Dalby people and businesses who were crowned the ‘favourites’ and ‘best of’ in polls for 2023

Whether it was crowning a go-to hair salon, a dedicated personal trainer or even the best teacher, hundreds of Dalby residents voted for their favourites in each poll this year. Meet every winner to round out 2023 here.

Dalby people and businesses who were crowned the ‘favourites’ and ‘best of’ in polls for 2023

From teachers and mechanics to personal trainers and hairdressers, Dalby is home to many people who excel in their field

Throughout the year we asked residents to nominate their favourites in a series of polls to shine a light on residents and businesses who are paving the way in their chosen industries.

Among the polls were also ‘cutest baby’ and ‘cutest pets’ for 2023, so check out all of the talent and adorableness in our winner’s list below.

Favourite teacher: Joe Santsingh

Joe Santsingh from Dalby South State School takes ‘favourite teacher’ crown 2023.

Western Downs’ schools are home to exceptional teachers, which was shown throughout this year’s poll as more than 20 educators were nominated by residents in Dalby for this year’s favourite teacher poll.

It can be revealed that Dalby South State School’s Joe Santsingh took out the title, with 25 per cent of voters selecting him as their favourite.

The year 6 teacher was nominated by multiple parents and past students from the community, who expressed their gratitude towards the beloved educator.

“Joe has changed so many lives for the better!!! A great man,” Celeste Nelson commented.

“Old Sing Song for sure was a heavy favourite of mine too back in 99!” Megan Bayles also commented.

Full story here.

Best sports coach: Brenton Mcmillan

DALBY DEVILS: Brenton and Myron McMillan with Bronson and Brant Barnett at the Dalby Leagues Club.

With more than a hundred votes, the race to crown Dalby’s best sports coach of the year was a competitive one.

It can be revealed that former Dalby Diehards player and the man with 350 games for the club under his belt, Brenton McMillan, claimed the title.

While the Dalby Devils under-17s coach had the most votes straight out the gate, the incredible Ren Simmich from Dalby’s netball club began to follow closely behind but ultimately McMillan took the crown.

During initial stages of nominations, Sue Redlich took to socials and said, “Brenton McMillan for sure. Premiership winning coach 20, 21 and 23. Coach of the winning team at under-16s Adrian Vowles Cup at Charleville. What a legend!”

Full story.

Best personal trainer: Tracey Callaghan

TLC Fitness owner and personal trainer Tracey Callaghan has taken the crown for Dalby's best PT for 2023. Picture: contributed

Residents value a great personal trainer to ensure they stay motivated and help them to achieve their health and fitness goals.

So it was no surprise that residents were vocal with who their favourite was for the year.

TLC Fitness owner Tracey Callaghan is no stranger to the achievement, as the beloved trainer as now scored the title for the second year in a row.

“It feels amazing, it was a nice surprise to get a second one on the board,” she said.

“I must be doing something right and keeping my members happy which is good.”

The trainer said she credited the outpour of support she received from the public to the environment at TLC Fitness.

“It’s ladies only so they’re in an environment where they feel comfortable and we cater for all different shapes and sizes and fitness levels,” she said.

“They don’t feel judged or intimidated.”

Full story.

Best hair salon: Elite Hair Design

The team at Elite Hair Design, 2021. Picture: Contributed

From putting in hundreds of foils to ensuring ‘not too much’ is cut off the ends, a good hairdresser is extremely valuable, which was why the race to be crowned Dalby’s best hair salon for 2023 was an incredibly tight one.

Residents voted for their favourite, and Elite Hair Design came out on top.

Manager of the salon Tammy Alderton has owned the business with husband Andrew for 16 years this month.

“It’s pretty awesome to have an accolade,” she said.

“We know we’re doing all right because we’re busy all the time but when you win something like that it sinks in.”

Full story here.

Best mechanic: Daly and Richards Garage

Daly and Richards Garage took home the title of Dalby's best mechanic for 2023. Picture: contributed

A trusty and reliable mechanic is valued highly in regional towns like Dalby, as residents get stuck in sticky vehicle situations.

With more than 65 votes in total, the race to be crowned Dalby’s best mechanic was a tight one, and Daly and Richards Garage ended up with the win.

The regional Queensland mechanics took 34 per cent of votes.

In 2017 the business was reopened by Matt Hewson, the son of original owners Peter and Kay who started the shop in 1980.

People took to social media during the original nomination phase, with Robert Brown commenting, “Hewson family, absolute guns and great family service.”

Cutest baby: Mahloh Lawton

At two months old and following in her big brother's footsteps, Mahloh Lawton has taken the crown for Dalby's cutest baby 2023. Picture: contributed

One baby girl is already following in her older brother’s footsteps, taking the crown for Dalby’s cutest baby 2023 after her brother won the title two years ago.

Two-month-old Mahloh Lawton won the hearts of not only her three older brothers, Taj, 6, Koa, 4, Bowie, 2, but the rest of the Dalby community as she’s claimed the title of the most beautiful bub for the year.

Mother Eboni Carmichael said she was surprised at the victory due to the sheer amount of babies involved in the competition this year and the fact that one of her three sons had nabbed the title back in 2021.

“There was literally so many, it’s a good thing to hear your baby is cute,” she said.

Full story.

Cutest dog: Remmi the mini dapple dachshund

Dalby's cutest dog 2023 winner Remmi the mini dapple dachshund. Picture: contributed

After a nailbiting competition, the winner of Dalby’s cutest dog for 2023 can be revealed.

Remmi, the mini dapple dachshund took the top spot as cutest dog in the region, after gaining 10 per cent of the votes.

Remmi’s owner, Zoe Mitchell said her two year old pup had helped her “survive” through difficult and personal times.

“I had a lot of family leave the area,” she said.

“I had this massive property I was living on by myself and I had two other dogs but they were outside pigging dogs.

“My friend messaged me saying she was selling pups and I thought it would be great to have someone else around and she hasn’t left my side since.”

Full story.

Cutest cat: George the ragdoll

Winner of Dalby's cutest cat for 2023, George the ragdoll! Picture: contributed

Many pet owners from across Dalby nominated their furry little friend to see who would be crowned the region’s cutest cat for 2023.

The votes are in and George the ragdoll is our winner with the blue-eyed beauty taking 31 per cent of the votes.

Owner Helene Leahy said she adopted her now seven-year-old cat in 2015 from a breeder in Dalby and was excited to see that other people think her fur baby is as cute as she believes.

“(He’s) a funny little character, he adores his human sister and they are forever getting into mischief together,” she said.

“He loves to lounge around sunning himself by the window sills, but also loves a good play running from one end of the house to the other carting random things around like a dog.

Full story.

Originally published as Dalby people and businesses who were crowned the ‘favourites’ and ‘best of’ in polls for 2023