Mayor congratulates 11 local Australia Day Award winners
Mayor congratulates 11 local Australia Day Award winners

Mayor congratulates 11 local Australia Day Award winners

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  • Goondiwindi Regional Council announces two Citizens of the Year on Australia Day
  • Australia Day Award ceremonies held in Goondiwindi and Texas
  • 11 local community groups, events and individuals awarded across the region

 

Mayor of the Goondiwindi Region the Honourable Cr Lawrence Springborg AM has congratulated the 2023 Australia Day Award recipients across the region.

Lois Phillips and Betty Cleeve were honoured to receive the Citizen of the Year award on Thursday morning at two separate ceremonies, with both residents recognised for their dedication and contribution to enhancing the Goondiwindi regional community.

Cr Springborg said the community has many remarkable citizens who contribute to making the region a better place to live.

“These individuals and groups don’t seek accolades, however, it is appropriate that we recognise their service and achievements,” Cr Springborg said.


 

Goondiwindi Australia Day Awards

Citizen of the Year - Lois Phillips

Lois has contributed to the Goondiwindi community and nurtured local students for more than 30 years in a number of different roles as a music teacher, founding member, present committee member and past President of Macintyre Young Writers’ committee, along with various volunteer roles.

Young Citizen of the Year - Storm Knight

Storm has thrived in his role as a carer at Kaloma Home for the Aged.  He is halfway through his studies to become an enrolled nurse and is set to make his mark in the local nursing community.

Senior Sports/Administration Award - Sam Tweedy

Sam has been a contributor to the Goondiwindi Community and local Sports Teams, especially the Goondiwindi Emus club.

Junior Sports Award - Billy Spicer

Billy excels in all sport including running, athletics and rugby league. He has many accolades under his belt, including playing for the Brisbane Broncos U/13 Development Squad.

Community Project / Cultural / Community Event of the Year - Goondiwindi Fish Restockers

Founded in 1991, The Goondiwindi Fish Restockers Club have restocked approximately 1.5 million fish into the Macintyre River and surrounding waterways - the effectiveness of the program has seen the Murray Cod population reach a self-sustaining level.


Texas/Inglewood Australia Day Awards

 

Citizen of the Year – Betty Cleeve

Betty has worked tirelessly and professionally for a number of local community organisations, including the Texas Show Society for the last 31 years and the Texas Cottage Industries for 35 years.

Senior Sports Award – Samantha Anderson

Sam was named Captain of the Ladies Inglewood Roosters team for her dedication and leadership on and off the field. She was presented the 2022 Roosters Ladies “Players’ Player” as well as the Border Rivers Ladies League Tag Player of the Year.

Senior Sports / Administration Award – Gabrielle Groves

Gabrielle’s tireless volunteer contribution to the Inglewood Show Society, SES and St Maria Goretti Primary School has not gone unnoticed and earned her the Senior Sports / Administration Award.

Cultural Event of the Year – Texas Historical Society

The Texas Historical Society’s 50th Anniversary celebrations consisted of 15 markets stalls, with the Texas State School Music Ensemble and the Texas Sing Australia group providing entertainment and music. 

Community Event of the Year – Texas Country Music Festival

Volunteers worked tirelessly to have the Texas Showgrounds looking picturesque for the 794 festival-goer tickets sold, along with many day tickets, 400 campers, plus 300 sponsors and volunteers.

Community Project of the Year - Blue Edge Program

The Blue Edge (Educate, Develop, Grow and Empower) program supported 20 young people in the Inglewood district to extend their mind and physical capabilities. Inglewood Police along with community role models and volunteers helped build a positive rapport with the children.

26th January 2023 at 12:00 AM