The 2012 Australia Day Awards Ceremony was held at Riverway on Thursday 26 January. Thank you to all the participants, we appreciate your contibution to the community.
2012 Australia Day Awards Winners
Citizen of the Year - Garth Harrigan
A member of the National Seniors Townsville Branch, Townsville Region Committee on the Ageing, Managing Director and President of TOTTS, Garth has been active in promoting community transport for Seniors over the years, including Bikeways in Townsville, Sunbus & Wheelchair Taxis. He has been an insiration to the people who work with him.
Community Event of the Year - 60th Anniversary of National Service
In September 2011, Townsville hosted the 60th Reunion for the National Servicemen Association of Australia which attracted over 800 Nashos and their friends & family. The main event program ran over four days and included a range of activities from a casual Meet and Greet, to formal events – like the Dawn Service and City March. Social activities included Dinner Dance and a Gunfire Breakfast. Supporting Programs included school visits / activities book, art displays and a Community BBQ.
These events brought to life the significance of our National Servicemen, and an awareness and sense of pride throughout the community. The event had a committee that worked tirelessly for over twelve months, headed by local National Servicemen’s association President Warren Hegarty and several other Nasho members, Townsville City Council representatives, Department of Defence, retired Brigadier and a consultant. This was a community event to remember, a community event that brought pride to the streets of Townsville, a community event that marked a National day of significance – 60th Anniversary of National Service.
Cultural Award - Connie Hoedt
Connie Hoedt is the most widely recognised of North Queensland ceramic artists. Her pottery adds considerably to the body of artistic achievement for which Townsville is known. She combines her native Delft traditions with motifs and inspirations from her adopted home. Her work is keenly sought after and collected both by private patrons and institutions. Connie was also an inspiring ceramics teacher who shaped careers and developed a love of art and self expression through clay in her students.
Young Citizen of the Year - Emily Michelle Moore
Emily Moore has made considerable and varied contributions to her local, national and international communities over a number of years. She has contributed to the community through her outstanding leadership such as attending the Rotary Youth Enrichment Program, as well as the International Youth Forum in Missouri, USA where she represented Australian youth and participated in peace discussions and charity fundraisers. Emily has organised, led and contributed in many fundraising events, including those for the Cancer Council, Leukemia Foundation, Abused Child's Trust just to name a few.
Junior Sports Award - Shelby Green
Townsville BMX Rider Shelby Green was selected for the Australian Mighty 11 Team which competed against New Zealand in June in Liverpool, Sydney. It was due to her performance at this event she was again selected to represent and Captain Australia at the North Island Titles which were held in Gisborne, New Zealand in October. During this event she rode undefeated in all of her races.
She is the only Townsville BMX Rider to ever be selected in this Australian Team for its 23 year history. In a sport which is male dominated, Shelby encourages other girls to participate in the sport of BMX Racing. Shelby inspires other racers at her club with her amazing achievements and displays that with commitment and determination, you can achieve your dreams.
Senior Sports Award - Penny Palfrey
Penny holds the world record for the longest ever open water swim, between Little and Grand Cayman islands (Carribean) in June, 2011. This feat, and the dramatic footage of her finish was broadcast around the world. Penny broke the record for swimming the Molokai channel, Hawaii, in April. Nominated for the title of World Open Water Swimmer of the year for the forth year in a row. Clocked up her 20th swim crossing between Magnetic Island and Townsville. Penny has also achieved several other significant swims crossings in Hawaii and Japan.
Sports Administrator Award - Bill Whitburn
Bill has been involved with AFL Townsville for 8 years as a player, umpire and administrator. His passion, desire and drive for AFL success is evident with his continued involvement with the code after playing. Bill is now repaying something back into the game as Umpire, and more recently as an administrator. Bill’s efforts as an administrator have been indefatigable and AFL Townsville Clubs, members amd supporters are certainly indebted to Bill for his outstanding performance over a number of years.
Sports Administrator Award - Chris Schell
As President of Townsville City Netball Assoc Inc, Chris's love of netball and her vision of Townsville enabled the association to host the State Event in May that saw well over 1000 visitors to the region. Chris also guided the association to recovery after Cyclone Yasi, personally attending all working bees and co-ordinating cleanup crews as weel as overseeing the construction of eight new hard surface courts, new canteen and toilet block.
Spirit of Townsville Award - Warren Hegarty
Warren Heagrty is the President of the Townsville Branch of the National Servicemen’s Association. He headed the committee for the 60th Anniversary of National Service hosted in Townsville last September. He is committed to all events held during the year for Nasho Members, their families and members of the community. He is always seeking ways to better the day-to-day living routine of the members and holds social functions on a regular basis so the members, family and friends have the opportunity to be active in the community. Warren always attends military ceremonies held in Townsville, visit schools and helps the children understand military history.
Spirit of Townsville Award - Gwenda Richardson
Gwenda has become a well known community volunteer in the Bluewater/Toolakea area for many years in collecting rubbish along the streets. The citizens of Northern Beaches appreciate her hard work.
Spirit of Townsville Award - Neighbour to Neighbour Townsville
As a part of National Day of Thanksgiving, The Combined Churches of Townsville initiated the “Neighbour to Neighbour” Townsville program in June 2011. The program was aimed to help residents in need with basic home repairs, maintenance and domestic assistance. With over 420 volunteers going tp 265 homes doing everything from cleaning fans to pulling weeds, the Townsville Community thanks the Combined Churches for their support.