Estelle Hawkins awarded North Burnett Citizen of the Year

The North Burnett cheered on its Australia Day award winners and new citizens at Eidsvold on Thursday, and celebrated the joy of being Aussie. See the photos and full list of people honoured:

Estelle Hawkins accepted her Citizen of the Year Award.

Free and fun Australia Day events were held in Eidsvold on Thursday by the North Burnett Regional Council, with live music, face painting and a classic Aussie morning tea just some of the fun.

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Buses drew people in from across the region for the event, which began with a BBQ breakfast.

The morning brought the announcement of the North Burnett Australia Day award winners, and the crowd cheered loudly for the winners (listed below).

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The council awarded the extraordinary citizens whose hard work made the community great in 2022.

Nominations were received on behalf of the individuals, community groups and organisations that are the lifeblood of the region.

Estelle Hawkins was named 2023’s Citizen of the Year for demonstrating “vision, leadership, innovation or creativity” and for being a “positive role model for their peers/community/region and showing significant and outstanding contributions to their community over a number of years”.

North Burnett Australia Day award recipients:

North Burnett Citizen of the Year: Estelle Hawkins

North Burnett Young Citizen of the Year: Tobey and Cassie Worley

North Burnett Volunteer of the Year: Jenny and Kel Forsyth

North Burnett Community Organisation of the Year: Biggenden PCYC Emergency Service Cadets

North Burnett Cultural Award: Monto Art Group Inc

North Burnett Sportsperson of the Year: Jake Dingle

North Burnett Service to Sport: Adrian Brady

Biggenden Local Legend Award: Colleen and Jim Cunliffe

Eidsvold Local Legend Award: Geoff Price

Gayndah Local Legend Award: Joan Weller

Monto Local Legend Award: Melinda Jones

Mundubbera Local Legend Award: Doug McIver

Mt Perry Local Legend Award: Patricia Smith

See the gallery of photos from the fun day out below:

Face painting was a hit among the kids.

Jake Dingle accepted the Sportsperson of the Year award.

More than 40 people and organisations were nominated for the Australia Day Awards.

Water based science experiments kept the kids cool during the heat.

Estelle Hawkins accepted her Citizen of the Year Award.

North Burnett Mayor Lez Hotz addresses the crowd.

The Council paid tribute to King Charles.

Adrian Brady accepted the Service to Sport Award.

Tobey and Cassie Worley accepted Young Citizen of the Year.

The Biggenden PCYC Emergency Service Cadets accept their award for Community Organisation of the Year.

North Burnett councillor Susan Payne announced the Sportsperson of the Year.

Jenny and Kel Forsight were awarded the North Burnett Volunteer of the Year.

Water based science experiments kept the kids cool during the heat.

The Biggenden PCYC Emergency Service Cadets head up to accept their award.

The kids kept themselves busy while the parents took part in the awards ceremony.

Cr Dael Giddins presents an award.

Doug McIver received the Mundubbera Local Legend award.

The Monto Art Society Inc was awarded the North Burnett Cultural Award.

The kids had fun collecting and handing out flags.

Moira of the Biggenden PCYC accepted the Biggenden Local Legend award on behalf of Colleen and Jim Cunliffe.

Attendees to the Australia Day celebration wore their best aussie gear.

Councillor Dael Giddins accepted the Gayndah Local Legend award on behalf of Joan Weller.

Melinda Jones received the Monto Local Legend award.

Children spent the morning enjoying the sunshine.

Guests sat under the cool shade of the tents during the hot summer day.

Free face painting was a hit.

Geoff Price received the award for Eidsvold Local Legend.

Kids had fun with flags.

Australia Day Ambassador Rowena Dionysius was a guest speaker at the event.

Guests sat under the cool shade of the tents during the hot summer day.

Moira of the Biggenden PCYC accepted the Biggenden Local Legend award on behalf of Colleen and Jim Cunliffe.

Tents kept guests cool during the awards.

Traditional dancers marked the start of the Australia Day ceremony in Eidsvold.

Guests sat under the cool shade of the tents during the hot summer day.

Traditional dances marked the start of the Australia Day ceremony in Eidsvold.

North Burnett Regional Council CEO Margot Stork welcomed guests to Eidsvold.