Joel Coughlan named Rockhampton Regional Council’s Sportsperson of the Year

Joel Coughlan celebrated at Rockhampton awards ceremony after scoring silver medal at the Tokyo Paralympics.

They come from all walks of life and different talents and now they’ve been recognised for their contribution to the Rockhampton Community.

This year saw members of Rockhampton’s arts, sport and charity communities recognised for their achievements at the annual Australia Day Awards.

Winning Citizen of the Year for 2022 was Jennifer Hilcher, a well-respected community member and a prominent figure within many organisations and events that raise awareness and money for those affected by cancer.

Her volunteering activities began in 1996 and continue today, where she holds many different roles at Cancer Council Queensland and assists with a range of activities including Relay for Life, Daffodil Day, Walk for Women's Cancer and Girls Night In.

Jennifer Hilcher receives her Citizen of the Year award from Michelle Landry, Matt Canavan and Brittany Lauga.

“I really thought I was here to get a community award, but to be honoured with the top one I really, really treasure,” she said.

“I’m just overwhelmed. I don't know what to say.

“People often say to me ‘why do you volunteer for so many organisations?’ and I saw ‘why not?’, because volunteering brings your so many more rewards...a community that gets together, works together, helps each other, stays together and that’s what makes it so wonderful.”

Another recipient on the day was Shelby Ward who won the Cultural Award, following the release of her first fiction novel at the end of last year, and plans to potentially turn it into a series.

Shelby began writing the book during high school when a short story assignment grew into what is now her book titled The Velvet Mansion and the Discovery of Magic.

“I am very grateful to receive it..it feels really nice to be acknowledged for the hard work I’ve been doing,” she said.

“It’s all stuff that is normal for me now, but to have other people who don’t know me personally to acknowledge that as well is quite an achievement in itself.”

The book took years of hard work for Shelby.

Shelby Ward won the Cultural Award at this year's Australia Day Awards.

“I’m always writing stories and this one was the one that stuck and got developed,” she said.

“It feels amazing (to be published), and receiving that first box of the printed copy was an overwhelmingly happy experience, it’s the first story I ever actually finished as well as the first that’s published.

“It’s so close to my heart as well because of how long I’ve been working on it and how close I got to the characters and the world that they’re in.”

Table tennis player Joel Coughlan brought home a silver medal from the Tokyo Paralympics.

On Wednesday, he was recognised for his incredible achievements, named Rockhampton Regional Council’s Sportsperson of the Year in the 2022 Australia Day awards.

The 33-year-old said it was wonderful.

“It’s always an honour to be recognised for the work that you’ve put in,” he said.

“It’s nice to get the accolades; it’s not why we play the sport but it’s nice to be recognised for the effort you put in.”

Rockhampton Region Mayor Tony Williams said he was honoured to present six awards to community members and groups who had positively impacted the region.

In regards to Joel he said: “In sporting, I was proud to present Joel Coughlan as Sportsperson of the Year.

Rockhampton's Joel Coughlan has been named co-captain of the Australian Para-table tennis squad for the Tokyo 2021 Paralympic Games. Photo: Table Tennis Australia

“Joel recently competed at the Tokyo Paralympics in the Australian Table Tennis team and in Rockhampton he still takes part in the open grade fixture competitions, trains and assists with the development of other players.”

Joel said it was something special to be recognised by his peers and his local community.

He had three and a half of his toes amputated after a work-related incident in which half a tonne of mining equipment fell off a forklift onto his right foot.

It was June 2007 and he would go on to endure 21 surgeries, lengthy stints in hospital and a gruelling rehabilitation program.

Joel started playing table tennis in 1996 as an eight-year-old, following in the footsteps of his older brother.

He said at the time he had no grand ambitions, he was satisfied with competing at state and national level.

“I was always pushing myself to be the best player I could be and, I suppose, the further I progressed the more my goals grew,” he said on his selection in the Australia team.

Rockhampton's Joel Coughlan has been named co-captain of the Australian Para-table tennis squad for the Tokyo 2021 Paralympic Games. Photo: Table Tennis Australia

Joel was named co-captain of the Australian Para-table tennis team, which finished with two gold and four silver medals in Tokyo, the country’s best result at a Paralympic Games.

He said the experience was unbelievable and to win silver with the men’s table tennis team was incredible.

Joel said he was unsure what the future held as far as international competition goes.

“I probably sacrificed a lot of family time before I went over to Tokyo so I decided to prioritise family time with my young son and my wife for the rest of last year,“ he said.

“I’m getting back into training this year and see where it takes me.

Rockhampton Table Tennis's top player, Joel Coughlan.

“I haven’t decided yet. I‘m constantly in talks with Table Tennis Australia about where we go next.

“I’ll set goals again and make decisions on where I go from there, whether that is Paris or not remains to be seen.

“Australia Day is a huge day to celebrate; we’re all very privileged to live in this country.

“I haven’t actually been to one of these events. I’ve normally had my own little party with friends and family so it will be nice to be doing something different and going to see the local people get recognised for what they’ve done.”

Rockhampton Regional Council Australia Day Award winners:

Citizen of the Year:Jennifer Hilcher

Community Service Award: Gary Murray

Community Initiative Award: Rockhampton Relay For Life

Cultural Award:Shelby Ward

Sportsperson of the Year: Joel Coughlan

Sports Official of the Year:Craig McCormack

Originally published as Joel Coughlan named Rockhampton Regional Council’s Sportsperson of the Year