The region’s most outstanding citizens have been named as part of Western Downs Regional Council’s Australia Day Awards 2021.   Forty-nine nominations were received from all corners of the region, with 12 individuals and five groups receiving awards across six categories including Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year, Local Volunteer of the Year, Local Sports Award, Local Community Organisation Achievement Award, and Local Creative Arts Award.   Mayor Paul McVeigh said it was phenomenal to recognise the outstanding people in the community.   “Our Australia Day Awards are our most prestigious accolades given to the residents who have gone above and beyond through the year,” Cr McVeigh said.    “The past year has been particularly challenging for everyone, and it is incredible to see so many amazing people continue to serve our great community and excel in a range of areas.    “Our local awards are designed to celebrate the unsung achievers in our towns who are the lifeblood of our local communities and have made great contributions to our various community, sporting, and creative offerings.    “Each winner has a fascinating story to tell, and it’s important we recognise their outstanding achievements.  Local Sports Award Recipient  “It truly demonstrates the spirit of the Western Downs community and it’s an absolute honour to recognise those individuals and groups who have strived to make our region a better place to live and work in the past 12 months.”   Eleven-year-old Addison Clay was named the Local Sports Award Winner for Tara and District and has been recognised for her bravery and determination in gaining various sporting achievements all while battling stage four cancer.    Addison said she was excited when she found out she had one the Sports Award for her district.    “I have had so many people supporting me in the past year and it’s important to show other kids that you should just go for your dreams, try hard and don’t be scared,” Miss Clay said.    “I really want to make the Queensland Softball Team this year and I am excited to keep training and working towards my goal.”   Regional Australia Day Awards 2021   Citizen of the Year – Marilyn Bidstrup Young Citizen of the Year – Karsten Duvel  Local Australia Day Awards 2021 Recipients   Local Volunteer of the Year  Dalby and District– Cecil Woods   Jandowae and District– Donna Woollett  Miles and District– Edward Gibbons   Tara and District– Linda Steinohrt  Wandoan and District– Dinah Fraser   Local Sports Award  Chinchilla and District – Breanna Collins  Dalby and District – Mitchell Hemmings  Miles and District – Lachlan Moore  Tara and District – Addison Clay  Wandoan and District – Elli Zillman Local Community Organisation Achievement Award  Chinchilla and District – Chinchilla Netball Inc.

Warra resident Marilyn Bidstrup has been named Regional Citizen of the Year as part of Western Downs Regional Council’s Australia Day Awards 2021.  Mrs Bidstrup is one of 17 individuals or groups to …

Western Downs residents are invited to pull up a rug, kick back, and enjoy an afternoon of local food and music, with the inaugural Groovin in the Garden family friendly event on 20 February.

Following a successful introduction last year, Western Downs Regional Council is partnering with local Chambers of Commerce to deliver a...

Community pride will make the Western Downs come alive this Australia Day, as the region comes together to celebrate all...

Following the hugely popular regional parties last November, Western Downs Regional Council has again partnered with SwimFit to deliver a series of family fun days at pools across the region.   Taki…

Western Downs Regional Council has delivered a water-smart upgrade of amenities at Bell’s Ensor Park as part of an ongoing strategy to boost the liveability of local towns in the region.

The Chinchilla Weir is one of the major projects kicking off this year The New Year will bring exciting new recreation opportunities to the Western Downs, with several major projects about to get unde…

Western Downs Regional Council has delivered new infrastructure at the Tanderra Cemetery as part of efforts to create a more...