Rockhampton Region’s 2024 Australia Day Award winners announced
Published on 25 January 2024
Rockhampton Regional Council proudly named the winners of the 2024 Australia Day Awards this evening with a celebration held at the Rockhampton Heritage Village.
Mayor Tony Williams congratulated the winners and their extensive achievements across the community.
"The Australia Day Awards are a testament to each recipient’s dedication to our community, and it has been wonderful to recognise their hard work and say thank you for all they do,” Mayor Williams said.
“Winning an Australia Day Award is a major accomplishment, and demonstrates just how fortunate we are to have these individuals and groups making a positive impact on our community.”
Communities and Heritage Councillor Drew Wickerson said the awards spanned various categories, celebrating achievements from local sporting stars to remarkable fundraising efforts and everything in between.
“It’s a real privilege to celebrate those who have dedicated their diverse talents and so much time to our community,” Cr Wickerson said.
“Tonight we have celebrated residents who have volunteered in our community for an incredible 40 years, local groups who have raised close to $1 million for charity, and sporting heroes who have represented our region on an international stage.
“On behalf of Council, I would like to sincerely thank everyone who took the time to submit a nomination in this year’s awards and for bringing their efforts to attention.”
Parks, Sport and Public Spaces Councillor Cherie Rutherford said she was pleased to be a member of the judging panel again this year, and that the quality and quantity of nominations was outstanding.
“We were blown away to receive a record number of nominations for this year’s awards, with close on 40 incredible entries to choose from,” Cr Rutherford said.
“While this definitely made the judging difficult, it was fantastic to see so many deserving entries and so many local residents making efforts they should be proud of.
“Although we could only present a limited number of awards, the hard work of all those nominated does not go unseen.”
The 2024 Australia Day Award Winners include:
Citizen of the Year - Ivan Richardson:
Ivan has been volunteering in the community for over forty years. A talented musician, Ivan has utilised his musical talents to help better the region in a variety of ways – from organising charity performances to taking on the role of president for Rockhampton Youth Orchestra Inc. Ivan is a truly inspirational individual who deserves this recognition for his years of leadership and unwavering enthusiasm.
Young Citizen of the Year – Brooke Lacey:
Brooke is recognised for her dedication to local animal rescue and to the Central Queensland Animal Society. Over the past six years, Brooke has been a stalwart for animal rescue and foster care and dedicates the majority of her time to the not-for-profit animal rescue charity and its cause.
Sportsperson of the Year – Samuel Durkin:
Sam has dedicated the majority of his life to trampolining and recently represented Australia in the World Age Group Championships in Birmingham. Here he and a fellow Queenslander won the silver medal in the 17 - 21 Years Men’s Synchronised Trampoline Event.
Sports Official of the Year – Ricky England:
Ricky has made a great contribution to the sporting culture of the region through his time with Nerimbera Football Club. Ricky’s time with the club commenced in 1986 and has included time as a player and committee member, and recently recognised with a life membership.
Community Service Award – Malcolm and Lisa Holmes:
Malcom and Lisa are recognised for their outstanding efforts with the Hands of Compassion Foodbank, Rockhampton. The duo established the foodbank six years ago and have volunteered their time continuously since to ensure the success and continuation of this vital service.
Community Initiative Award - Jan Davison:
Jan Davison has made a remarkable effort in helping to establish and nurture the Rockhampton Mahjong Club. Today, the club proudly stands as the largest mahjong club in Queensland, boasting a vibrant community of 105 members.
Cultural Award – Merle Cole and Vicki Cope:
Merle and Vicki are recognised for their dedication to the Rockhampton Little Theatre. As President and Vice President, Merle and Vicki help to ensure that amateur theatre continues to thrive in Rockhampton.
Certificate of Commendation – Henry Boswood:
For nearly 49 years, Henry has dedicated himself as a member of Rotary, tirelessly working behind the scenes to make a positive impact on the lives of others. Henry has also devoted himself to various projects, on a local and international scale and remains an active member of the North Rockhampton Rotary Club.
Certificate of Commendation – Rockhampton Cancer Council QLD Volunteer Branch:
The Rockhampton Cancer Council Volunteer Branch has been an integral part of our community for the last forty years. Throughout their longstanding service, this group has stood as a powerhouse in raising funds for cancer research and support– with close to $1 million raised over the lifespan of their volunteering.
Additional photos of the winners are available here:
A full list of nominees include:
- Henry Boswood
- Susan Davidson
- Wayne and Cheryl Fall
- Earl Harbin
- Lisa and Malcolm Holmes
- Louise Hayes
- Brooke Lacey
- James and Marion Lawler
- Cassandra Lucas
- Marie Mann
- Friederike McCartney
- Greg Rea
- Rockhampton Cancer Council QLD Volunteer Branch
- Dr. Rabiya Sajjad and Dr. M Shahbaz Sattar
- Marilyn Tynan
- CQ EV Owners and Friends Facebook Group
- Eleanor De Jager – Home Grown Nature Play
- Jan Davison – Founder of Mahjong Rockhampton
- U3A Network Queensland; 2023 State Conference
- Merle Cole and Vicki Cope
- Jaime Ford
- Eunyoung Lynn Byun
- Ivan Richardson
- Brendon Tohill
- Maggie Allridge
- David Barber
- Josie Bunt
- Samuel Durkin
- Emmaus College Coxed Quad
- Karen Messmer
- Amarlie New
- Rubie Peterson
- Georgia Ralphs
- Emmerson Broomhall
- Damien Clinton
- Ricky England
- Lionel Harbin