‘Champions’: Whitsunday Regional Council Australia Day Awards 2024
A delayed Australia Day Awards ceremony celebrated the best of the Whitsundays with teen rockers, marathon runners, environmental heroes, and charity champions thanked for their contributions.
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A delayed Australia Day Awards ceremony celebrated the best of the Whitsundays with teen rockers, marathon runners, environmental heroes, and charity champions thanked for their contributions.
Whitsunday Regional Council hosted their awards ceremony at Bowen’s Flagstaff Hill after the original event was cancelled in preparation for Tropical Cyclone Kirrily.
Find out what these citizens are doing to support our community and how those incredible actions are being recognised.
Citizen of the Year Award – Christine Hinschen
For over two decades, Christine Hinschen has managed and owned the Anglican Opportunity Shop, a hub for charitable efforts.
Her extensive volunteer roles include leading committees, supporting disaster relief efforts, and providing essential items to those in need locally and abroad.
From organising clothing shipments to those in need in Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, and local institutions like Lifeline Gold Coast and the Women’s Refuge centre, to providing financial support and materials for community projects and assistance in local disaster efforts, Christine’s compassion is felt far and wide.
Young Citizen of the Year – Sam Rogers
As the Whitsunday representative in the Queensland Youth Parliament, Sam Rogers is an environmentalist pioneer, presenting the world’s first electronic waste sorting robotic arm that he invented.
Not only does Sam excel academically, but he’s also an international STEM leader. Winning national awards and presenting at global conferences, Sam’s contributions to the field are groundbreaking.
His achievements include winning the National Science and Engineering Awards and ranking in international competitions.
Mayoral Award – Danzel Lewis
Danzel’s involvement in both school and community activities is extensive, earning him the school community service award for five consecutive years.
A strong advocate for First Nations education, Danzel’s achievements include becoming the first Indigenous student to complete a certificate III in Business with The Hillery Group, inspiring fellow First Nations students to pursue leadership roles.
Danzel’s dedication to community service was recognised with a Student Citizenship Award through the Order of Australia Branch, an honour bestowed upon only twelve Year 12 students across Queensland each year.
Volunteer of the Year – Sheryl Gordon
Serving as the Vice President of the Collinsville QCWA, Sheryl Gordon has demonstrated unwavering support for several community organisations.
An active and selfless volunteer, Sheryl goes above and beyond, generously donating her time and culinary skills to various not-for-profit organisations.
Her involvement in local fundraising events is marked by her dedication, often preparing delicious treats to contribute to the success of these initiatives.
Remarkably, Sheryl manages all of these volunteer efforts while maintaining a busy local business and overseeing her family’s cattle property.
Community Event of the Year – Baby Welcoming Ceremony
For two decades, Bowen Lions Ladies have welcomed over 500 babies into the community in the event, offering a special occasion for parents to be officially congratulated by the Mayor.
Originating from the necessity for parents to travel out of town for childbirth, the ceremony has evolved into a cherished tradition.
The generosity of the Bowen Lions Ladies shines through as they co-ordinate the event at no cost to parents, with donated trees enhancing the commemorative aspect.
Senior Sportsperson Award – Aimee Sulzberger
Recently honoured as the Athletics North Queensland 2023 Recreational Runner of the Year in Townsville, mother-of-three Aimee Sulzberger’s achievements in 2023 alone are nothing short of remarkable.
Aimee’s gold-winning streak is exceptional – from the Townsville marathon to dominating the Airlie Beach 10.5km event and the Whitsunday Trial Festival.
Her prowess continued with gold in the North QLD Cross Country and the 6km Cross Country, achieved just half an hour after the 10.5km event.
Looking ahead, she gears up for the formidable Kosci 100, a 106 km race around Mount Kosciuszko, showcasing her endurance and dedication in competitive running.
Junior Sportsperson Award – Lillian Kelly
Selected for the 2023 Australian Club U16 national volleyball team, Proserpine State High School student Lillian Kelly competed at the U16 Asian Championships in Hangzhou, China, showcasing her talent on the international stage.
Her journey began at the School Sport Australia Championships in Canberra, followed by a pre-tournament camp at the Australian Institute of Sport.
Her upcoming participation in the Queensland beach volleyball side at the national championships in Coolangatta in 2024 further highlights her multifaceted talent and dedication to success.
Environmental Achievement Award - Whitsunday Conservation Council (WCC)
Operated mainly by volunteers, the Whitsunday Conservation Council boasts a supporter base of over 1500 individuals, including several environmental groups from Whitsunday and Mackay featured on their “We Care” website platform.
Noteworthy achievements include the “Go Slow for Those Below” program, addressing concerns for turtle and dugong protection in high marine traffic areas.
Central to their mission is community engagement, evident through initiatives like free guided nature walks, monthly green drinks with guest speakers, educational market and school stalls, and collaborative community artwork displayed at the 2023 Reef Festival street parade.
Arts & Cultural Award – Gleezus: Teen Rock Band
Comprising Kameron, Brock, Jack, and Ashton from Bowen State High School and St Catherine’s College, Gleezus has rapidly gained fame locally, regionally, and statewide with strong support from the Whitsunday community.
From their origins rocking out in the school music room, Gleezus has become a sought-after act, winning accolades like the Foothills Youth Music Competition at the Townsville Folk Festival and Young Whitsunday’s Got Talent.
They’ve even graced the stage at the Airlie Beach Festival of Music under 18 stage and, notably, Kameron was nominated for a future vocals award at the Rockfest All Schools Competition.
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