South Burnett Australia Day Award winners revealed – full list
From one of the region’s best-known business identities to a young rising star and more, many of the South Burnett’s most incredible talents have been recognised for their efforts. SEE EVERY WINNER:
Community News
Don't miss out on the headlines from Community News. Followed categories will be added to My News.
While Covid meant the South Burnett’s best and brightest weren’t able to celebrate their achievements in person this year, the annual Australia Day Awards have still be announced.
South Burnett Regional Council announced its 2022 Australia Day Award recipients via video on Wednesday, with Mayor Brett Otto saying the region was privileged to have so many dedicated people within its community.
“We take great pride in our region and being part of this great Australian story, so it is important for us to recognise these people that truly make a difference,” Mr Otto said.
“Congratulations to all award recipients and a sincere thank you to our nominees and our community for their support in nominating their peers for an award.”
See the full list of award winners below:
Citizen of the Year – Ken Mills
One of the region’s most prominent business identities has been named South Burnett Citizen of the Year for 2022.
Ken Mills has been recognised with the award dedicated to a resident who has made valuable contributions and given outstanding service to their community over a number of years.
The successful businessman is best known for his major car dealerships across Kingaroy and the wider region.
Mayor Brett Otto said Mr Mills had made significant contributions to the South Burnett through his involvement in local organisations, events and businesses.
“Like his idol Wayne Bennett, Ken has an uncanny ability to identify persons possessing potential, whether it be in the workplace, community, or sporting events,” he said.
“He has helped many South Burnett residents achieve their goals and dreams. Ken’s assistance and contributions to the South Burnett have been impeccable.”
Young Citizen of the Year – Luca Campbell
A rising star in the community, Luca Campbell has been recognised with the Young Citizen of the Year award.
The honour recognises someone under the age of 25 who displays ongoing excellence and leadership in their field and the community while contributing to the development of the South Burnett region.
“Luca was the school captain at Taabinga State School for the year 2021. This to most students is just a badge, but to Luca it’s a lifestyle, and it was her time to make a positive change in the South Burnett,” Mr Otto said.
“Luca is not someone who uses the word ‘I’, but instead uses the word ‘us’. This is what makes her such an outstanding leader and role model for other students.
“Luca volunteers both at school and also assists the wider community. She’s a young woman with a heart of gold, always looking out for those around her and putting others before herself.”
Volunteer of the Year – Eileen Joyce Beer
A familiar face at events across the region, Eileen Joyce Beer has been named South Burnett Volunteer of the Year for 2022.
This award recognises a local volunteer who has made a valuable contribution to their community, club or organisation, and given outstanding service over a number of years.
“Eileen has been an active volunteer in numerous organisations across the South Burnett for many years. Some of these include being a part of the CWA, along with the community choir since 1974, which is an effort in itself,” Mr Otto said.
Community Organisation Award – Rotary Club of Kingaroy
There’s barely an event or cause in Kingaroy that the local Rotary club isn’t involved in somehow, and their dedication to the community has been recognised with the Community Organisation award for 2022.
This award recognises an outstanding achievement by a group, club or organisation that has made a noble contribution to the community during 2021.
“Rotary Club of Kingaroy is a group of 23 members who give their time and efforts to support the South Burnett community. They work tirelessly to fundraise for our major recipients to support youth suicide prevention and youth mental health,” Mr Otto said.
“These efforts have raised $40,000 and these funds have been able to support the Alive Program.
“The Rotary Club also supports various community organisations across the region such as CTC, SB Care, CWA, Salvation Army and school awards.”
Other Awards
- Claire Schultz – Lifetime Achievement Award
- Mervyn Birch – Lifetime Achievement Award
- John Scott – Lifetime Achievement Award
- Peter Ver Bakel – Lifetime Achievement Award
- Carolyn Dingle – South Burnett Cultural Award (Senior)
- Julianna Evangelista – South Burnett Cultural Award (Junior)
- Scott Collier – South Burnett Sportsperson of the Year (Senior)
- Jayde Novak – South Burnett Sportsperson of the Year (Senior)
- Lachlan Zelinski – South Burnett Sportsperson of the Year (Junior)
- Nathan Roderick – South Burnett Sportsperson of the Year (Junior)
- Sheree Prendergast – South Burnett Sportsperson of the Year (Coach/Official or Administrator)
- Lachlan White – Local Achiever Award – Nanango
- Diane Gatenby – Local Achiever Award – Kingaroy
- Sonia McMahon – Local Achiever Award – Murgon
- John Walden – Local Achiever Award – Hivesville/Proston
- Brett McGlone – Local Achiever Award – Kumbia
- Jayde Novak – Local Achiever Award – Wooroolin/Memerambi
- Carol Weekes – Local Achiever Award – Maidenwell/Bunya Mountains
Join the conversation
From machinery to firefighting: Meet Burnett’s favourite apprentice
A 20-year-old apprentice heavy diesel mechanic has won Burnett’s Best Apprentice poll, narrowly edging out the second-and-third place winners in a tight fight.
Read more
Celebrations as key service finally gets long demanded $26m upgrade
Residents of a regional Qld Indigenous shire have finally had their demands for better water met, hopefully bringing an end to the need to months-long stretches when they have to boil their own water for safety.
Read more