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Australia Day Awards honour Ipswich Community Champions
Ipswich Mayor Andrew Antoniolli congratulated this year’s Australia Day Award Winners at the Ipswich Civic Centre at a ceremony held on January 20.
(Above) Young Citizen of the Year Hannah Hyatt, Citizen of the Year John Beaumont and Senior Citizen of the Year Ian Dainer.
Citizen of the Year is the head of boarding at Ipswich Grammar School.
John Beaumont has been in the role for 12 years and previously received an Ipswich Medal for assistance he gave to those affected by the 2011 flood.
He was runner-up in the 2015 Queensland Positive Teacher of the Year and is well loved by his students and nominated by many for the award.
John was honoured at a ceremony at Ipswich Civic Centre alongside winners from five other categories.
Ipswich Mayor Andrew Antoniolli said Mr Beaumont was a well-deserved winner.
Below are a list of winners and finalists across all categories.
Citizen of the Year Award Finalists
Matthew Cox is a passionate fundraiser, jogging from Perth to Ipswich to raise funds for the children’s ward at Ipswich Hospital. The funds raised benefit the Ipswich community in supporting both the children who stay at the hospital and their families as well.
Kellee Ives is a passionate supporter of Ipswich mothers, helping them in breastfeeding. Kellee trains new Breastfeeding Counsellors to help mothers and also volunteers in a number of different roles in the Australian Breastfeeding Association, Ipswich branch. Her support and empathy for breastfeeding mothers provides a great service to the community.
Senior Citizen of the Year Winner – Ian Dainer
Ian Dainer is a Vietnam veteran, dedicating himself to the welfare of ADF veterans and serving members. Ian is active in a wide range of community organisations, including assuming the role of National Secretary of the Airfield Defence Association of Australia. The success of the recent 50th Anniversary Reunion of the organisation was achieved largely due to his commitment and involvement.
Senior Citizen of the Year Finalists Sydney Haag has been involved in the agricultural industry for 69 years, first entering produce in the Ipswich Show in 1963. Sydney is the second longest serving president of the Ipswich Show Society and some of the attractions he introduced still feature at the Ipswich Show. Passing on the finer techniques of the industry, Sydney judges agriculture at many shows. Peter McMahon is well known to the community as the man behind the Peter McMahon Swim Factory in Ipswich and Springfield. He provides an inspiring and highly sought after service to the community teaching children and adult’s water safety and general enjoyment of the water.
Young Citizen of the Year Winner – Hannah Hyatt
Hannah Hyatt is a passionate advocate for increasing awareness and education around youth mental health, in Ipswich and further afield. Hannah has volunteered for Headspace Ipswich and attends and assists in the planning and facilitation of many community events. Her continued hard work and active involvement in the community make her an inspiring role model for young people.
Young Citizen of the Year Finalist
Aaron Evans brings success to the stages of Ipswich, as one of the youngest directors and playwrights to have ever put on a show in the area. Holding multiple roles over time in the theatrical companies of Ipswich, he has mentored many young actors and is a part of the Protégé Masterclasses encouraging youth in his industry.
Citywide Event of the Year Winner – Les Miserables
Les Miserables , presented by the Ipswich Musical Theatre Company at the Ipswich Civic Centre, provided a unique opportunity for Ipswich talent to perform and for some, kick-start their international careers. There were many sold out performances with patrons travelling from afar to enjoy the musical.
Citywide Event of the Year Finalist
HIGHLY COMMENDED – StoryArts Festival Ipswich puts Ipswich on the map in the world of children’s literature. The festival attracts notable authors, both nationally and internationally, to fuel the local economy. With more than 2000 books sold, the authors and illustrators informed, entertained and amazed the children who attended.
Community Event of the Year Winner – Heart Support Australia
The Heart Support Australia group are a tireless bunch of volunteers who fundraise to support those in the Ipswich and West Moreton region with heart concerns. The group recently donated a portable echo machine to the Ipswich Hospital and celebrated the 20th anniversary of the branch in October 2017.
Community Event of the Year Finalists
The Noah’s Mater Charity event was an idea of Noah Springall, at age 11, who wanted to give back to the hospital that saved his life. With the help of sisters Jessica and Britney, the event was held at Ipswich golf and putt putt range to raise funds for the hospital supporting babies in its NICU and special care nurseries.
The Movement is a group of volunteers who help the homeless and those who need a helping hand in the Ipswich and wider Brisbane community. The group provides clothes, food and furniture to those who have been affected by domestic violence or who simply are struggling and need some assistance.
Cultural Award Winner – Glen Smith
Glen Smith is a key member of the Ipswich arts and cultural community. He has achieved the roles of President of ArtsConnect Ipswich Inc and committee member of the Ipswich Art Awards and the Regional Arts Development Fund. His work in the arts is fuelled by a passion which earns him the respect of many.
Cultural Award Finalists
Myfanway Locke is an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander elder who is actively engaged in the Ipswich community. She regularly performs the Welcome to Country at occasions across Ipswich and is helping younger generations lead better lives, with her work as caretaker of a transitional house in the community.
Rajarajan Thennavan founded the Varnam Cultural Society (QLD), an organisation that identifies and assists young talent to perform on stage. Rajarajan has been selected as one of the multicultural ambassadors for the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games 2018, representing the Tamil community. He is also heavily involved in other charitable endeavours in Ipswich.
2018 CITY OF IPSWICH MEDALLION RECIPIENTS
The City of Ipswich Medallions were introduced into the Australia Day Awards Program in 2008.
Recipients are selected by the Mayor and councillors in recognition of the valuable contribution made by the recipients over a period of time, to the prosperity of our local community.
Mayor Andrew Antoniolli Medallion Recipients
William Warwick – Bill has been a member of the Queensland Police Service for approximately 30 years and has been the Ipswich District Superintendent of Traffic for many years. He happily assists council and community groups with their road closure permits, ensuring safe community events can be run.
Brian Huxley – Brian is the police officer in charge of the Ipswich Police District and is the head of the District Disaster Management Group.
Ali Brigginshaw – As a member of the World Champion Australian Women’s Rugby League team, the Jillaroos, Ali is an inspiration to Ipswich sportswomen. Her efforts were such in the 2017 World Cup that she was in the reckoning for Player of the Tournament.
Chris Steinmuller – Chris is highly regarded for his musical talents. However, he is recognised for his commitment to the community, particularly in regards to his work with seniors’ concerts and the Alchemy Choir.
Roy Saunders – Roy has, for more than 30 years, been involved in rugby league as a sports physician. However, he is more widely known for his role as team doctor for the Australian Rugby League Team and the Queensland State of Origin Team. In fact, he has been the team doctor for the State of Origin team for more than 30 years.
Ripley Valley Rural Fire Brigade – The Ripley Valley Rural Fire Brigade is a very active local fire brigade that takes part in many community events and is also actively involved in the role of volunteer rural fire brigade.
Councillor David Morrison Division 1 Medallion Recipients
Tracy Bold – Tracy is a dedicated volunteer taking holding positions on Committees for the Scouts, Springfield Light Tower and Ipswich Cares. Tracy gives her time freely helping various community events and groups.
Rita Maddox – Rita has been involved in local community groups helping to organise many large community events like the Run for Life and Australia Day events at Robelle Domain. Rita also helps out many families in need in the community.
Annette Zbasnik – Annette has been a long time member, supporter and Committee Member of the Waterworx Ametuer Swim Club, giving many hours to ensure the club runs smoothly. Annette is currently the President of the Club.
AJ Varkevissor – Aj has been the long-time president of Western Spirit Soccer Club. AJ has given many hours to keeping the club running for the many young footballers in our community.
BeYoutiful – Karen and Olivia was an initiative started by Karen and Olivia to provide pamper services free of charge for women in our community. Women can choose from the services available with child minding and nibbles provided.
Councillor Paul Tully division 2 Medallion Recipients
Timothy and Joy Moroney – Mr & Mrs Moroney are heavily involved with the Goodna RSL Sub- Branch and are currently on the Committee. This organisation provides support to local veterans and their families.
P eter Walsh – Peter has been a resident of Ipswich for over 30 years. He is committed to helping the community through his involvement with Goodna Rotary for over 3 decades and on the Board of Goodna Youth Services a service that provides assistance to homeless and other at-risk young people.
Michelle Maybanks – Michelle is a highly regarded person within their community and has been with Goodna State School since 1993 and currently is the Community Engagement Officer.
June Young – June has lived in the area for over 32 years and is a proud resident of Goodna. June has been a School Crossing Supervisor, lovingly known as the “lollypop lady” for over 23 years at St Francis Xavier Primary School Goodna.
Redbank State School P&C – President Michelle Bell accepts the award – The Redbank State School P & C Committee is a vibrant part of the school community and works very hard fundraising for the school to benefit the children and parents.
Councillor Kerry Silver Division 3 Medallion Recipients
Rhea De Wit – Rhea Dewitt has been volunteering in the city for decades in many areas such as the Information centre, RSPCA, Animal Welfare League, Comlink, Ipswich Hospital she had lived in Riverview for over 25 years.
Ruth Moffatt – Ruth has been actively invovled in the local community of Riverview for over 30 years, she has been involved heavily on a volunteer basis with indigenous programs in the Riverview School.
Ted Wedmaier – Ted has been an active community member of Ripley and Ipswich Men’s Shed.
Luke Hinschsen – Luke is the Founder of the Mental Health Foundation that assist people in need across the community who have or are at risk of mental health crisis.
Eastern Raiders Cricket Club – President Bruce Raleigh accepts the award – The Eastern Raiders Cricket Club have been proactive local cricket Club that develop and encourage youth and adults alike to led and active lifestyle.
Councillor Kylie Stoneman Division 4 Medallion Recipients
Marilyn Varvaro – Marilyn is a stalwart of the Heart Foundation Walking Ipswich group which has encouraged and supported Ipswich residents lead health and active lives for twenty years.
Glen Smith – Glenn is a passionate advocate for the Ipswich arts community. As president of the volunteer-run Arts Connect Ipswich organisation, Glenn works with local artists and community groups to promote art and culture across Ipswich.
Ray Edbrooke – Ray is one of Blackstone’s most familiar faces and has a treasure trove of knowledge about the history and geography of his community
Mentions: Ipswich · Springfield · Ripley · Goodna · Redbank · Riverview · Blackstone
Source: Ipswich First (Ipswich City Council) — CC BY 4.0.