Local legends celebrated as part of Australia Day Awards

Nineteen outstanding individuals and groups will receive a prestigious Australia Day Local Award on 26 January 2022, recognising the incredible achievements of the people who make the Western Downs such a special place to live.  

 Western Downs Regional Council has revealed the recipients of this year’s Australia Day Local Awards, which acknowledge the amazing achievements of residents in the areas of sport, creative arts, volunteering, and community organisations.  

 Mayor Paul McVeigh said the Awards were about recognising excellence in the region’s local towns across a variety of categories.  

 “Our region’s prestigious Australia Day Awards are a fantastic opportunity to shine a light on the people in our community who are achieving incredible things in their local towns,” Cr McVeigh said.  

 “This year we have 19 individuals and organisations receiving special recognition for their outstanding contributions to the region and excellence in their chosen field whether it be a talented sportsperson, creative artist, outstanding volunteer, or incredible community group. 

 “Here in the Western Downs, it’s the people that make it – and myself and my fellow Councillors look forward to officially recognising our winners at this year’s Australia Day events.  

 “This is a special time to come together as one community and celebrate the people that make our region so great, and I encourage everyone to head along to their local event and be a part of the festivities.” 

2022 Australia Day Awards – Local Award Winners  

 Local Volunteer of the Year  

 Chinchilla & District – Ross Cardillo 

Dalby & District – Paige Cartwright 

Jandowae & District – Linda Wells 

Miles & District – Kerry Mulholland 

Tara & District – Brigetta Sternes 

Wandoan & District – Robert Williams 

Local Creative Arts Award 

 Chinchilla & District – Grant Dolbel 

Dalby & District – Rachel Redlich 

Miles & District – Miles Regional Arts Council Playwriting Development Program 

Tara & District – Glenmorgan Art Group 

Wandoan & District – Wandoan Arts Council Inc 

 Local Community Organisation Achievement Award 

 Chinchilla & District – Chinchilla Community Commerce and Industry 

Miles & District – Miles Back to the Bush Festival 

Wandoan & District – Wandoan Camel Races Committee 

 Chinchilla & District – Gabrielle Hicks 

Dalby & District – Jessika Bliesner 

Miles & District – Amity Salisbury 

Tara & District – William Hallinan 

Wandoan & District – Paige Miles 

The Regional Citizen of the Year and Young Citizen of the Year will be announced on Australia Day.  

 For more information about this year’s local winners, visit Council’s website.

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