Flinders Shire Council mayor, Jane McNamara, has announced the recipients for the 2017 Australia Day Awards at a ceremony held at the Diggers Entertainment Centre, Hughenden.
Australia Day Ambassador, Philippa Harris, presented the winning recipients with their award.
Citizen of the Year is Mim Crase, and Young Citizen of the Year is Rhys Blomfield, while the Hughenden Country Music Festival is the community event of the year.
Jamie Creagh received the Service to Sports Senior Award, and the junior sports award went to Cody Stitt.
Cr McNamara said Mim Crase received the Citizen of the Year Award for her volunteer work within the community, and for her organisation and service to local groups in a range of roles in addition to serving as teacher and librarian at Hughenden State School.
Rhys Blomfield was awarded the Young Citizen of the Year Award for his tireless volunteering at a wide range of community events.
“He has a strong work ethic, has been an exemplary student and is considered an excellent role model in the community,” she said.
The Hughenden Country Music Festival is an annual event, planned, organised and run by a group of volunteers who dedicate many hours to the endeavour.
Jamie Creagh received the Service to Sports Senior Award for his long-standing contribution to numerous sporting groups in the local community, and for his selflessness, enthusiasm and support.
Cody Stitt was awarded the Junior Sports Achievement Award for his athletic abilities and his willingness to encourage and support other students. Cody has represented the community at a regional level in cricket, athletics and soccer trials.
The awards were presented to the winners at the Diggers Entertainment Centre free community breakfast, which is a major Australia Day event that brings the Hughenden community together.
