Current Australia Day Award Recipients

Australia Day celebrations were held at the Burdekin Memorial Hall on Friday 26th January 2024 where 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.

Citizen of the Year

Nominees – Leanne Gudge, Ross Romeo, John Woods

I am privileged to announce the 2024 Citizen of the Year Award is presented to MR JOHN WOODS.

Queensland Cancer Council (previously. Queensland Cancer Fund)

President and Co-ordinator of the Home Hill branch for many years.
Involved in local fundraising.
Co-ordinator of the Door Knock Appeal

Burdekin Singers and Theatre Company

Long association with Burdekin Singers (formerly Ayr Choral Society) and their current Patron.

Involved on stage as a performer, backstage as stage manager, set construction manager over several decades.

Rotary Club

A member of Rotary since the 1970s and a member of Rotaract prior to this
Served many positions including president and secretary.
Received the Paul Harris Fellow in recognition of service.
Involved in any projects run for Rotary.

Burdekin Shire Council

Served as Shire Councillor from 1982 to 1994
Was the first Burdekin Shire Mayor elected to that position in March 1994
Remained as Mayor of Burdekin Shire Council until 2004
Ran for council again and was re-elected in 2016.

Home Hill Harvest Festival

Home Hill Harvest Festival Committee Member for many years
Served as President for many years.

General

Founding member of the Home Hill Kindy and member for over 30 years
Became an ordained Eucharistic Assistant of the church and conducts weddings and funerals.
Provided breakfast at Home Hill State High School, preparing and serving students breakfast once a week.
Set up a charity for his grandson called Aide for Aiden to assist with costs associated with his care.
Home Hill Primary School P & C President (1980s)
Home Hill Choral Society Member
Volunteer – Burdekin Junior Eisteddfod
Member of Burdekin Friends of the Theatre
Member of the River Trust
Volunteer at Burdekin Meals on Wheels

.John, congratulations on being awarded Citizen of the Year!

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

Young Citizen of the Year

The 2024 Young Citizen of the Year is EDDIE JONES for his outstanding achievements and contributions to the community.

Eddie has been a member of the Burdekin Shire Youth Council for the past 6 years where he attends monthly meetings and actively participates in community events and initiatives including Fasttrack Talent Showcase, Burdekin Library School Holiday programs and the outdoor movie night to name a few.
Not only is Eddie a great role model for youth within his school community and the Burdekin Shire Youth Council, Eddie has also volunteered his time helping to prepare and service food for Home Hill - Ayr Lions at events such as the Home Hill Harvest Festival, the Christmas lights and the Burdekin Community Christmas Carols.
Eddie received a Community Service Award for Excellence in Community Service.
Within his school community Eddie runs stores at Athletics and Swimming Carnivals, helps organise fundraising events like Pink Stumps Day making him a pivotal part of Interact.
He has assisted with social gatherings withing the school community such as discos and pool party.
Eddie collects 10c bottles each week which contributed to various fundraising initiatives, specifically the school’s breakfast club.

Congratulations Eddie!

Young Citizen of the Year Achievement Award

This year the judges have decided to present two Achievement Awards in the 2024 Young Citizen of the Year category.

The first 2024 Young Citizen of the Year ACHIEVEMENT AWARD is presented to MARTINA BOJACK for her outstanding achievements and contributions to the community.

Active member of the Burdekin Shire Youth Council volunteering her time at local events.
Martina has also represented her school and participated in many local community events such as the Interschool Drama Festival, Anzac Day Commemoration Service, Dawn Service, Harvest Festival Parade, R U Ok Days, Day for Dolly, Laurie’s Love Day, Red Shield Appeal, Clean up Australia Day and cleaning up at the Burdekin Grower’s Race Day.
2023 Home Hill State High School School Captain Award
Recipient of the many awards this year including: The Australia Olympic Change Maker Award, The Dawson Medal, The Rotary Club of Home Hill Community Service Award, The Dale Last MP Community Service Award, The Australian Defence Force Long Tan Leadership and Teamwork Award and Ampol Best All Rounder Award.

Congratulations Martina!

The second 2024 Young Citizen of the Year ACHIEVEMENT AWARD is presented to EMILY HOLMES for her outstanding achievements and contributions to the community.

Current member of the Burdekin Shire Youth Council, previously holding the roles of Youth Mayor, Secretary and Treasurer over 4 years.
Volunteered her time at many school events including coordinating the Valentines Day and Mother’s Day Event Stalls where she helped raise over $1000 for her school.
Emily was also hosted the Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea, Butterfly Day, Pink Day and assisted with hosting and organising a Trivia Night raising over $1000.
Spoke at the ANZAC Day service held in Ayr
Burdekin Christian College School Captain in 2023 and awarded Dux of English, Drama, Biology and Mathematical Methods, FTV (confirm abbrev.)
Emily volunteers a lot of her time lots of her time to her local church facilitating announcements and offering as well as operating the sound desk each week for Sunday Service.

Congratulations Emily!

Community Event of the Year

Nominees – Ayr Pastoral Agricultural & Industrial Association - 2023 Burdekin Show, Jeffrey Lunn & Leon McCormack - 2023 Community Lights Display, Maria Totorica & Liana Kennedy - 2023 Kali's Cup, Mike L'Huillier - 2023 Prostate Cancer Luncheon, Millaroo Social Club - 2023 Cathrine Britt Bush Pubs Tour Concert

The 2024 Community Event of the Year Award is presented to Jeffrey Lunn and Leon McCormack for the 2023 Community Lights Display.

Jeffrey and Leon have orchestrated exceptional Halloween and Christmas celebrations for over a decade. Commencing their Christmas display in 2007 they added Halloween to their calendar 6 years ago. Their dedication has transformed their residence into a captivating spectacle, drawing in multigenerational crowds.

Providing a safe space for families to celebrate, attracting the masses every Christmas and Halloween their festivities have been a catalyst for fostering community spirit and the remarkable growth in attendance has allowed for additional stakeholders to come aboard to assist with their own fundraising endeavours.

Situated on the corner of Edwards and Darwin Streets in Ayr, their amazing light displays have become a part of many Burdekin family’s traditions. With complimentary food, popcorn, snow cones and fairy floss attendees enjoy a multitude of actives, from exploring the elaborately decorated yard, to meeting Santa during Christmas.

Congratulations to Jeffrey and Leon for another year of bringing joy to the families of the Burdekin with their amazing light displays.

Community Event of the Year Achievement Award

The 2024 Community Event of the Year Award ACHIEVEMENT AWARD is presented to the Millaroo Social Club for the Catherine Britt Bush Pub Tour 2023. This award will be accepted by Stephanie Tudehope.

Millaroo Social Club hosted Catherine Britt, Multi Award Winning and top-selling Australian Country Music Artist as part of her “Bush Pubs Tour”. Catherine was joined by two local artists on the night, Savannah Storey and Grace Harris – both who grew up in the Millaroo Community. They returned to their community for the night performing as opening acts for Catherine with both covers and original songs.

Over 200 people attended a night filled with great music, delicious food, an array of market stalls, dancing and wholesome family entertainment. The program also invited guest to camp under the starts and enjoy a recovery breakfast the next morning.

Although only small in size, the social club had a vision which was bought to life by a small community army of volunteers. The event was not only a hit with locals but the many guests who travelled hundreds of kilometres to attend.

Congratulations to all involved in the Millaroo Social Club.

Volunteer of the Year

Nominees - Robin Blundell, Shirley Chard, Gary Edwards, Leanne Gudge

The 2024 Volunteer of the Year is LEANNE GUDGE in recognition of her outstanding contribution to the community through her volunteer work in 2023.

Elected treasurer of Burdekin Race Club in 1996
Also took on the role of Secretary of Burdekin Race Club in 1998
Selflessly dedicates her time to the organisation of the Award-Winning Burdekin Growers Race Day
Each year Leanne liaises with stakeholders, Queensland police, liquor licensing, security, sponsors and bar staff and a vast army of volunteers to ensure that the event runs smoothly.
In addition to her involvement with the Burdekin Growers Race Day, Leanne has been instrumental in the growth of the Annual Derby Day event. From the inaugural event which was attended by 200 the event is now a staple on the Burdekin social calendar with a record 1200 attendees in 2023.
Leanne has secured TAB meetings for the Burdekin and increased the local clubs’ profile across the northern region.
Even though Leanne spends so much time working with the Burdekin Race Club she also donates her time to other community groups, such as Burdekin Rugby League by selling raffle / drink tickets and manning the gate at home games.
With her vast event experience, she leant her expertise and time last year contributing in the staging of the Burdekin Rugby League Ladies Day.

Congratulations Leanne!

Senior Cultural Award

Nominees - Martina Bojack, Irene Richards

The winner of the 2024 Senior Cultural Award is IRENE RICHARDS for excellence and dedication in the field of Arts and Culture.

Irene is a softly spoken lady with a heart-warming personality.
An incredibly talented musician, playing the piano, organ and keyboard Irene established her own local band – Kiradon over 10 years ago.
Kiradon is make up of Kevin Ypinazar, Bill Hutchins, Robin Bennett and her husband Col Richards.
Irene is dedicated and passionate about giving back to her community through music.
She has played almost every venue in the Burdekin.
She performs monthly at Everglow, Saturday Night Old Time Dance
She performs fortnightly at Burdell and every second Monday at The Friendship Group at Saint Helen’s Church Hall.
Often performing at private functions, Irene goes above and beyond to make a difference in the lives of the people she entertains through her love of music.

Congratulations Irene!

Junior Cultural Award

The winner of the 2024 Junior Cultural Award is EMILY HOLMES for her excellence in the field of Dance.

Committed dance student – attending lessons in excess of seven hours per week.
In addition to this, dedicated over 6 hours to teach dancing to the upcoming students of Rhythm Edge Dance Studios.
Gave over 20 hours of her time to provide entertainment for Burdekin Basketball’s crossfire cup.
Always encouraging to members of the dance community ensuring that they felt noticed.
Had sat her Advanced Foundation examination with the Royal Academy of Dance
Completed her Jazz dance student examinations achieving the level “Bar to Gold Star”
As a performer Emily has been cast as one of the Mersisters in the Burdekin Singers 2024 production of The Little Mermaid.
Played the lead role in Burdekin Christian College’s musical production of The Sound of Music – Leisl Von Trapp.

Junior Sportsperson of the Year

Nominees - Ashlee Colls, Ky Mitchell

The 2024 Junior Sportsperson of the Year Award is presented to KY MITCHELL for his outstanding achievements in Speedway.

Ky began riding bikes when we was only 3.5 years old and started racing competitively from the age of seven. Ky races in two disciplines, speedway and dirt track. At the young age of 11, he has already been racing in junior speedway for three years. Prior to racing speedway, Ky competed at various events on his 85cc dirt bike.

Always conducting himself with great sportsmanship, treating fellow competitors with respect and kindness he has proudly represented his club and himself at multiple junior speedway events. An unpretentious winner who is always grateful for the opportunity to compete, Ky has travelled extensively this year and has been very successful.

Ky was the Gary Moon Memorial Junior Speedway Winner (125cc)
Kennedy Cup Junior Speedway Winner
Travelled to Kingaroy Speedway – and was the Winner of 6 club championships.
Queensland Title Winner on 85cc for track and dirt track events
Queensland Junior Title Winner 2023
Australian third place on 85cc dirt bike

Most recently Ky travelled to Tamworth where he impressively at the age of 11 competed and won the:-

Australian Best Pairs Speedway Under 16 Champion 2023 on 125cc and
Australian Junior Speedway Under 16 Champion 2023 on 125cc

As the Australian and State Speedway Champion Ky has been selected to race at the World Title in Sweeden later this year.

Congratulations Ky!

Lifetime Service Award

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 the introduction of these awards is 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.

Bronze Awards (20+ years voluntary contribution)

Robin Blundell, Shirley Chard and Gary Edwards have all dedicated their time and knowledge as part of the Burdekin Tourism Association to welcoming visitors to the region providing them with accurate and up-to-date information on what there is to see and do during their stay. They provided exceptional customer service and helpful information to the many visitors.

ROBIN BLUNDELL

Robin has been a loyal volunteer at the Burdekin Visitor Information Centre for the past 27 years.
Robin was part of the original group of volunteers that began the Burdekin Tourism Association in 1995.
Robin has been an integral part of the Burdekin Tourism volunteer group ever since and commits to several shifts a month to help welcome visitors to the shire and direct them on their travels.
Robin has also dedicated her time to the Ladies Lower Burdekin Lions Club which operated the Brandon Driver Reviver stop and completed the Bush Chapel in Plantation Park.

Congratulations Robin!

SHIRLEY CHARD

Shirley has been a valuable volunteer at the Burdekin Visitor Information Centre for the past 20 years.
Shirley has also dedicated her time to the Bluey’s Thrift Shop in Home Hill and the Blue Care Burdekin Respite Care.
Honorary Life Member of Ayr Motor Club.

Congratulations Shirley!

GARY EDWARDS

Gary has dedicated his time as a passionate tourism volunteer for the past 20 years at the Burdekin Gateway Visitor Information Centre in Home Hill and was a member of the Burdekin Tourism Association.
Gary also takes on the role of Volunteer Coordinator which includes preparing the monthly volunteer roster, communicating with his fellow volunteers, liaising with Council and ordering brochures and merchandise.
Gary volunteers up to 15hrs week as part of the passionate volunteer team in Home Hill who have welcomed over 5500 visitors to the Burdekin in 2023.

Congratulations Gary!

LEANNE GUDGE

Long time involvement with Burdekin Race Club and elected treasurer in 1996 also holding the position of Secretary.
Longtime contributor of the Award-Winning Burdekin Growers Race Day.
Instrumental in the growth of Derby Day event
Secured TAB meetings for the Burdekin Race Club
Leanne has donated her time to numerous community groups.

Congratulations Leanne!

Gold Awards (40+ years voluntary contribution)

CHARLIE BARBAGALLO

Began his association with the then Home Hill Race Club in 1970s
First role was as a barrier hand followed by roles in the photo finish and judging.
Member of the appeals Committee for the North Queensland Racing Association
Inaugural chairman of the Leichardt Committee which governs all race clubs within their respective zone.
Elected President of the Burdekin Race Club 1996 and served until 2002
Instrumental in the development of the Burdekin Grower’s Race Day
Life Member of the Home Hill Rodeo
Inaugural Member of Volunteer Marine Rescue
Charlie was inducted into the Country Racing Hall of Fame in 2022
2023 Patron for the Burdekin Race Club

Congratulations Charlie!