Western Downs residents and community groups to be recognised Australia Day 2025
Hard-working volunteers, community stalwarts and organisations that work tirelessly to better the Western Downs will be recognised at the 2025 Australia Day Awards. Find out who took home the awards here.
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Western Downs Regional Council has unveiled their 2025 Australia Day award recipients celebrating the hard working individuals and organisations who contribute to the region.
From the national champion in wool classing to the only competitive weightlifting club west of Toowoomba, this year’s recipients will be honoured at ceremonies in Chinchilla, Dalby, Jandowae, Miles, Tara and Wandoan this Sunday.
The 2025 awards are presented across four categories including the Local Creative Arts Award, Local Sports Award, Local Volunteer of the Year Award and Local Community Organisation Achievement Award.
Western Downs Regional Council mayor Andrew Smith congratulated all award recipients who made contributions in areas such as volunteer work, business, arts, sports and community development.
“This year, we received a number of exceptional nominations across our award categories, reflecting the sheer number of Western Downs residents who are deserving of recognition for their efforts,” he said.
“The Australia Day Awards are a chance for Council to acknowledge the efforts of individuals and community groups who positively shape our community.
“Congratulations to all award winners. These community members and groups are what make the Western Downs such a great place to live, work and play.”
2025 Local Creative Arts Award Winners
Chinchilla & District: Maggie Pyke
Dalby & District: Katie Robertson
Miles & District: Ian Perry
2025 Local Sports Award Winners
Chinchilla & District (Junior): Eve Radke
Chinchilla & District (Senior): Alexander Schoff
Dalby & District (Junior): Maxwell Carson
Jandowae & District (Junior): Tenille Hubbard
Miles & District (Junior): Joe Volker
Tara & District (Senior): Robert McDonald
Wandoan & District (Junior): Hugh Baker
2025 Local Volunteer of the Year Award Winners
Chinchilla & District: Ruth Lindsay
Dalby & District: Brittany Perkins-Ehrich
Jandowae & District: Jaime Fanning
Tara & District: Linda Davis-Petersen
Wandoan & District: Rebecca Cadzow
2025 Local Community Organisation Achievement Award Winners
Chinchilla & District: Chinchilla Polocrosse Club
Dalby & District: Dalby Toastmasters
Miles & District: Saints Weightlifting Club
Tara & District: Tara Local Ambulance Committee
Wandoan & District: Juandah’s Little Patch of Country
A number of Australia Day events will be held across the region this weekend including pool parties, beer pong tournaments and pig races.
A full list of events can be found here.