Craig Holden awarded Bundaberg’s Citizen of the Year
Celebration was in the air at this year’s Australia Day Awards, where a humble and inspiring group were commended and applauded for their ongoing commitment to the future and well-being of the region.
Bundaberg
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Dozens across the region have come together to celebrate the commendable actions of groups and individuals as part of this year’s Australia Day Awards.
The award ceremony, which was held at the Bundaberg Multiplex on Thursday, recognised those nominated for a range of awards.
According to the Bundaberg Regional Council, who hosted the event, the awards recognise those who have “enhanced the social connectivity of our community.”
As part of the celebration, five key awards were handed out to those most deserving.
Craig Holden was awarded the titular Citizen of the Year Award for his life of service and dedication to Surf Life Saving Australia, including 35 years as a volunteer surf lifesaver and operations manager of Surf Life Saving Queensland from 1997 to 2021.
“Craig’s dedication to saving lives, coaching and inspiring young surf life savers is commendable,” said the master of ceremonies, 2023 Citizen of the Year Trish Meares.
Mr Holden said he was “embarrassed” to receive the award, with it being so unexpected that he did not tell his family he was going to Thursday’s ceremony.
“I’m going to be in trouble when I get home because I didn’t tell the wife and kids I was coming to the award ceremony tonight,” Mr Holden said.
“I should give a big shout out to my wife, Christine, because she puts up with me not being home all the time doing the things I do.”
Christian Lane-Krebs received the Young Citizen of the Year Award, an award aimed at those under 25 in the community who have been working hard to contribute to the furthering of the region.
A former Kepnock High School captain, Mr Lane-Krebs overcame the challenges of cerebral palsy to set six new world records at the Queensland State Indoor Rowing Championships in 2023, and is also breaking new ground in the academic sphere by gaining admission to the CQUniversity Rural Medical Pathway program.
He has actively engaged in community service including advocating for disability inclusion and championing First Nations health.
Mr Lane-Krebs thanked his family, high school teachers and CQUniversity when accepting the award.
“It’s been a true honour to help advocate for the people that need assistance in the community, and I truly thank everyone for putting me in a spot to be able to continue to advocate for the people in the Bundaberg region,” Mr Lane-Krebs said.
Carey Mitchell was awarded as the Senior Citizen of the Year in recognition of the vital work seniors continue to play in the community.
Mr Mitchell, 76, received the award for his 20 years’ service to the Burnett Heads Rural Fire Brigade
“Kerry has played a pivotal role in transforming the brigade into our most competent or valued units in the area,” Ms Meares said.
Under his leadership, the guide has become a critical and highly regarded community service ... attending over 50 fires in the past year alone.”
Unity Drummers was awarded the title of Community Group of the Year for their efforts promoting health and well-being in the community through their regular drumming circles that have grown to more than 60 members and 1000 Facebook followers.
“The weekly and monthly drumming circles have emerged as a community staple, fostering social engagement and providing a unique form of brain exercise,” Ms Meares said.
Finally, the Moore Park Beach Arts Festival was given the Community Event of the Year Award.
The festival was recognised for its growth from a collection of local artisan workshops in the late 1990s to a large community event with more than 100 market stalls and a showcase of performing arts.
See the photos from the ceremony.
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