Last year’s winner John Box, left, and South Burnett Mayor Wayne Kratzmann presented the 2015 South Burnett Citizen of the Year award to Joan Adams

January 26, 2015

One of the unsung heroes of the South Burnett was rewarded for a lifetime of work by being named South Burnett Citizen of the Year at Kingaroy Town Hall on Sunday night.

Joan Adams was described by compere John Carey as a mix of “Jamie Oliver, Santa, Mother Teresa and a farmer”.

“She has lived in the South Burnett all her life and has risen above personal difficulties time and time again to make sure her beloved South Burnett is a better place for current and future generations,” John said.

Joan is involved in the organisation of the Tableland Markets and the Murgon Show, and is a member of the Proston QCWA, Tableland Hall Committee, Porcolettes and the South Burnett Wildlife Carers.

She also co-ordinated and cooked for three community dinners hosted at the Tablelands Hall for drought-affected farmers and prepared 26 Christmas cakes as a gift for farming families.

“Joan’s big heart for people sees her follow up those who remain vulnerable to withdrawing from community with home visits and helping wherever she can,” John said.

Joan was presented with her certificate by 2014 Citizen of the Year John Box and South Burnett Mayor Wayne Kratzmann.

* * *

Citizenship Ceremony

New citizens Anna Naylor and Alma Torres, formerly from the Philippines

Christian and Adam Dingle, formerly from the United Kingdom

The evening began with a Flag Parade by local Army Cadets and a Citizenship Ceremony for eight new Australian citizens.

The eight were led through their affirmation by Mayor Kratzmann who said he was honoured to be able to do this.

“Nothing is more important than to be given the role to be able to induct new Australian citizens,” he said.

The new Australian citizens joined the rest of the audience in singing the National Anthem after their affirmation ceremony

* * *

Special Awards

Three former South Burnett mayors – Bill Roberts (Murgon), Percy Iszlaub (Wondai) and Reg McCallum (Nanango) – received special recognition at the awards ceremony.

“It’s time that we honoured three great Australians, three great Queenslanders and three great South Burnett civic leaders who have between them, as mayors and councillors, served a total of 108 years,”  Mayor Kratzmann said.

Bill Roberts, who could not be present, was represented by his son Scott.

Cr Kratzmann said Bill was an “icon of Murgon”, while Reg McCallum was still known as the Mayor of Nanango.

Percy Iszlaub was an outstanding citizen who had worked behind the scenes “to bridge divides” in the community and was his “great mentor”.

The three men were given special plaques and received a standing ovation from the audience.

Mayor Wayne Kratzmann with former Nanango mayor Reg McCallum, former Wondai mayor Percy Iszlaub and Scott Roberts, son of former Murgon mayor Bill Roberts

* * *

Susan Dowideit-Reiger sang the National Anthem as well as “I Am Australian” and “I Still Call Australia Home”

Australia Day

Australia Day is an opportunity for people to come together to celebrate and remember what it is that defines us.

“And to reflect on the achievements of so many, who day in day out, and all year long, selflessly serve their communities, motivated by a purpose greater than their own interests,” compere John Carey said.

“Through the South Burnett Australia Day Awards we can extend out our hands to thank and recognise that this region is filled with many, many people with very good hearts!

“I trust tonight that every nominee in these awards will draw deep from the appreciation and recognition of the region, and that it helps refuel your volunteer tanks to keep on serving your club, community and the South Burnett.”

* * *

South Burnett Young Citizen of the Year – Lachlan Hughes

Young Citizen of the Year is Lachlan Hughes, from Nanango. Lachlan is very active in the local community and is a former Nanango State High School captain.

2015 South Burnett Young Citizen of the Year Lachlan Hughes, from Nanango, was presented with his award by 2014 Citizen of the Year John Box

* * *

South Burnett Lifetime Achievement Award – Greg Hunter

This award recognises a South Burnett resident over the age of 60 who has given outstanding service to their local community over many years.

Member for Nanango Deb Frecklington presented the 2015 South Burnett Lifetime Achievement Award to Greg Hunter, 83, from Nanango, who has been a volunteer firefighter for more than 60 years

* * *

South Burnett Volunteer of the Year – Del Blanch

This award recognises a citizen who has made a noteworthy contribution through their volunteer work and who has given outstanding volunteer services to the local community over a number of years.

Member for Nanango Deb Frecklington presented the 2015 South Burnett Volunteer of the Year Award to Del Blanch, from Proston, who is a stalwart of the Proston Show Society and the Sports Ground committee

* * *

South Burnett Cultural Award – South Burnett Chorale

The South Burnett Cultural Award is presented to a person or organisation which has made a noteworthy contribution to the cultural life of the region or an outstanding achievement in cultural activities.

Cr Kathy Duff, centre, presented the 2015 South Burnett Cultural Award to the South Burnett Chorale … representing the Chorale were Evelyn Dunemann, Diane Read, Elaine Madill and Trish Mearns

* * *

South Burnett Junior Cultural Award – Tori Somers

This award is presented to a person 18 years and younger who has made a noteworthy contribution to the cultural life of the region or an outstanding achievement in cultural activities.

Deputy Mayor Keith Campbell presented the 2014 South Burnett Junior Cultural Award to Tori Somers, from Nanango

* * *

Community Organisation of the Year – South Burnett Speedway

This award recognises a South Burnett organisation that has made an outstanding contribution to the community during the year and has given outstanding service to the local community over a number of years.

Cr Kathy Duff presented the South Burnett Community Organisation of the Year Award to the South Burnett Speedway Club … Kingaroy driver Josh Wicks collected the award on behalf of the club

* * *

South Burnett Junior Sportsperson of the Year – Jared Sippel

The winner of the South Burnett Junior Sportsperson of the Year also receives the Matthew Hayden Bursary. This bursary is valued at $1000 and proudly funded by the South Burnett Regional Council.

Cr Barry Green presented the 2015 South Burnett Junior Sportsman of the Year Award to cricketer Jared Sippel, from Murgon

* * *

South Burnett Senior Sportsperson of the Year – Noel Cheshire

This award is open to people over 18 years of age with an outstanding record of achievement.

Cr Damien Tessmann presented the 2015 South Burnett Senior Sportsperson of the Year Award to veteran tennis player Noel Cheshire, from Windera

* * *

Sportsperson – Coach / Official or Administrator – Paul Clegg

This award is presented to an individual who has an outstanding record of achievement in sport.

Cr Damien Tessmann presented the 2015 South Burnett Sportsperson (Coach / Official / Administrator) Award to cricketer Paul Clegg

* * *

Local Achiever Award Winners

  • Paul Pfeffer – Murgon
  • Elaine Madill – Wondai / Tingoora
  • Zig and Sharon Zoldak – Hivesville / Proston
  • Rowena Dionysius – Kingaroy
  • Wendy Zerbst – Nanango
  • Liane Kerr – Maidenwell / Bunya Mountains
Cr Deb Palmer presented the 2015 Kingaroy Local Achievement Award to Rowena Dionysius

Nanango Local Achiever Wendy Zerbst

Maidenwell Local Achiever Liane Kerr

Cr Ros Heit presented the Murgon Local Achievement Award to Paul Pfeffer

Wondai / Tingoora Local Achievement Award winner Elaine Madill

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3 Responses to "Joan Is Our Citizen Of The Year"

  1. I was wondering why no Aboriginal awards for culture or outstanding work in a community. Maybe something to put in next year? There is an amazing lot of tireless workers in Cherbourg and sorrounds. How about we honour them on their Survival Day?

  2. Congratulations to the South Burnett communities for nominating 82 worthy citizens for this outstanding event. Excellent prompt covering article from southburnett.com.au, our true local news service

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