Goomeri plumber Justin Giles has been recognised at the Gympie Australia Day awards for his commitment to swimming.
He was presented with the Sports Award at a ceremony in Gympie’s Memorial Park on Wednesday morning.
In 2017, Justin survived a very serious car crash but required extensive rehabilitation, which included pool therapy.
In 2020, he decided to return to competitive swimming – a sport he had not done since a teenager – and began training three times a week.
He now swims for the Gympie Gold Fins Swimming Club and in Over 30s events in both the Queensland and Australian Masters series.
Justin is currently ranked first in Australia in the men’s 30- to 34-year-old age group.
* * *
Widgee District Hall & Recreation Association stalwart Sue Lohse and Gympie Chamber of Commerce president Tony Goodman were named co-winners of Gympie’s 2022 Australia Day Citizen of the Year award.
* * *
Other awards:
- Young Citizen of the Year – Hannah Johnston, Gympie
- Creative Award – Florence Penny
- Community Event – The Rotary Quilt and Craft Spectacular
- Community Group – Gympie Medical Transport
