Outstanding individuals honoured in 2022 Livingstone Shire Council Australia Day Awards!
To recognise the hard work and dedication towards enhancing the natural environment of the shire, President of the Capricorn Coast Landcare Group, Malcolm Wells has been awarded Citizen of the Year at the 2022 Livingstone Shire Australia Day Awards!
Mr Wells has been a passionate advocate for the local environment for many years, working alongside a variety of community groups to ensure the native corridors, wildlife and environment are protected and preserved.
In 2021 alone, Mr Wells worked to improve the environment at Farnborough Dunes, Pineapple Rail Trail, North Keppel Island and Pumpkin Island, Fig Tree Creek, and Lammermoor Gardens through rubbish removal, weeding and planting.
The achievements and contributions of outstanding individuals and local groups were honoured at Sunday’s intimate ceremony at the Yeppoon Town Hall which was also live streamed.
Chair of the Australia Day Awards Committee, Deputy Mayor Adam Belot, congratulated all nominees and winners for their valuable contributions to the Livingstone community.
“The Community Group Service Award was awarded to the Emu Park Surf Club, Breanna Willett was named the Young Citizen of the Year while Mr Donald Knowles was awarded the Living Legend Award, and Debra Ibbotson was awarded the Outstanding Dedication to Public Service Award, ,” Cr Belot said.
“Every year the Mayoral Award recognises someone who has served our community and improved the lives of others. This year’s award was given to Julie Palmer, who has been a member of SES Yeppoon for over 20 years. Julie has lead the group through major Cyclones, Floods, Bush Fires and major disasters that have come through the Livingstone Area. She is usually one of the first SES officers to provide assistance to groups other than Yeppoon SES when help is needed. In times of disaster and major events, Julie will head off to help wherever she can.”
“On behalf of the committee and judging panel I would like to extend our sincere congratulations to both the winners and all the nominees for the 2022 awards.”
Mayor Andy Ireland said these awards provide an opportunity to recognise and celebrate the unsung heroes who make our Shire a great place to live – be it a friend, family member, colleague, community member or someone who serves the community.
“There are many selfless individuals who contribute countless hours of service in our sporting clubs, environmental groups and arts, culture and community services and it is their ongoing contributions that truly define Livingstone Shire as the vibrant, inclusive and caring community we live in today,” Mayor Ireland said.
“On behalf of the Council and the entire community, I would like to congratulate all award nominees and recipients for being leading citizens and role models.
“You inspire us and challenge us all to make a positive difference in our community.”
The 2022 Australia Day Award recipients are as follows:
- Mayoral Award – Julie Palmer
Julie Palmer has been a member of SES Yeppoon for over 20 years. She is currently the Group Leader for Yeppoon SES and has held this position for a number of years. As an executive of Yeppoon SES Julie's responsibilities are incredibly huge. Julie is responsible for over 60 active members within Yeppoon SES Group. Julie has lead Yeppoon SES Group with the utmost professional attitude through major Cyclones, Floods, Bush Fires and major disasters that have come through Livingstone Area. Julie has also been the backbone driver of community engagement, and has a strong presence in the Yeppoon Community. However her activities have not necessarily been confined to Yeppoon SES. She is a willing volunteer in all SES groups across the region and across the state whenever she feels she can help. It is this selfless attitude that earned her the Mayoral award for 2022.
- Living Legend – Donald Knowles
Don Knowles joined Yeppoon Lions in 1981 and has been an extremely active member since. During his 40 years as an active member of Yeppoon Lions, Don has been President, Treasurer and Secretary as well as Pinefest Chairman.
Don has had leadership roles in Yeppoon Choral Society and is a committee member and President of the Royal Bush Childrens’ Health Scheme. He also assists the RSL with the preparations for Anzac Day, Armistice Day and has assisted with fundraising for the Cockscomb Veterans' Retreat. Don's spare time is heavily devoted to volunteering to better the Central Queensland Community.
- Citizen of the Year – Malcolm Wells
Malcolm is passionate about the environment and the President of the Capricorn Coast Landcare Group. Malcolm works alongside Capricorn Catchments, Fitzroy Basin Association, Tangaroa Blu, Greening Australia, Great Barrier Reef Marine Parks Authority, Emu Park Bushcare, GenYadaba, Friends of Lammermoor and the local council. He also hosts a weekly Junior Landcare Group at Yeppoon State School and works with Yeppoon Girl Guides to share his knowledge of how areas are turned into native corridors, and the benefits it brings to the wildlife and the community.
- Young Citizen of the Year – Breanna Willett
Breanna is involved in multiple community and charity initiatives. She has achieved the highest rank in the Yeppoon Air Cadets Squadron and trains other young cadets and seeks to genuinely implement the organisation's values for youth development. Breanna is also an active member of Livingstone Shire Council’s Youth Action Group and Keppel Bay Sports Fishing Club. As a senior at St Ursula's College she was voted the Environmental Captain for 2021, awarded the highest achieving student in Aquatic practices, the JCU Shield Award for academic achievement and leadership and the Defence Forces Long Tan Leadership Award.
- Community Group Service Award – Emu Park Surf Club
Emu Park Surf Life Saving Club (EPSLSC) is a local hub providing training, sports participation, social activities, youth development & Lifesaving services. It is a 100% volunteer run organisation.
In 2021, EPSLSC members contributed almost 3,500 volunteer patrol hours on our local beaches, beaches elsewhere in Queensland and at and for other community events. This includes the supervision of many thousands of beach goers, performing preventative actions, treating beach goers for jellyfish stings and other minor first aid. The Club also worked hard to fundraise and apply for the necessary grants to complete a new gear shed and amenities building, and renovation of the existing clubhouse.
- Outstanding Dedication Public Service Award – Dr Debra Ibbotson
Dr. Debra Ibbotson has been a General Practitioner at the Family Practice at Emu Park for 13 years. Dr. Ibbotson also attends to the residents at Sunset Ridge aged care facility. Her working week is approximately 70 hours plus. Outside of this she is involved in fundraising for cancer, including Relay for Life and is guest speaker for the same cause.
Dr. Ibbotson has a kind and caring nature, is a very well informed and dedicated doctor who goes above and beyond for her patients. Her future goals are to continue to care for the residents and patients of the Capricorn Coast area.