Current Award Recipients

Australia Day celebrations were heldat the Burdekin Theatreon Sunday 26th January 2025where residents were recognised for the their community spirit. The Burdekin Shire Council Australia Day Awards recognise members of our community who have made an outstanding contribution to the community, and for exceptional achievement in many areas.

(show below)

Citizen of the Year

(show below)

Nominees – Paula Dowson, Ben Lawry, Kellie Lawry, Gwen Marshall, Scott McLean, Mary Pattinson and Lawrence Polga

The 2025 Citizen of the Year is Scott McLean

Scott has been volunteering over 6 hours of his time every week, over 3 nights in addition to many weekends to coach youth and adults at the Rock Solid Boxing Club in Home Hill since its establishment in 2010.
This is a commitment of over 6 hours of his time every week over the past 14 years.
He regularly travels all over Queensland for tournaments and has participated in many NQ Games and Queensland Titles.
In 2024 Scott was selected as Queensland Team Manager for the Sunstate Amateur Boxing League team who travelled to the Australian Amateur Boxing League National Titles in Gosford New South Wales. He represented Queensland at meetings, the draw and throughout the tournament as a key spokesperson.
Scott has coached three boxers at the tournament over the past years as well as attending Nationals on at least 7 occasions.
Beyond his role as a boxing coach, Scott McLean fosters a sense of family among his students, instilling in them discipline, respect, and life lessons … while his unwavering belief in their potential strengthens their connection and personal growth. The deep admiration his students have for him is a testament to the positive impact he has on their lives, guiding those who are often troubled toward positive transformations and helping them find direction both inside and outside the ring.
Scott’s application was supported by over 10 letters of endorsement, a powerful testament to the profound impact he has had on those around him, highlighting the lasting positive influence he continues to have in the Burdekin community.

Scott, Congratulations on being awarded Citizen of the Year!

Each year the Citizen of the Year is awarded a piece of art. This year Scott is being presented with a framed aerial photograph of our iconic Burdekin Bridge which was taken by Mark McDonald of Burdekin Drones.

(show below)

Young Citizen of the Year

(show below)

Young Citizen of the Year Achievement Award

(show below)

Community Event of the Year

(show below)

Nominees:

2024 Burdekin Water Festival - Bring It Back – represented by Eusebio Aguirre, Colleen Harris and Kari Ravizza
2024 End of Harvest Golf Classic – represented by Ben Smith
Giru State School 100yr Celebration Fete – represented by Jenna Koppen, Corin Widderick and Principal Jenny Lund
2024 Home Hill Harvest Festival Street Party and Grand Parade – represented by Mark Vass
Home Hill Cricket Association 2024 Canefield Ashes – represented by Doug McCubben and Tiffany Olditch

The 2025 Community Event of the Year Award presented to Giru State School for their 100 Year Celebration Fete. This award will be accepted by Jenna Koppen, Corin Widderick and Principal Jenny Lund.

The Giru State School P&C Association hosted the 100 Year Fete, as part of the school’s centenary celebrations. The event featured a wide range of activities. In addition, Wilmar Sugar graciously conducted mill tours throughout the afternoon. These tours proved to be incredibly popular, leading to the addition of extra sessions.

A standout feature of the event was the introduction of the ‘Giruvian Challenge’, which saw four participants racing through various activities for the chance to win a $500 cash prize. The activities included cutting cane, rolling fluming, casting a lure, wheelbarrows and hay bales. This challenge was particularly well-received by adult participants and quickly became one of the highlights of the day.

The success of this event has had a significant impact on the school. It has allowed them to achieve several important milestones, including upgrading two classrooms, sending students on school camp, and installing a 100-year memorial. In addition, the event will continue to fund future activities and resources.

The event also provided an opportunity to bring the Giru community together. The Giru Progress Association ran the bar, contributing to the welcoming atmosphere of the event. Local community groups, including sports clubs, CWA, daycare and Fire Brigade were invited to host their own stalls, which were well-received by attendees.

The event allowed these groups to fundraise, benefiting both their organisations and the wider Giru community. With the generous support of the event by locals, sponsors, and volunteer hours the event raised an impressive $29,400.

Above all, the event provided immense joy and engagement for their students, who enthusiastically participated in all aspects of the day. This event has truly demonstrated the power of community involvement and its ability to create lasting benefits for both the school and the Giru community.

Congratulations to all involved in the Giru State School 100-year Celebration Fete!

(show below)

Community Event of the Year Achievement Award

(show below)

The 2025 Community Event of the Year ACHIEVEMENT AWARD is presented to the "Bring it Back" 2024 Burdekin Water Festival Committee. This award will be accepted by committee members Eusebio Aguirre, Colleen Harris and Kari Ravizza.

After a few year’ hiatus, the 2024 Burdekin Water Festival Committee took on the monumental task of “Bringing Back” the festival, a feat that required a tremendous commitment of time, effort and resources. Starting from scratch, a new and enthusiastic group of volunteers faced an overwhelming workload to co-ordinate a program of events in a very short time.

In a few short months, the committee successfully hosted several key events, including the Community Launch and Festival Fashion Parade, the Long Lunch and Senior Ambassador Crowning, the Grand Parade, Mardi Gras and Junior Crowning. The 7 Junior and 7 Senior ambassadors also held their own community events, providing opportunities for locals and visitors alike to experience all that the Burdekin has to offer. These events gave the ambassadors invaluable opportunities to develop essential skills in public speaking and personal growth.

The highlight was undoubtedly the Queensland Country Bank Burdekin Water Festival Grand Parade and Mardi Gras. This free event drew a huge crowd, with more than 40 entries for the parade from local clubs, organisations, schools, businesses, and sporting groups all parading down Queen Street. The “Bring it Back” initiative created a warm and inclusive atmosphere, as the festival program embraced the entire community. Their Facebook page became a hub for nostalgia, sharing hundreds of photos of past events, including the inaugural festival in 1958. These posts garnered over 15,000 public engagements, sparking a wave of memories and connections as people shared their own personal festival photos and stories.

Despite the challenges, unwavering dedication and tireless work ensured the festival’s return, securing its place on the community calendar for many years to come.

Congratulations to all involved in the 2024 Burdekin Water Festival.

(show below)

Volunteer of the Year

(show below)

Nominees - Flexi Queensland Board of Directors, Ben Lawry, Kellie Lawry, Bella Lawry, Inez Larsen, Scott McLean, Mary Pattinson and Mark Vass

The 2025 Volunteer of the Year is awarded to BEN, KELLIE and BELLA LAWRY in recognition of their outstanding contribution to the community through their volunteer work in 2024.

Today, we are proud to honour these three incredible individuals … a dedicated father, mother, and daughter, whose selfless commitment and tireless work at the Ayr Surf Lifesavers Club have made a lasting impact on our community. Together, they embody the spirit of volunteerism, and it’s with great pride that we present them with the Volunteer of the Year award.

Ben Lawry

Ben Lawry is the current Ayr Surf Lifesaving Club President, a role he has held for 3 seasons after serving as Vice President for 2. Ben is also the President of the North Barrier Branch.
He patrols, coaches nippers, officiates at carnivals, packs trailers, cleans the clubhouse, mows the grounds and is heavily involved in organising and running of fundraising and youth development activities.
He conducted 104 patrols hours last season, taking on additional patrols to lessen the burden on fellow club members
Awarded Ayr Surf Club Lifesaver of the Year
Awarded North Barrier Branch Lifesaver of the Year
Nominee at Surf Life Saving Queensland Awards of Excellence for State Lifesaver of the Year

Kellie Lawry

Kellie is the Ayr Surf Life Savers Club Junior Activities Coordinator, Registrar, Team Manager, Social Media Officer, Clothing Officer, Club Photographer, ‘unofficial’ Fundraising Coordinator and Patrol Captain of her patrol group.
She performs patrolling, coordinates and coaches nippers.
Is responsible for registration of all teams to various carnivals ensuring teams are chosen based on merit.
Arranges social media posts to keep club and community informed on club operations and provides weekly news stories to Burdekin Life.
Takes photos at every carnival, editing and uploading to social media.
Organises clothing orders ensuring club members look their best
Coordinates and also volunteers for all fundraising activities including raffles, and major event for the year “Take The Floor” which raised over $11,000.00 for their club.
Awarded Ayr Surf Clubs Contribution to Surf Rescue Award
Awarded Ayr Surf Club’s Member for Outstanding Services
Awarded North Barrier Branch Volunteer of the Year 2023/24

Bella Lawry

At only 14 years old, Bella has already been a member of the Ayr Surf Club for 8 years.
Was Junior Club Captain and an outstanding role model for all nippers
Provided water Safety at weekly nipper training and carnival warm-ups
Assisted with Green Caps and was an assistant leader at Camp Alva
Volunteered at numerous fundraising events, volunteered at The Norm Perry Rotary Duck Race, assisted with Chaplains breakfast at Ayr State High School and School Council and Interact fundraising events.
Helps to run the canteen at Burdekin Touch Association and Burdekin Netball Association as well as working in their office. Also umpires weekly fixtures for younger age groups and assists with Coaching Net-Set-Go.
Gained her Surf Resue Certificate and completed 152 Patrol Hours during her first patrolling season and volunteered for additional patrols including Christmas Day. This earnt her Most Efficient Patrolling Member.
Awarded Ayr Surf Club U14 Junior Lifesaver of the Year and received Long Service Award
Awarded Ayr Surf Club Most Efficient Patrolling Member with 152 Patrol hours, attended every rostered patrol and volunteered for more. Achieved most hours with more than 50 hours more than her closest counterpart
Member of Patrol Group of the Year
Awarded North Barrier Branch U14 Junior Lifesaver of the Year
Nominee at Surf Life Saving Queensland Awards night U14 Junior Lifesaver of the Year and received a special mention for her commitment to the lifesaving movement.

Congratulations Ben, Kellie and Bella!

(show below)

Volunteer of the Year Achievement Award

(show below)

Junior Cultural Award

(show below)

Senior Sportsperson of the Year

(show below)

This year, the judges were incredibly impressed with the calibre of our Senior nominees who, after much deliberation could not be split!!

The first of the 2025 Senior Sportsperson of the Year Awards is presented to JENNIFER FOTINOS.

Jennifer is a dedicated sportswoman who excels in Futsal and Boxing.
Jennifer was selected in Football Queensland’s state team travelling to the Gold Coast in January 2024, where she competed at the Australian Futsal Titles in the Senior Division.
Jennifer also competed at the 2024 National Futsal Championships in Sydney where she represented North Queensland in the Open Women’s division and progressed to the quarter finals.
Currently a student at JCU, Jennifer travelled to Canberra in September to compete at the Unisport Nationals for Futsal, competing against 12 teams across the country they were crowned silver medalists.
Having been selected for AFA's Australian Under 19 Women's Futsal Team in 2022, which was interrupted by COVID restrictions the opportunity to compete internationally was especially meaningful when Jennifer once again earnt a prestigious spot on Australia’s Youth Women’s Futsal Team which competed in the UK in November.
Jennifers journey in boxing began when she joined her local boxing Club, Rock Solid just two years ago. After an impressive performance at the Queensland Titles in Townsville, Jennifer was selected for the Queensland Team to compete at the Australian Amateur Boxing Titles in Sydney. Her rapid progress is in the sport is a remarkable achievement. Unfortunately, Jennifer was unable to compete at the Australian Titles due to her futsal commitments in the UK.
Jennifer's dedication and skill has earnt her a place among Australia's top youth athletes, and she is eager to make the most of the incredible opportunities her chosen sports have given her.

Congratulations Jennifer!

The second of the 2025 Sportsperson of the Year Award is presented to KRISTY WASSMUTH.

Kristy is not only a Mum of two girls who also runs a local business with her husband, but also an impressive Sportsperson.
As a seasoned swimmer, Kristy competed in two 2 kilometre Townsville Open Water Swimming Association swims placing third and tenth in the open category made up of male and females.
Kristy aimed to compete in as many events at carnivals as she could last season, whilst also being an Age Manager for the Nippers. She competed in many Lifesaving Carnivals including the Ayr Surf Lifesaving Club Championships where she was awarded Female Open Age and Female Masters Age Champion.
Continuing to excel across multiple disciplines, Kristy achieved top placements in all her events in numerous carnivals, securing either first or second place in the last two seasons. This included the Arcadian Carnival, Forrest Beach Carnival, North Australian Championships and the North Barrier Branch Championships.
Competing internationally Kristy represented Ayr Surf Lifesaving Club at the 2024 Lifesaving World Championships held at the Gold Coast, placing second in the Women’s 40 to 44 years 200 meter Obstacle Race.

Congratulations Kristy!

(show below)

Junior Sportsperson of the Year

(show below)

Lifetime Service Award

(show below)

2025 Lifetime Service Awards

The next category is the Lifetime Service Awards recognising the significant voluntary contribution of members of our shire to community organisations. These are individuals who willingly offer to help others without expecting payment. They devote countless hours of work, over many years for their chosen organisation.

We are very fortunate in our region to have volunteers of this calibre who through their selfless contribution of their own time and work have enriched numerous groups. We believe that these awards are a fitting recognition of these outstanding members of our community and their nominations are testament to the impact they have had on the organisations they have been a part of.

This year three outstanding members of our community have achieved the criteria for the Silver Awards, which is 30+ years of voluntary service. We will invite them up individually to accept their awards.

SILVER Awards (30+ years voluntary contribution)

JOAN ANDERSEN

Joan has been an integral part of the Burdekin Visitor Information Centre and the former Burdekin Tourism Association for the past 31 years.
Joan was a foundation member of the former Burdekin Tourism Association, established in 1994, to assist in the development of tourism in the Burdekin Shire by providing up-to-date information to visitors.
Throughout the life of the Association Joan served in the official capacities of Treasurer and President for many years, and has brought a wealth of experience, great customer service skills and a positive attitude to her volunteer role.
In addition to Joan’s contributions to tourism, Joan has also dedicated her time to the Lower Burdekin Landcare Association for many years.

Congratulations Joan!

SHIRLEY GILMORE

Shirley is the founder of the Breast Cancer Support Group in Ayr
She has held Breast Cancer Support Group gatherings at her home for over 30 years
The last few years the group extended to include any type of cancer survivors, and this year they have moved their monthly gatherings to Gudjuda Café.
She has worked closely with Cancer Council Queensland staff, organised guest speakers and created an environment where women felt truly supported and valued.
Shirley has raised thousands of dollars for cancer research.
Awarded Cancer Council Queensland Nurse of the Year in 2002 for her extraordinary contributions.

Congratulations Shirley!

LINDA SCOTT

Linda joined Ayr Surf Life Saving Club in 1988 and has been an active member of the club ever since.
Has served as an Age Manager and an Official at carnivals.
Took on Club Secretary in the 2011/12 season, a position that she still holds, an amazing 13 years later
A constant face at all fundraising events selling tickets down the street, donating prizes, assisting in the running of the annual Take the Floor and Beach Golf Day, sausage sizzles at Laurie’s Love Row for a Cure and manning water stations at the Burdekin Sugar Rush.
A pivotal member of the planning committee for major events.
Linda is regularly seen at Alva Beach where she helps with Nipper and Senior Club Championships and Points Day being the main recording official.
Linda remains an integral member of the Ayr Surf Life Saving Club as Secretary and continues to volunteer her time willingly and freely whenever there is a need.
Linda was recognised and acknowledged for her dedication to the Ayr Surf Life Saving Club in the 2014/15 season when she was awarded Life Membership, only the third female to receive this honour.

Congratulations Linda!

There are two recipients of the Gold Lifetime Achievement Awards this year. The criteria for the Gold Awards, is an impressive 40+ years of service. We will invite them up individually to accept their awards.

GOLD Awards (40+ years voluntary contribution)

BETTY DURRANT

At 83 years young, Betty has spent much of her life volunteering at various organisations in the Burdekin.
Betty has been a volunteer at Vinnie’s store for more than 10 years and has spent 35 years volunteering with Meals on Wheels.
Betty has been associated with the Ayr Golf Club for many years, dedicating 30 of those years to the position of Head Caterer.
Awarded Life Membership at the Ayr Golf Club for more than 40yrs of membership, Betty held numerous official positions. She is still an active member and enjoys playing regularly.

Congratulations Betty!

GWEN MARSHALL

Affectionately known to many as "Chappy Gwen" her remarkable commitment to serving the Burdekin Community spans over 27 years, with 20 of those as a Chaplain.
Through her work, Gwen has touched countless lives, volunteering with her church, the Salvation Army and many other local initiatives.
Her efforts include running the Kids Club Shack in Home Hill during holidays and supporting "MyTime" for mothers of children with special needs
Gwen is widely known for her remarkable ability to make people feel seen and heard, thanks to her genuine and heartfelt desire to help others.
Gwen has been an invaluable member of the Community, quietly going above and beyond to ensure that those less fortunate are taken care of.
Beyond her direct service, Gwen has worked tirelessly to secure funding and approach the food bank to secure resources for local programs.
Her dedication and selflessness have made a lasting impact on the community

Congratulations Gwen!