Australia Day Award Nominees 2025

Published on 09 January 2025

As we prepare for Australia Day 2025 on January 26 at Airlie Beach Foreshore, Council would like to recognise the 38 Australia Day Award nominees for our Whitsunday region.

Each nominee represents the spirit of our community and their remarkable achievements and commitment to making Our Whitsunday a better place to live, work and play.

Their individual stories are a testament to the strength and unity that define our wonderful community.

Citizen of the Year sponsored by Whitsunday Chamber of Commerce

Dr Arthur Trezise
Jennifer Honnery
Helen Maynard-Turner
Brent Edgerton
Marissa Kearney
Matt Stokes
Janice Brown

Young Citizen of the Year sponsored by McDonalds Cannonvale, Airlie Beach and Bowen

Nathan Richards
Kodi Mackie
Cooper Groocock

Art and Cultural Award sponsored by Creative Connections Whitsunday

Jenny Featherstone , Whitsunday Dance Connection
Chez O’Brien, Chez’s House of Dance
Seagrass Theatre and Music Company
Karen Jacobsen
Category 5 Band

Community Group Award sponsored by Bendigo Bank Cannonvale and Proserpine

Whitsunday Brahmans, Proserpine Rugby League Club
Tarnia Patton, Proserpine Community Markets
Whitsundays Writers Festival
Bowen Tourism and Business Volunteers

Community Volunteer Award sponsored by Coral Sea Marina Resort Airlie Beach Triathlon

Christine Pennay, Collinsville Vinnies
Diane Watts
Natasha O’Neil, Bowen Cancer Ostomy Group
Kathleen Morrissey
Bowen Tourism and Business Volunteers
Donna Deegan, Volunteer Marine Rescue Whitsunday
Heather Sutton, Whitsunday Sailing Club
Helen Daley
Susan Gravelle
Ronald Read
Bowen Tourism and Business Volunteers

Environmental Award sponsored by Green Energy Technologies

Libby Edge, Eco Barge Clean Seas Inc.

Senior Sports Award - sponsored by Tassal

Brittaney O'Brien
Liv Compton
Tommy and Chez O'Brien, Whitsunday Allstars
Michael Kimpton

Young Sports Award - sponsored by Coral Sea Marina Resort Airlie Beach Triathlon

Jure Portelli
Millie Groom
Cooper Groocock
Byron Goodin

Join Mayor Ry Collins on Australia Day, January 26 at the Airlie Beach Foreshore as we celebrate Australia Day - Our Whitsunday Way and recognise the winners of each category.

Let's make this Australia Day a day of recognition, appreciation, and community pride. Thank you to everyone who took the time to nominate these remarkable individuals!

View Event Information