Isaac celebrates ‘ordinary people doing extraordinary things’ in Australia Day Awards 2025
From rodeo queens to a bush pub’s unsung community heroes, Isaac has honoured its greatest givers and welcomed fresh citizens on Australia Day.
Mackay
Don't miss out on the headlines from Mackay. Followed categories will be added to My News.
From rodeo queens to a bush pub’s unsung community heroes, the Isaac Region Australia Day Awards Ceremony shone a light on the region’s inspirations.
Isaac Regional Council Mayor Kelly Vea Vea congratulated her region’s 71 nominees across the 17 “unique communities” recognising those who gave their time and commitment to make Isaac a “great place to live, work, and raise families”.
“We know that everyday people are doing extraordinary things.
“These awards tell stories of dedication, selflessness, and Isaac’s community spirit,” she said.
Kate Flohr took home Citizen of the Year for her tireless voluntary work with Clermont Rodeo and Show Society.
Ms Flohr played a pivotal role over more than a decade in ensuring one of Queensland’s oldest agricultural shows go on.
While juggling the role of Secretary of Clermont Rodeo & Show, Ms Flohr also actively volunteers while also managing local businesses.
Moranbah State High School’s 2024 Captain, Corbin Wood, will have to make room in his packed trophy cabinet for Young Citizen of the Year.
Regarded as a future leader, Wood was placed among the top 3 per cent in the state after achieving an ATAR score of 97.15.
His academic efforts were matched by his dedication towards community service.
Mr Wood won multiple awards throughout 2024, including Peter Doherty Awards for Outstanding Rural and Remote Senior STEM Student Award, the Year 12 JCU Shield Award, the Rotary Club Dianne Brett Memorial Award and the Rotary Club Student of the Year Award.
In a statement to Facebook, Moranbah State High School that they are “incredibly proud of Corbin’s achievements and his outstanding contribution to our school community”.
The Spirit of Isaac Award was given to Anne Ahern, a devoted advocate to helping vulnerable children for over 13 years.
Nebo State School 150th anniversary event won the region’s Community Event of the Year award.
Teachers, staff, students and parent volunteers organised the top community event of the year, celebrating the school’s history with a reunion dinner, historical photo gallery and a fun fair.
Former bull-rider Grant Quantock and his wife Kerry-Anne from the Carmila Hotel brought home the Corporate Community Contribution of the Year award.
The country pub owners were honoured for their work in championing rural sports like the rodeo and helping to raise $2,000 worth of funds for medical expenses.
In a post to Facebook, a humbled Ms Quantock said she owed the award to the help and support of her team.
“Sometimes small towns need to think outside the box and trust a new idea,” she wrote.
Notable mentions include Toni Linke, Matthew Martin, Rhiannon Rowe, Jayke Hiles, Middlemount Race Club, Terry Kerr and Cherry Paine who took home the Mayor’s award.
The Carmila RSL along with Grant Oswald, Richelle Styles, Kristen Cant, Peter Quinn, Lindsay Chicken & Simone Myles and Richard Bethel all won the Community Champion Award.
Friday’s event made way for Sunday’s Australia Day celebrations as 21 Isaac residents in Moranbah were welcomed as new Australian citizens.
Saleyard savants: Meet Qld’s top livestock auctioneers
From young prodigies, established leaders and esteemed stalwarts, the quality of Queensland’s livestock auctioneers is at an all time high. Meet the men driving one of our most important industries to new heights.
‘Keep the fires burning’: Hundreds flock to Survival Day rally
The organisers of the Mackay rally said around 300 attendees walked the Forgan Bridge in support of First Nations people on January 26.