious work output as a volunteer and her outstanding contribution to the rich cultural tapestry of our region.

Her talent as well as her unfailing ability to remain calm under duress and adversity have endeared her to many.

As a member of women in Harmony Inc. I have the pleasure of nominating Elaine Coates as a richly deserving candidate for a Toowoomba Regional Council 2012 Australia Day Award.

Community Group/Event Award – Wilsonton Community Carols
For the past 13 years, Wilsonton Community Carols has been a huge part of Christmas Cheer for the young and old - an event that people all over the City look forward to and attend on the last Friday before Christmas.

With four hours of family fun, Santa, bands, music, rides and fireworks each year, it continues to grow in popularity (even securing town crier Ralph Cockle for the past five years.

The community carols is now in its 13th year, having started in 1990 and has grown to the point of being moved to a larger venue at the McGregor Street Oval.

Thanks to generous sponsors, the event now has a budget of more than $10,000 and plays host to more than 2000 attendees.

Organisers are hoping for that number to grow to 4000 in 2012.

 

 

Yarraman:
Yarraman’s Australia Day celebrations were held at the Memorial hall, Browne Street.

Local awards were presented to:

Citizen of the Year Award – Jeffrey Thomson
Jeff and his wife Katrina have lived and worked in Yarraman most of their lives with Jetson Engineering being their business.

Even though the business was hit hard in the January floods, Jeff has been firmly committed to helping in the Yarraman Community.

Jeff is a member of the Yarraman Community Council, and was instrumental in helping to make the “Colours of Yarraman” the success it was.

Jeff spent a Sunday helping the Progress Association paint the old shed in the Errol Munt Reserve and also helped with the Yarraman Christmas Carols.

Nothing is too much trouble for Jeff, and he is heartily endorsed as a worthy recipient of the Yarraman Citizen of the Year award.

Young Citizen of the Year Award – Eden Farrar
Eden has recently completed Year 10 at Yarraman State School and is an indigenous student who has been the Indigenous leader in 2011.

Eden has frequently volunteered for the following events:

• ANZAC Day Parade – prayer reader/wreath layer
• Remembrance Day – Prayer reader/wreath layer
• School functions – MC various formal assembles
• Volunteer during holidays to work with primary students (both Yarraman S.S and Blackbutt S.S)
• Role model to younger Indigenous students

Eden is a very polite and trustworthy young lady. She works well with all members of the school community and strives to be a role model for the younger students at this school.

Eden is involved in a number of community events including ANZAC Day – Remembrance Day – Colours of Yarraman – Christmas Carols etc.

Sports Award – Lorraine Holmes
Lorraine has been playing bowls for a number of years and is a strong representative in all club activities. She also travels to many away clubs including Gayndah, Tansey, Toowoomba and Toogoolawah to name a few.

In club competition in 2011 she won the singles, pairs, triples and mixed trifles.

This was an outstanding achievement and Lorraine went on to represent Yarraman at district level in singles and pairs.

Cultural Award – Yarraman Community Council Inc (Colours of Yarraman)
The Colours of Yarraman is an annual festival in Yarraman designed to encourage the residents of this town to take a more active interest in their locale.

It’s a chance to link up with other residents and organisations in promoting a stronger interest in the beautification of their town and district and to expose through art and photography the natural beauty of this part of the South Burnett.

Most of all, it’s getting the various clubs and organisations working together.

The Colours of Yarraman is still in its infancy, this year being only its second year of conduct.

The body responsible for getting a committee working on the project was the Yarraman Community Council.

The 2011 Colours of Yarraman committee was formed and at an early meeting drafted a program.

The emphasis on the program was a garden competition, an art competition and a photography competition incorporating digital art.

There was to be a social side to the program which included a dinner dance to support the Art and Photography Shows and a breakfast in the park to support the announcement of Garden Competition winners.
A popular local band was booked for the Dinner Dance which attracted an attendance of more than 120 guests.

Popular ABC breakfast program presenter David Illiffe was mc for the Friday night Art Show function and was guest on the mike for the Garden Competition Awards presentation.

The Toowoomba Regional Council gave huge support to the weekend festival and local Council workmen did a great job in presenting the streets and gardens in a mini “Carnival of Flowers” type condition. TRC admin staff and councillors supported the organising Committee in so many ways.

When you take into consideration the massive damage done earlier in the year to the infrastructure of homes and business houses, credit is well and truly due to all concerned for the success of a brilliant 2011 Colours of Yarraman Festival.

Community Group/Event Award – Yarraman Bowls Club Inc (Rosalie Fours Bowls Carnival)
The Rosalie Four Bowls Carnival commenced in 2006 and today teams come from as far away as Kallangur, Mitchell, Tenterfield, Bribie Island, Toowoomba and Kingsthorpe, as well as the local clubs.

The event hosts a full green of 16 teams (four bowlers in each team) with five games played over two days and all meals included.

The visitors take advantage of the hospitality of the motels, hotels, caravan park and private homes - all supporting the local businesses, who in turn support the bowls club with Sponsorship.

A pig-on-the-spit with entertainment is held on the Saturday night (also open to the public) and breakfast Sunday morning.

Many long hours are spent organising this event each year - involving many volunteers - so a Community Group event award would serve as a big thank you for those efforts.