Australia Day Award Winners Announced

On Sunday, 26 January, The Burdekin Shire Council announced their Australia Day Award winners in front of a near full house at the Burdekin Theatre. The event, which was also open to the public, celebrated the achievements of many individuals and organisations, who have all benefitted the Burdekin in one form or another through significant contributions.

All the honourees, special guests, friends and family, waited in the foyer as the Burdekin Brass Band belted out beautiful tune after beautiful tune, before all made their way into the auditorium.

Once the flag presentation ceremony was done by the Air Force cadets, young talent, Alaya Magic, sang the national anthem, before Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort opened proceedings with the Australian Citizenship ceremony. The Burdekin welcomed five new Aussies into the fold, each presented with their certificates and swearing their oaths.

The Mayor then handed over to special guest, Australia Day Ambassador, Dr. Bob McGregor, who spoke of his own journey as an Australian, regaling those in attendance with keen observations as well as a funny story on how he met his wife.

Then the moment arrived – announcing the names of the Australia Day Award winners.

Junior Sportsperson of the Year went to Ashlee Colls, while the Senior Sportsperson of the Year was tied, with both Jennifer Fotinos and Kristy Wassmuth unable to be split.

Next came the Junior Cultural Award, awarded to popular, Jacob Machin, who would also go on to nab the Young Citizen of the Year Achievement Award as well. Community Event of the Year Achievement Award went to the 2024 Burdekin Water Festival’s 'Bring It Back’, while Community Event of the Year was taken out by Giru State School for their ‘100 Year Fete’.

Volunteer of the Year Achievement Award, was taken out by Mark Vass, with Volunteer of the Year be awarded to the Lawry family (Ben, Kellie, and Bella Lawry) for their tireless efforts at Alva Surf Lifesaving Club.

Lifetime of Service Silver Awards were handed out to: Joan Andersen, Shirley Gilmore, and Linda Scott. With Lifetime of Service Gold Awards being given to: Betty Durrant and Gwen Marshall.

Finally, after much applause for the worthy recipients, the big one – Citizen of the Year. Nicole Cervoni won the Young Citizen of the Year for actively promoting and participating in Arts events, including choir, vocal groups, drama performances, art exhibitions, and musicals, along with youth council.

Lastly, a surprised and very humble, Scott McLean, took out the main gong, winning Citizen of the Year. Scott, who has been a dedicated volunteer coach at Rock Solid Boxing Club in Home Hill, where he regularly travels across Queensland for tournaments and has been instrumental in NQ Games and Queensland Titles, mentors youth and adults. He proved a popular and worthy winner.

Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort closed proceedings before the crowd went out to celebrate with the winners and nominees, to enjoy a bit of Australia Day cake and recognition.

Well done and congratulations to all winners, nominees, and all special guests and attendees on the day, for making this year’s 2025 Australia Day Awards one to remember!

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2025 Australia Day Award winners and nominees, on stage celebrating so many achievements in the community. Photo credit: Mark T. Rasmussen

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