{"id":226808,"date":"2019-01-26T02:51:17","date_gmt":"2019-01-25T16:51:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/southburnett.com.au\/news2\/?p=226808"},"modified":"2020-07-25T10:45:21","modified_gmt":"2020-07-25T00:45:21","slug":"scotts-our-2019-citizen-of-the-year","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/southburnett.com.au\/news2\/2019\/01\/26\/scotts-our-2019-citizen-of-the-year\/","title":{"rendered":"Scott’s Our 2019 Citizen Of The Year"},"content":{"rendered":"
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South Burnett Citizen of the Year Scott Prendergast with Opposition Leader Deb Frecklington and\u00a0 Brenna and Fletch Prendergast, pictured at a South Burnett Junior Rugby League dinner in Murgon in August … Scott was unable to attend the Australia Day Awards because he was volunteering at another event (the Kings Royal speedway)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

January 26, 2018<\/strong><\/p>\n

Scott Prendergast is well-known as a police officer, sports coach and administrator, and clay target shooter … but now he’s also the 2019 South Burnett Citizen of the Year.<\/p>\n

The prestigious award was announced at the official South Burnett Regional Council awards ceremony held at Blackbutt Memorial Hall on Friday night.<\/p>\n

Scott was unable to be present to receive his award – he had already volunteered to help out at another event! – so it was collected on his behalf by his father, Graham.<\/p>\n

The award was presented by the special guest speaker on the night, Justine Christerson.<\/p>\n

Justine is the South Burnett’s 2019 Australia Day Ambassador and a former Queensland “Local Hero” nominee.<\/p>\n

She explained the vision behind her rural patient support program, “Breaking Down The Barriers”, which assists rural patients who have to receive emergency treatment in Brisbane.<\/p>\n

Justine, who formerly lived in Biloela, recognised the need for a support program after her son was bitten by a snake.<\/p>\n

She urged the audience to never hesitate in stepping forward if they identified a need.<\/p>\n

“It doesn’t matter whether it’s a small thing or a big thing,” she said. “I have learnt that the smallest thing can make the hugest difference in someone’s life.”<\/p>\n

Justine’s speech was followed by an Affirmation Ceremony and the National Anthem, sung by Sue Dowideit-Reiger.<\/p>\n

Other highlights of the evening included a Flag Entrance Ceremony by cadets from 177ACU and performances by the Blackbutt Singers of “Waltzing Matilda” and “I Am Australian”.<\/p>\n

Compere John Carey said Australia Day was an opportunity for people to come together to remind ourselves – regardless of where our personal stories began – about what unites and defines us as Australians.<\/strong><\/p>\n

He said more than 50 nominations had been received for the Council awards.<\/p>\n

“Tonight we are honouring the achievements of many in our region, and in spirit, those whose names have gone before us, or who are yet to appear here,” he said.<\/p>\n

“Each of these stories illustrates the journey of what it means to be an Australian … adaptable, resilient, innovative, gracious and accepting, plus much more.”<\/p>\n

Mayor Keith Campbell thanked Opposition Leader Deb Frecklington, Agriculture Minister David Littleproud, his fellow councillors, Council CEO Mark Pitt and guest speaker Justine Christerson for presenting the awards.<\/p>\n

He also thanked Council staff for their efforts in making sure the night ran smoothly.<\/p>\n

After the awards evening closed, guests mingled and enjoyed a light supper prepared by JC Catering.<\/p>\n