Gympie Australia Day winners announced

Gympie Regional Council Mayor Mick Curran announced the winners of the 2020 Australia Awards in front of a packed crowd at the Civic Centre.

Seven winners were announced for the award categories of Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year, Community Event of the Year, Cultural Award, Youth Cultural Award, Sports Administration Award, and Youth Sports Award. 

The 2020 Citizen of the Year Award was presented to Malcolm Dodt for his contributions to the community which include serving as a volunteer member for Gympie Medical Response under St John’s Ambulance, P&C president for One Mile State School and Gympie High School, and operating the popular Facebook page Gympie the Real Treasure is the Town, which promotes Gympie to locals and visitors from around the world.

Hannah Johnston was awarded Young Citizen of the Year for volunteering her time at charity events and being part of the Cooloola Community Orchestra and Gympie Strings. Hannah has proudly represented Gympie and St Patrick’s college for the past two years at the State Honours Ensemble Program at Griffith University.

The Cultural Award was presented to young talented songwriter Ethan Roberts. Ethan volunteers at events and workshops where he speaks and performs to help raise awareness of Autism.

Local Gympie youth Alison Jensen was awarded the Youth Cultural Award for volunteering her time and expertise to help students in the community with their music, stage presence and vocals. 

Allie Salter was presented with the Youth Sports Award for her success in both school and club sport, which included playing for Queensland at the National Rugby Championships. 

The Sports Administration Award was awarded to Gympie Turf Club President Shane Gill, for his continued efforts which have made the Gympie Turf Club one of the most successful race clubs in country Queensland.  

Matty Hillcoat’s Truckie’s Day Out was named the Community Event of the Year. This family friendly event, which is in its third year, raises valuable funds for SIDS research. 

Mayor Mick Curran also welcomed nine new Australian citizens to the Gympie region as part of the Australia Day festivities.

Gympie Regional Council would like to congratulate all nominees and winners for their contributions to the Gympie region community.