2024 Fraser Coast Australia Day award winners | Photos

The Fraser Coast’s brightest stars have been honoured at the 2024 Australia Day Award presentations, where Town Crier Ken Ashford was declared the 2024 Citizen of the Year, and other local legends were celebrated.

Ken Ashford is the Fraser Coast’s Citizen of the Year for 2024.

The town crier, activists, artists and volunteers are among the recipients of the Fraser Coast 2024 Australia Day Awards.

A special ceremony was held at the Hervey Bay Regional Gallery on January 19, acknowledging all 63 Fraser Coast Australia Day Award nominees across 11 categories.

Fraser Coast Mayor George Seymour said it was “an honor to present the awards to a remarkable assembly of individuals and organisations”.

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“Their tireless efforts have left an indelible mark on the Fraser Coast, and they all embody the spirit that makes the Fraser Coast an exceptional place to live, work, and play,” he said.

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A citizenship ceremony and Australia Day awards presentation will be held at the Brolga Theatre in Maryborough on Australia Day, January 26, with member of the public welcome to attend.

Congratulations to all award winners and nominees below:

Citizen of the Year – Ken Ashford

Citizen of the Year Ken Ashford at the Fraser Coast Australia Day Awards at the Hervey Bay Regional Gallery on January 19, 2024. Mr Ashford in the esteemed Heritage City Town Crier.

Young Citizen of the Year – George Rowland

George Rowland at the Fraser Coast Australia Day Awards at the Hervey Bay Regional Gallery on January 19, 2024.

Volunteer of the Year – Brian Taylor

Brian Taylor at the Fraser Coast Australia Day Awards at the Hervey Bay Regional Gallery on January 19, 2024.

Young Volunteer of the Year – Toby Robinson

Young Volunteer of the Year Toby Robinson at the Fraser Coast Australia Day Awards at the Hervey Bay Regional Gallery on January 19, 2024.

Community Group of the Year – Hervey Bay Historical Village & Museum

John Anderson of the Hervey Bay Historical Village Museum receives the Community Group of the Year award at the Fraser Coast Australia Day Awards at the Hervey Bay Regional Gallery on January 19, 2024.

Event of the Year – Dunga Derby Car Rally

Dunga Derby president Peter Grumley at the Fraser Coast Australia Day Awards at the Hervey Bay Regional Gallery on January 19, 2024.

Young STEM Award of the Year – Grace Deemer

Grace Deemer at the Fraser Coast Australia Day Awards at the Hervey Bay Regional Gallery on January 19, 2024.

Cultural Award of the Year – Willy and Di Paes

Cultural Award of the Year recipients Willy and Di Paes at the Fraser Coast Australia Day Awards at the Hervey Bay Regional Gallery on January 19, 2024.

Young Cultural Award of the Year – Noah Byrne

Young Cultural Award of the Year recipient Noah Byrne at the Fraser Coast Australia Day Awards at the Hervey Bay Regional Gallery on January 19, 2024.

Sportsperson of the Year - Vivian Wearing

Vivian Wearing is the Fraser Coast Sportsperson of the Year for 2024.

Young Sportsperson of the Year – Makayla Moller

Young Sportsperson of the Year Makayla Moller at the Fraser Coast Australia Day Awards at the Hervey Bay Regional Gallery on January 19, 2024.