Revealed: Dan Davie among Gympie Australia Day award winners
Hundreds of residents gathered at Gympie’s Memorial Park this morning to celebrate this year’s Australia Day award winners and welcome the region’s newest Aussie citizens. See the full list of winners and their stories:
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Blacksmith Dan Davie has been named Gympie’s 2025 Citizen of the Year, one of eight winners to be commemorated at the region’s Australia Day celebrations at Memorial Park on Sunday, January 26.
Mr Davie’s work has achieved international recognition, with him becoming a two-time World Champion Creative Blacksmith and a three-time runner-up at the World Championships in Calgary, Canada.
His numerous state and national titles have showcased Gympie’s talent on a global stage, Mayor Glen Hartwig said.
“Dan is a dedicated leader and community advocate whose mastery of multiple trades, including blacksmithing, has earned him international acclaim.
“Through his mentorship programs, such as the Forge Ahead initiative for at-risk youth, and his various volunteering efforts, Dan continues to empower the next generation of locals in our community.”
Seven other award recipients were recognised alongside the region’s 34 newest citizens during the Australia Day celebrations, including:
Daria Mostofizadeh, Young Citizen of the Year
Daria Mostofizadeh is a state and nationally accredited karate coach and referee, and hopes to become internationally accredited.
Despite her commitments, she still frequently makes time to dedicate to International Karate Daigaku (IKD)-Australia and help out where possible to empower our other students.
Ms Mostofizadeh was an athlete who represented IKD-Australia at international competitions with results including bronze medal Commonwealth championship 2011 Sydney; three silver medals at the New Zealand Open in 2013; double gold for Australia in 2013 at Commonwealth championships in Canada; fifth place and world ranking number five at the WKF World Youth Cup in Croatia 2016; st the Oceania Championships in New Caledonia 2016; and Oceania Cup Champion, 2016
Sports Award winners Lorelle Nash and Brad Morgan
Lorelle Nash, a 55-year-old Special Olympics athlete, works part-time as a sales assistant at Coles while also receiving a Disability Support Pension.
After many years of perseverance, she recently gained access to the NDIS to assist with support for her multiple disabilities.
Ms Nash, a self-proclaimed sports fanatic, enjoys participating in a variety of sports, including soccer, bocce, athletics, and basketball.
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Mr Morgan’s contributions to sport in Gympie are extensive and highly commendable.
Since his junior playing days, he has been deeply involved in multiple sports as a player, referee, administrator, and ambassador.
In both junior and senior levels of local, district, and regional cricket, Brad has dedicated many years to the game in various capacities.
Although he no longer plays due to work, sporting, and family commitments, he remains actively involved as a valued member of the Gympie and Wide Bay Cricket Judiciary Committees.
In addition to cricket, Mr Morgan serves as a Rugby League referee, further showcasing his commitment to local sport.
Claudia Kruppel, Creative Award
Claudia Kruppel introduced her stunning preserved moss walls to Gympie, providing an innovative solution for reducing noise in offices, homes, and reception areas.
During Covid, when people longed for greenery to stay connected with nature, her creations became a source of comfort and tranquillity.
Heart of Gold International Short Film Festival, Community Event of the Year
Evolving from a grassroots community event into one of Australia’s largest short film festivals, this annual celebration brings an exciting line-up of short films, industry events, masterclasses, and more to Gympie.
The festival blends the genuine warmth of our country town with the prestige of world premieres, showcasing captivating Australian and international short films that entertain, inspire, and provoke thought.
Gympie Diggers Football Club Community Group of the Year
Gympie Diggers Football Club turned 50 years during their 2024 season and remains a backbone of the community.
Soccer, in particular, has one of the highest participation rates of any sport in the region, and Diggers have been at
the heart of it all.
This past season they had 165 players ranging in age from 5 to 12 years old, which is healthy for a Miniroos Club and is also beneficial for our community providing opportunities for our children.
Joseph Kiernan, Resilience Award
Joe Kiernan commitment to community service is exemplary. His significant volunteer roles include volunteering in the Mary Valley Rattler workshop and for meet-and-greets, working in the hydroponics display at the Gympie Show, managing the Lions Mint program for the Gympie Lions Club, and assisting with BQs and fundraisers across the region.
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Originally published as Revealed: Dan Davie among Gympie Australia Day award winners
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