2021 Australia Day Award recipients announced

Colin Casswell was named Citizen of the Year, Sarah McDonnell was named Young Citizen of the Year, and Jason Williams was named the inaugural Burdekin Volunteer of the Year.

Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Lyn McLaughlin said despite COVID-19 limiting opportunities for people to gather and events to be held in 2020, all Australia Day nominees demonstrated that community spirit was more alive than ever.

“I want to congratulate every single nominee in the 2021 Australia Day Awards: their contributions to the Burdekin are testament to the incredible community we have here,” Cr McLaughlin said.

“Of particular note this year are Young Citizen of the Year, Sarah McDonnell, and Community Event of the Year, Laurie’s Love 24 Hour Row for a Cure, which have each won their category for consecutive years.

“2021 Burdekin Citizen of the Year Colin Casswell has been an active member in all areas of the community, from business to schools and sporting clubs. Of particular note, he has been instrumental in acquiring many improvements to Home Hill Tennis Association facilities as a member of the grant subcommittee: writing, applying, and being successful in receiving almost one million dollars in grant funding.”

2021 Burdekin Shire Council Australia Day Award recipients:

• Citizen of the Year: Colin Casswell
• Young Citizen of the Year: Sarah McDonnell
• Citizen of the Year Achievement Award: Les Henaway
• Community Event of the Year: Laurie’s Love 24 Hour Row for a Cure
• Community Event of the Year Achievement Award: 2020 Sweet Days Hot Nights Virtual Festival
• Volunteer of the Year: Jason Williams (Burdekin Junior Rugby League Club)
• Senior Cultural Award: David Guy
• Junior Cultural Award: Clara Hutton
• Junior Cultural Achievement Award: Hayley Nosworthy
• Senior Sportsperson of the Year: Josie Coddington
• Junior Sportsperson of the Year: Isabella Moloney