Agnes Water resident Cheryl Wickes has been named Gladstone Regional Council’s 2012 Australia Day Citizen of the Year.

Gladstone Mayor Gail Sellers said the prestigious award recognised Ms Wickes’ tireless community dedication and her devotion to freely giving her time and efforts.

Ms Wickes accepted the award before hundreds of guests at the region’s Australia Day Awards ceremony held at the Gladstone Entertainment Centre.

“This award is small recognition of the vast contributions that Ms Wickes has made within our Region,” Cr Sellers said.

“Her on-going community commitment has provided valuable support to the Seventeen Seventy and Agnes Water areas and has helped enhance the township’s growth and development.”

Ms Wickes has been on the committee of various community groups, is a member of the Lions Club board and is current president of the Agnes Water Surf Life Saving Club and the Captain Cook 1770 Festival.

She has been involved with the Disaster Management Group, was instrumental in resurrecting the Agnes Water Triathlon and has held several Discovery Coast Tourism and Commerce Incorporated executive positions.

As part of the Discovery Coast Sport and Recreation Club committee, Ms Wickes oversaw improvements to the club, enabling it to now host junior and senior netball, rugby league and AFL competitions.

She also attends the Agnes Water Intra-agency meetings for local organisations, offering support to the Agnes Water Men’s Shed and Community Garden.

As the owner/editor of the Coastal Rag, Ms Wickes endeavours to bring the community together to promote the people, places and lifestyle of the Discovery Coast. 

“Ms Wickes has demonstrated a continual commitment to community assistance from participation in fundraising through to coordinating support towards assisting the viability of a group’s future,” Cr Sellers said.

“The calibre of nominees for the 2012 awards was outstanding and we congratulate all nominees who, as individuals, have made outstanding contributions to our community.

“It is deeply gratifying to be able to acknowledge the achievements and talents of each and every one of these residents.”

The 2012 Australia Day Young Citizen of the Year Award was presented to 17-year-old Talia Galbraith.

Ms Galbraith actively participates in all educational areas from academia to culture and sport and shows dedication and commitment in all of her various pursuits. 


 

She has represented Gladstone at many gymnastics meets and applies the drive and endurance she exhibits in her sporting pursuits to her community contributions. 

“Ms Galbraith’s achievements and efforts are commendable and as a region we are very proud to have such an outstanding young citizen within our community,” Cr Sellers said. 

“This award is a tribute to Ms Galbraith and acknowledges among other qualities, her responsible attitude, leadership abilities and exemplary efforts.”

Ms Galbraith’s endeavours have included extensive participation in school fundraising initiatives as well as involvement fundraising for community based events.

“Overall, there were 33 nominees across the eight Australia Day award categories, which is testament to the strength of the community spirit and talent throughout the Gladstone Region,” Cr Sellers said. 

Winners of 2012 Australia Day awards are:

• Citizen of the Year Award: Cheryl Wickes
• Young Citizen of the Year Award: Talia Galbraith
• Senior Cultural Award: Beth Jones
• Junior Cultural Award: Thomas Hooley
• Young Sports Person of the Year: Hannah Lowry
• Senior Sports Person of the Year: Lewis Marshall
• Sports Official of the Year: Julie Maeyke
• Community Event of the Year: 2011 Mount Larcom Show

Council gives regional communities a chance to celebrate

The Gladstone Regional Council 2012 Australia Day Community Events Grants were awarded to six applicants across the region, each showing a whole-of-communtiy willingness to support their Australia Day celebrations in thier township.