SEVEN local residents have been nominated by the community as part of the 2022 Ipswich Australia Day Awards.
The range of categories that will be presented on Australia Day in Ipswich include Citizen of the Year, Senior Citizen of the Year, and Young Citizen of the Year.
Mayor Teresa Harding said that the annual Ipswich Australia Day Awards are an important platform to officially honour inspiring individuals who enrich their communities.
“It makes me very proud as Mayor to see the very high standard of nominees, and it is reflective of the breadth of community-oriented and service-orientated people and groups that contribute to Ipswich’s liveability and culture,” she said.
The local 2022 Citizen of the Year Award nominees are Debbie Wadwell from Thagoona for her work and contribution with the Ipswich Returned Services League.
Robert and Daphne Farraway from Thagoona were also nominated for their voluntary foster care of more than 25 children – most of whom have had high needs due to their traumatic backgrounds.
Shane Brandley from Calvert is another nominee. He is the President of the Rosewood Roosters Rugby League Club for his commitment to the club, sport and its community.
Wendye Gratton from Marburg was nominated for her volunteering roles with the Marburg and District Residents Association, the Black Snake Creek Festival, the Marburg Community Centre and the Rosewood Scrub Historical Society.
Barry Gratton from Marburg was nominated for his community initiatives, projects, events and activities with the Marburg and District Resident’s Association, the Black Snake Creek Festival, the Marburg Community Centre, the Marburg Heritage Centre and for his participation in the return of a 130-year-old sulky to Marburg.
Rosemaree Thomasson from Walloon was nominated for the Senior Citizen of the Year award for her volunteer work with the Rosewood District Protection organisation and the Bremer Catchment Association. The nomination noted that Rosemaree consistently demonstrated her love for the community and environment.
Cr Andrew Fechner, who is a member of this year’s judging panel, said the Ipswich Australia Day Awards were an opportunity for the community to honour outstanding contributions to our city.
“Each nominated person has demonstrated an impressive and ongoing commitment to improving our community,” Cr Fechner said.
“Residents nominated for Citizen of the Year have made significant impacts across diverse fields including the arts, the community sector, media, the environment, sport, and recreation.”
