Australia Day 2024: Lawyer Vince Catanzaro named as Southern Downs citizen of the year
Deserving residents of the Southern Downs have been recognised for making a difference in their community, with plenty of fun events planned for Australia Day. SEE THE FULL LIST HERE.
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Some of the region’s most passionate and committed community members have been recognised for their contributions to the Southern Downs as part of 2024 Australia Day celebrations.
Granite Belt lawyer Vince Catanzaro and Southern Downs emergency department nurse Jo Rathmell have been named as Citizens of the Year by Southern Downs Regional Council.
Mr Catanzaro, the award recipient for Southern Region has been a lawyer in the region for over 30 years, and was named in 2020 as one of the Granite Belt’s most influential people.
Besides representing the community in the courtroom, Mr Catanzaro has been an active member of the community, serving with many organisations such as the Italian Australian Welfare Association and the Neighbour Centre, as well as providing pro-bono legal service for community organisations.
Since moving to Stanthorpe over 40 years ago, Vince also serves as the director and principal of the Powercat Group, a commercial property firm established in 2008.
As a lifelong resident of the Southern Downs, Jo Rathmell has contributed to various causes since her teenage years. Working as a nurse in the emergency department, assisting with local not-for-profit organisations and helping community members Ms Rathmell has continually provided support for people experiencing homelessness, and domestic and family violence, and has often provided hot meals, showers, and places of safety and sanctuary for people in need.
Mayor Vic Pennisi said the Australia Day Awards serve as an important platform to celebrate the diverse talents, efforts and achievements of community champions and he congratulated all the nominees and award recipients for their contributions to the Southern Downs.
“Our region is built by an army of inspiring individuals who selflessly go above and beyond to make the Southern Downs a great place to live, work, play and stay,” Mr Pennisi said.
“The Australia Day Awards are an opportunity to express gratitude and appreciation to the individuals who have shown exceptional dedication and service for the betterment of our community.”
Australia Day award recipients
• Citizen of the Year Award – Northern Region: Jo Rathmell
• Citizen of the Year Award – Southern Region: Vince Catanzaro
• Junior Citizen of the Year Award – Northern Region: William Morris
• Junior Citizen of the Year Award – Southern Region: Alex Linton
• Sportsperson/ Sports Administrator of the Year – Dual Recipients: Shannon Armbruster and Jake Burnell
• Junior Sportsperson of the Year – Northern Region: Emmett Schnitzerling
• Junior Sportsperson of the Year – Southern Region: Ashley Bell
• Cultural/Community Event of the Year Award – Northern Region: CelticFest Warwick
• Cultural/Community Event of the Year Award – Southern Region: Granite Belt Art Trail Open Studios
• Cultural/Community Person of the Year Award – Northern Region: Clint Kenny
• Cultural/Community Person of the Year Award – Southern Region: Thomas Evans
Australia Day events
• Warwick Australia Day Civic Ceremonies – Citizenship Ceremony and Australia Day Awards.
From 9am Warwick Town Hall, Warwick.
• Stanthorpe Australia Day Civic Ceremonies – Citizenship Ceremony and Australia Day Awards.
From 4pm at Stanthorpe Civic Centre, Stanthorpe.
• Maryvale Hotel Australia Day featuring chicken races, thong throwing and lamington eating competitions.
From 11am at Maryvale Hotel, 47 Taylor St, Maryvale.
• Social Bowls at Warwick East Bowls Club.
From 6pm at Warwick East Bowls Club, Palmerin St.
• Australia Day in the Park – face painting, barbecue, free pool entry.
Lion’s Park, Killarney from 8am.
• Aussie Day with crab races, mullet competition, raffles, live music and barbecue.
All day at the Sandy Creek Pub, Sandy Creek.
• Warwick Australia Day Event – Aussie entertainment and markets.
Glengallan Homestead from 8am.
•Weeroona Park Australia Day – meat pie eating competition, wood chopping, live music
Weeroona Park, Stanthorpe from 3.30pm.
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