Australia Day Awards
The awards recognise Townsville’s unsung heroes and pay tribute to the special people in our community who have gone above and beyond to help improve the lives of others and contribute to a diverse, friendly and strong community.
This special person could be your neighbour, a friend or someone you have come across through your local school, church or community group. Whoever comes to mind, they are someone who works selflessly to help improve your life and the lives of others.
The efforts of these quiet achievers can often go unnoticed in our busy lives.
The winners of the 2024 Australia Day Awards were announced in a private ceremony on 14 February 2024.
Citizen of the Year Award - Warren Northey
Young Citizen of the Year Award - Tenason Stark
Arts & Culture Award - Neil Renison
Community Volunteer Award - Donald Seymour
Senior Sports Award - Damien Meek
Junior Sports Award - Taleisha Gaeta
Environmental Excellence & Sustainability Award - Oliver Jessho
Citizen of the Year Award - Warren Northey
Warren has dedicated more than five decades of his life to helping the community through volunteer work. His 53 years of service to the community including helping at St Vincent De Paul, assisting people experiencing domestic and family violence, his church, Girl Guides and Scouts. Warren was recognised for his selfless devotion to helping out the community and being an excellent role model, while never asking for anything in return.
Young Citizen of the Year Award - Tenason Stark
Tenason is a shinning example of a young individual who has not only excelled academically but also dedicated himself to making a significant and lasting impact on the local Townsville community. At 20 years old, Tenason has become a Justice of the Peace, mentored First Nation students at Ryan Catholic College, signed up as an Army Reservist, promoted sustainable water use and mental health advocacy. Tenason has also been heavily involved in social justice advocacy, role modelling and community leadership while pursuing tertiary studies.
Arts & Culture Award - Neil Renison
Neil is one of the most recognised figures in Townsville’s arts and culture community and was given the award for his many years of involvement in the arts community. He is a regular at the Perc Tucker Regional Gallery where he contributes his time and energy to supporting the gallery’s events and exhibitions. Neil has also been extensively involved with the Barrier Reef Orchestra and the Townsville Community Music Centre.
Community Volunteer Award - Donald Seymour
Donald’s love for all things trains has led him to volunteer a significant amount of time at the Townsville Mini Train Station at Lou Litster Park. The miniature trains are popular with families and kids and Donald volunteers once a month to help out. He also attends working bees on a weekly basis to help maintain the park. Donald doesn’t volunteer his time for recognition, and the opportunity allows him to feel like a valued member of the community.
Senior Sports Award - Damien Meek
Damien has hit the competition for six after representing Australia at the World Cup for Veterans World Cricket. He pulled off ranking of #30 in the world at the Cape Town event in South Africa last year and has achieved #2 ranking in Australia. The all rounders plays first grade for Townsville club, Wanderers. His love for the game has seen him volunteering his time mentoring and developing up and coming players and acting a role model. Damien is committed to continuing to grow Veterans Cricket in Townsville.
Junior Sports Award - Taleisha Gaeta
Taleisha had a stand out year in table tennis in 2023 after winning silverware in local, state and national competitions. The 16-year-old also competed in the World Youth Contender where she represented Australia, facing competition from China, Singapore and Korea. She was also selected to represent Australia at the Oceania Championships where she won silver in the under 15 girls’ teams, bronze in under 15 girls’ double and bronze in the under 15 mixed doubles.
Environmental Excellence & Sustainability Award - Oliver Jessho
Oliver is a young Townsville man with a passion for community engagement, empowerment and enrichment amongst his peers. The 24-year-old is passionate about the environment and has been involved in several groups to help spread awareness of animal rights and climate change including Anonymous for the Voiceless, Australian Youth Climate Coalition, JCU Community Food Garden, JCU Meditation and Yoga Club and formed the North Queensland Mushroom Society.
Previous Winners
Thank you to all nominees for your commitment to the Townsville community.
Visit our Previous Australia Day Awards Winners page to see the winners of past years.
