HUNDREDS turned out at Australia Day events in Atherton and Mareeba to recognise the unsung heroes of the community.
In Mareeba, the Citizen of the Year Award went to Arch McArthur, a lobbyist for the community of Kuranda, who has been successful in obtaining grants for various organisations including theatre, recreation, bowls and the neighbourhood centre. He shared the honours with Young Citizen of the Year, Joshua Priestly, recognised for his leadership skills and volunteer work with Rosie’s, Friends on the Street.
In Atherton, the Citizen of the Year was awarded to Graeme Tobin, Millaa Millaa, for community involvement over six decades.
Graeme has been involved in sporting activities including cricket team, the Millaa Millaa Rugby League Club and filled an important role as administrator and player for the local tennis club. In 1967 he became a Charter Member of the Millaa Millaa Lions Club and has clocked up 48 years of service to the club and community.
Student Jacinta Honan, 16, was named Young Citizen of the Year. In 2015, Jessica won the Premier’s ANZAC Prize which encourages young Queenslanders to better understand the ANZAC legacy. Jessica had the opportunity to travel to Turkey and the Western Front. Jessica was a Youth Parliament Representative for Dalrymple and attended sessions in Brisbane. In 2015 she was nominated for Student of the Year and is being sponsored by the RSL to attend the Global Youth Leadership Conference in New York this year.