2025 Citizen of the Year was presented to Scott McLean. Since 2010, Scott has been a dedicated volunteer coach at Rock Solid Boxing Club in Home Hill, mentoring youth and adults with passion and commitment. He regularly travels across Queensland for tournaments and has been instrumental in NQ Games and Queensland Titles.
In 2024, Scott was named Queensland Team Manager for the Sunstate Amateur Boxing League Inc., representing the state at the Australian Amateur Boxing League National Titles in Gosford, NSW. As a spokesperson, he played a vital role at meetings, the draw, and throughout the tournament. More than a coach, Scott creates a family-like atmosphere, teaching discipline, respect, and life lessons. His belief in his students' potential inspires transformation, helping them find direction in and out of the ring. The respect and admiration he earns reflect his profound positive impact.
The 2025 Young Citizen of the Year was presented to Nicole Cervoni, an outstanding member of Burdekin Catholic High School and the wider community. As Cultural Captain in 2024, Nicole actively promoted and participated in Arts events, including choir, vocal groups, drama performances, art exhibitions, and musicals.
Beyond school, Nicole has been a dedicated member of the Burdekin Shire Youth Council, volunteering at numerous events in 2024, such as the Fast Track Talent Showcase, Nature Scavenger Hunt, Movie Time Holiday Program, Burdekin Water Festival Community Launch, and the Seniors Expo and Luncheon. Her exceptional leadership and community spirit earned her the Dawson Medal for Leadership in 2024 and recognition in Federal Parliament by MP Andrew Willcox.
The 2025 Australia Day Awards not only included the announcement of our Citizen of the Year Scott McLean, Young Citizen of the Year Nicole Cervoni, and Community Event of the Year Giru State School – 100 Year Fete but also included Sportsperson and Cultural Awards as well as the announcement of the Burdekin’s 2025 Volunteer of the Year and Lifetime of Service Awards.
Burdekin Shire Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort said we are fortunate to have passionate individuals and groups dedicated to improving our region and enhancing the lives of those around them.
“The 2025 Australia Day Awards provide a wonderful opportunity to recognise and celebrate the incredible people who make the Burdekin such a vibrant community,” Mayor Dalle Cort said.
“I would like to congratulate all our award nominees and recipients. I deeply appreciate the hard work, commitment, and care each of you has shown towards your chosen sport, cultural endeavour, club and the wider community. The Burdekin is a better, brighter place because of residents like you.”
Burdekin Shire Council’s 2025 Australia Day Award recipients:
- Citizen of the Year – Scott McLean
- Young Citizen of the Year – Nicole Cervoni
- Young Citizen of the Year Achievement Award – Jacob Machin
- Community Event of the Year – Giru State School – 100 Year Fete
- Community Event of the Year Achievement Award – 2024 Burdekin Water Festival – 'Bring It Back'
- Volunteer of the Year – Ben Lawry, Kellie Lawry and Bella Lawry
- Volunteer of the Year Achievement Award – Mark Vass
- Junior Cultural Award – Jacob Machin
- Junior Sportsperson of the Year – Ashlee Colls
- Senior Sportsperson of the Year – Jennifer Fotinos and Kristy Wassmuth
- Lifetime of Service Gold Award: Betty Durrant and Gwen Marshall
- Lifetime of Service Silver Award: Joan Andersen, Shirley Gilmore and Linda Scott
Media contact: Marina Power
Phone: (07) 4783 9800