Ipswich mental health hero Zoe Knorre named Citizen of the Year 2022

High expectations for a productive year ahead were outlined when Ipswich named its six leading citizens for 2022 at a small civic ceremony on Wednesday night.

High expectations for a productive year ahead were outlined when Ipswich named its six leading citizens for 2022 at a small civic ceremony on Wednesday night.

A tough year, dominated by Covid restrictions, took second place when the city’s mayor named Zoe Knorre Citizen of the Year 2022.

Ipswich Citizen of the Year ceremony: Citizen of the Year 2022 Zoe Knorre with mayor Teresa Harding at the recent ceremony.

Ms Knorre set up Queensland’s only long-term residential recovery centre for mothers affected by addiction and domestic violence.

Mayor Teresa Harding paid tribute to the highly respected Ms Knorre for her volunteering efforts and push to improve mental health services for countless women and their families.

“The incredible staff at Grace Homestead teach women invaluable skills and strategies to help them overcome trauma, that help not only the mothers but also improve their children’s lives,” she said.

“Ms Knorre spent two-and-a-half years establishing the rehabilitation centre that has changed the lives of so many women for the better through her outstanding work which has both an immediate and long-term benefit.”

All 19 finalists, selected by a five-person judging panel, played vital roles improving Ipswich’s mental health services or contributing as volunteers.

Indigenous charity worker Tamara Whiting was named Ipswich Young Citizen of The Year 2022.

Ipswich Citizen of the Year ceremony dancers, entertained at the reception.

The hardworking Ms Whiting has played a huge role in promoting mental health services and helping youth.

In 2018, she developed her not-for-profit service, Cunnara Paiabun Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Corporation, which works to relieve suffering and distress for youth experiencing depression and helplessness.

She designed culturally sensitive services to equip youth to deal with anxiety, depression, body image issues and healthy relationships.

Long-time volunteer Gregory Broad was named Ipswich’s Senior Citizen of the Year 2022 after dedicating the better part of 40 years serving with the Dinmore Bushrats Soccer Club and the Ipswich District Neighbourhood Watch.

Ipswich Citizen of the Year ceremony: mayor Teresa Harding with Senior Citizen of the Year Gregory Broad.

Mr Broad has also put in hundreds of non-paid hours helping out at the Riverview Neighbourhood Watch, Scouts Australia, Riverview Dinmore Community Renewal Committee and at the Ipswich Trades Hall. 

He has also volunteered for the Dinmore Riverview Scout Group, Riverview Community Care Inc, Ipswich City Council, Booval Quarry Social Club, St Peter Claver College P & F Association, Ipswich St Helens Soccer Club and ASU Qld Branch/Ipswich Sub-division, as well as being a local ambulance committee member and flag bearer for the Bundamba Anzac Day parades.

The city’s top cultural award went to Kylie Hill, who received international acclaim for her indigenous art and designs.

Ipswich Citizen of the Year ceremony: Kylie Hill won the Cultural Award.

Ms Hill produced murals, designs and sports memorabilia for a diverse range of organisations and donated a large amount of works to schools and charities.

After stopping painting to spend more time raising her eight children, she picked up her

brush again in 2018 as part of her healing journey.

She is also a well-known softball player and has been a part of the annual Murri Women’s Softball Tournament for the past seven years as a player and assistant delivering the event. She also collaborated with her son, Jak, to design the Aussie Spirit Softball Team supporter’s shirts for the Tokyo Olympics.

Ms Hill is an advocate for the Red Rose Foundation’s International Woman’s Day and Murri Watch. 

His name is well-known but Ipswich’s Scott Morrison was awarded the city’s top accolade for Sport and Recreation 2022.

Ipswich Citizen of the Year ceremony: Scott Morrison won the Sports Award.

Mr Morrison, who is no relation to the Prime Minister, has been a devoted advocate for the Dinmore Bushrats Soccer Club after it was disbanded two decades ago.

In 2017, he was given approval to reactivate the club, which he did in 2018.

Driven by his passion, the club has quickly grown from two to eight teams, introduced the Rugrats Program for Children and held two Return 2 Riverview events.

Mr Morrison was chosen to be the face for the Australian Sports Foundation video for prospective donors.

The council also paid tribute to organisers of an art exhibition, called “Our Stories”, when it named ArtsConnect Ipswich for hosting the city’s Community Event of the Year.

Mayor Teresa Harding with Kylie Hill presented the Our Stories award to ArtsConnect Ipswich.

“Our Stories” celebrated the rich history, diverse cultures and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, showcasing local Ipswich Indigenous artists. The exhibition was timed to run in NAIDOC Week and with the opening of Ipswich’s newest festival, SPARK.

 “Our Stories” provided opportunity and exposure for 19 artists and ensured they made use of the earnings from any sales.

Approximately 350 guests visited the exhibition, generating more than $10,000 in art sales and commissions.