Southern Downs Australia Day awards: Council names its top citizens for 2023 | Photos
Some of the most dedicated people across our region have been honoured for their efforts in their communities. See the full list of award recipients and read the inspiring story behind the 2023 citizen of the year.
Warwick
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The Australia Day Awards are an annual recognition of the great work, dedication and effort of volunteering members of local communities and all they do for their region,
Eleven citizens from the north and south of the region have been honoured in ceremonies across Warwick and Stanthorpe for achievements relating to the community.
Southern Downs mayor Vic Pennisi congratulated all the winners and nominees and said the region had a high level of volunteers who went above and beyond the call of duty and every year.
“These individuals are the engine room of our communities and it is their countless hours of service in our sporting clubs, community groups and arts, culture and civic services that make Southern Downs a great place to live, work, play and stay,” Mr Pennisi said.
“The Australia Day Awards allow us, as a community, to say thank you and recognise some of the community members who have made invaluable contributions.”
Southern Downs Citizen of the Year
Rosalyn Keim took out Citizen of the Year for the Southern Downs, due to tireless dedication to the community.
Mayor Vic Pennisi said Rosalyn had been a passionate member of the community and her selflessness was a source of inspiration for many.
Rosalyn is a keen member of the Warwick Lions Club and actively supported the community throughout the droughts by distributing water, food and vouchers to local families.
Additionally, Rosalyn was instrumental in recovery and support during the Lismore floods, organising a group to assist with recovery and distribute food in the affected communities.
“She is dedicated to giving help whenever it is needed, her life has been defined by her willingness to immerse herself in the community as an active member and generously volunteering her time to help others,” Mr Pennisi said.
Rosalyn said she felt extremely overwhelmed winning the top award and was proud just to be nominated.
“I feel like volunteering has helped me more than I’ve helped other people, I had two choices, I could have just stayed at home and mope, but for my mental health I made sure to get out and be in the community,” Rosalyn said.
“I had to get out for my mental health, and although I’ve helped a lot of people, it’s definitely helped me more, it’s just what you have to do.”
See all the award winners and gallery of new Australian citizens below:
Northern Region:
Citizen of the Year Award – Rosalyn Keim
Junior Citizen of the Year Award – Northern Region: Lucinda Bourke
Sports Administrator of the Year – Northern Region: Carly Hansen
Junior Sportsperson of the Year – Northern Region: Rogan Sutherland
Cultural Person of the Year Award – Northern Region: Leonard Monaghan
Southern Region:
Citizen of the Year Award – Southern Region: Morwenna Harslett
Junior Citizen of the Year Award – Southern Region: Fitzroy Pascoe
Sports Administrator of the Year – Southern Region: Mick Mahoney
Junior Sportsperson of the Year – Southern Region: Thomas Petrie
Cultural Person of the Year Award – Southern Region: Kath Ives
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