Wrap up of Burnett’s ‘cutest’ 2023 winners

As the year reaches an end look back on the Burnett’s ‘cutest’ winners from across 2023 including Peanut the dog, baby Leilani and book costume winners Erika and her support dog, Whoopi.

Burnett's cutest of 2023

Three polls were conducted during 2023 to find the region’s cutest baby, dog and book club costume.

Nominations flooded through and readers had a tough choice with so many deserving nominees.

With another year wrapping up, take a look back and read about the region’s cutest as well as links to the original galleries with all the adorable nominees.

Burnett’s cutest baby 2023

Leilani Barnes was revealed as Burnett's cutest baby.

Wondai mum Sara Barnes, 21, describes her daughter Leilani as “the cutest thing ever” and when she talks about her four-month-old, it’s clear how much love she has for her.

“She’s just always smiling and laughing with anyone that she meets. It can be a complete stranger that she’s never seen before and she will still give them a smile,” she said.

Leilani is Ms Barnes’ first child, and she is embracing motherhood through both the ups and downs.

“Everyone told me that it would be the most amazing job ever, which it is, but it also has its challenges,” she said.

Read more about Sara and Leilani here.

Burnett’s cutest Book Week costume 2023

Erika Bela and Whoopi as Little Red Riding Hood and Grandma.

The winner of the South Burnett Times’ competition for readers to vote for the cutest dressed child has come to a close, crowning Erika Bela Heim and her support dog, Whoopi, as the winners.

Erika was dressed as Little Red Riding Hood and Whoopie as Grandma (or the wolf dressed as Grandma?).

See the full gallery of nominees here.

Burnett’s cutest dog 2023

Peanut was crowned South Burnett's cutest dog for 2023.

Peanut from Kingaroy was crowned Burnett’s cutest dog of 2023 after a nail bitingly close competition.

Vanessa Watts adopted Peanut from a client at her salon and brought him home at eight weeks old.

“I have actually never really been a dog person but I always thought dachshunds were cute and when I saw Peanut I just fell in love with him. He’s now my best friend I couldn’t think of life without him,” Ms Watts said.

Read more about and Peanut here.

Originally published as Wrap up of Burnett’s ‘cutest’ 2023 winners