January 26, 2014

The South Burnett Regional Council presents a Sportsperson Of The Year – Coach / Official / Administrator Australia Day Award for outstanding effort in the role of a sports coach, official or administrator.

In 2014, the Award nominees were:

Gary Tessmann – 2014 Winner

Gary has been involved in sports across the South Burnett all his life, managing to juggle dairy farming and an extensive involvement in playing, coaching, coordinating and delivering regional carnivals for soccer and boxing. His achievements include:

  • Securing grant funding to construct fencing around the senior soccer fields and restoration of the Kingaroy Sporting Club facilities
  • Administrator of the annual, hugely successful seven aside soccer carnival and boxing tournaments across the region.
  • Coach of the Gunners women’s soccer teams
  • Part of the management team of the Kingaroy Sporting Club, which dates back to the early 80’s where he trained as a Queensland title holder in boxing.
  • Gary is currently the Vice President of the Kingaroy Senior Soccer Club and the Treasurer of the Kingaroy Sporting Club.

“Tessy” (as Gary is affectionately known by locals) is equally known for his sideline antics at sports competitions, such as his shouts of encouragement, jumping and throwing his cap in the air when his beloved women’s team scores a goal.

Shona Divljak

Shona Divljak ... co-manager of Yallakool Park
Shona is co-manager of Yallakool Park at the Bjelke-Petersen Dam, and played a major role in the organisation of the 2013 Austackle BP Dam Inland Family Fishing Classic.

This event attracted the support of the “South Burnett On Show” long weekend initiative and included “Murris Making Music” and “Lunch By The Lake”, a special fish cook-off with indigenous chef Dale Chapman.

Shona oversaw 315 entries in that competition, including the co-ordination of the prizes on offer and the overall weekend experience for visitors. She has actively spent the past two years promoting the sport of fishing.