Mackay's citizen of the year announced at ceremony

DETECTIVE Senior Sergeant Samantha Bliss has been names Mackay's citizen of the year in a ceremony in Mackay

Detective Senior Sergeant Sam Bliss is passionate about protecting children and spends alot of her time helping young people through sport. Photo Lee Constable / Daily Mercury. Picture: Lee Constable

Detective Senior Sergeant Samantha Bliss has been named citizen of the year tonight at the Mackay Regional Council's Australia Day awards.

A police officer for 22 years, she thrives on being active in the community, especially helping youth through a variety of roles, including PCYC Mackay chair.

Det Snr Sgt Bliss was a school captain at Pioneer State High School more than 20 years ago.

Claire Kelly has been announced Young Citizen of the Year for her voluntary work overseas in Vanuatu and Fiji 

The announcements were made at a ceremony at the MECC tonight.
 

The award winners;

• Citizen of the Year - Samantha Bliss (Detective Snr Sgt)
• Young Citizen of the Year - Claire Kelly
• Arts and Culture Award - Brian O'Neill (calen principal, Kucom and 4CRM)
• Arts and Culture Encouragement Award - Nekea Blagoev (artist)
• Environmental Achievement Award - Mackay Recreational Fishing Alliance
• Lori Burgess Community Volunteer Award - David and Jill Lemberg (Sarina Show Society)
• Community Group Award - Mackay Youth Support Services
• Senior Sports Award - Hamish Wright (track cyclist)
• Senior Sports Administrator Award - Joel Khalu (basketball)
• Junior Sports Award - Triston Vincent (pole vault/athletics)
• Mackay Pride Local Hero Award - Mike Jones (former aviator)
• Mackay Pride Local Hero Award - John Zimmermann (army cadets commanding officer)

Originally published as Mackay's citizen of the year announced at ceremony