Community & Business
2 February, 2022
Citizens humbled by awards
A “QUIET achiever” was how Mareeba Shire Council’s 2022 Citizen of the Year, Norma Moloney, was described at the shire’s annual Australia Day Awards ceremony.
Ms Moloney was one of 12 winners recognised at the presentation event held at the Mareeba International Club. Mareeba Mayor Angela Toppin told the gathering the Covid pandemic had been challenging over the past two years but the community had weathered the storm.
“The everchanging landscape in which we live continues to challenge us all and it will take some time for the ‘new normal’ to unfold. Nonetheless there remains an overwhelming sense of community spirit, resilience, compassion and generosity that continues to shine through,” Cr Toppin said.
“If there is a positive to take away from this enduring pandemic, it is most certainly the level of volunteering that continues to grow within our region. People taking care of friends and neighbours, community groups rallying together.”
Ms Moloney was a good example of how someone in the community could make a real difference, working tirelessly behind the scenes in a volunteer capacity. After winning the award, Ms Moloney said she was shocked by the accolade.
“I did not expect to win, absolutely not, it came as quite a surprise in a big way,” she said.
“I don’t volunteer to get awards or recognition, I do it because I love it and I enjoy giving something back to the community. “I am very surprised, humbled and proud that I was named.”
Two young women – Kara Trimble and Nicole Theakston – shared the Young Citizen of the Year award for 2022. Kara described receiving the award as “incredible” and an “honour”.
“I was not expecting to receive an award - it's an honour to be nominated for this award let alone receive this award. Huge thank you to school teacher Stefanie Prizmic for nominating me,” she said.
She celebrated the day with a gathering at fellow award recipient Nicole Theakston’s house. Nicole said it was a great privilege to receive the award.
“I really appreciated the time my nominees took in putting the nomination together and it was a real privilege to take photos at the end of the ceremony with the Mayor, councillors and other key people from our community,” she said.
CITIZEN OF THE YEAR
Norma Moloney Norma has demonstrated years of commitment to the Crime Stopper Queensland Volunteer Area Committee, including being a founding member and treasurer.
Her fund-raising efforts assisted the group to secure funds to buy a much-needed vehicle and a purpose-built trailer to take the Crime Stoppers message to regional centres throughout the Cape and west into the gulf.
As one of only three volunteers who make up a committee of five for the Mt Emerald Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund, which has given $200,000 back to non-profit organisations, Norma initiated the Mt Emerald Wind Farm Community Walk which was a huge success with over 120 people attending the inaugural event, and 160 attending last year’s walk. Last year, she also established a volunteer database that now has around 45 names.
As Vice Chiefton (vice President) of the Atherton Tablelands Caledonian Society, Norma helped to secured two grants and organised a Scottish ceilidh (dinner/dance) to celebrate ‘The Year of Scotland in Australia’, with 200 people attending in July.
YOUNG CITIZENS OF THE YEAR Kara Trimble and Nicole Theakston
Kara Trimble recently graduated from Mareeba State High School where she was recognised as a role model for all students, winning a School Service and Cultural Award, the Mr Tom Braes Outstanding Community Service Award and the Australian Defence Force Long Tan Leadership and Teamwork Award. As a young sportswoman, Kara has been highly competitive in a myriad of sports and was recently crowned “The Fittest Teen (Female) in Australia” resulting in her qualification to the CrossFit Australian All Stars Championships.
Nicole Theakston, a recently graduated student of Mareeba State High School, was nominated for her outstanding academic, sporting, cultural and leadership achievements which culminated in a number of awards including the Physical Education Award, a School Service and Cultural Award, the Mareeba Leagues Club Community Involvement Award, and the Ampol Best All Rounder Award. Nicole is a member of the Mareeba Baptist Church Youth Group (since 2015), and has attended community events such as ANZAC Day, NAIDOC Family Days, Child Protection Week Family Fun Days and the Mareeba Multi-Cultural Festival.
COMMUNITY EVENT OF THE YEAR Rotary FNQ Field Days Inc
This biannual event has continued to grow over the past 30 years and is jointly run by the Atherton and Mareeba Rotary Clubs.
In 2021, it was one of the first COVIDsafe events to be held in Queensland and proved to be extremely successful with over 15,000 visitors attending.
The event attracted more than 400 exhibitors and the economic value to the region was significant. The economic benefit to the community is significant and enduring as it showcases the diverse businesses and industries that exist within the region. Run by volunteers, this event raises funds which support the community, and is a highlight in the local social calendar, providing a great opportunity for members of the community to connect with each other.
COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD Lee Gordon and Tammy Sivyer (pictured)
Lee was recognised as an inspiring individual with strong community spirit, and for her dedication to volunteering in Chillagoe. She has been the President of the Chillagoe P&F for 18 months, Secretary of the Chillagoe Rodeo for 12 months, and an active member of the Chillagoe Alliance. If not for Lee’s involvement, the Chillagoe Festival in 2021 would not have gone ahead and proved to be one of the most successful to date.
Tammy is well known in Dimbulah for her involvement in numerous committees throughout the region including the Eureka Creek Rodeo Committee, P&C committee, and the Dimbulah Child Care Centre. She is the president of the Dimbulah Community Centre which hosted a special festive event, Christmas Under the Stars, in 2021.
CULTURAL AWARD Historical Society of Mareeba
The Historical Society of Mareeba endeavours to educate others about Mareeba Shire history.
In January 2021, the society began researching information and photographs pertaining to the disaster at Mt Mulligan coal mine to create a photographic display in recognition of 100 years since the disaster. In total, nearly 200 photographs were included in a display which was open to the general public.
JUNIOR CULTURAL The Combined Saints Band
The Combined Saints Band, which is made up of primary and secondary school students aged 10 to 17 years, with two parents and a music tutor volunteering in the band as mentors and musicians.
Members spend many hours practicing and volunteering their time to perform at community events over the past 10 years. Members are committed to bringing joy to others, for the pure love of sharing their music.
ENVIRONMENTAL EXCELLENCE AWARD Wildlife & Raptor Care Queensland
FOUNDED by Amber Dahlberg, this not-forprofit wildlife and rehabilitation organisation is based in Julatten. Supported by a group of dedicated volunteers. Their aim is to provide specialised care and rehabilitation to injured birds of prey.
The facility is the largest of its kind in Far North Queensland and its inception means that local wildlife can be rehabilitated and then released in their natural areas, rather than being sent to carers down south.
This organisation plays an important role in providing specialist care to wildlife as well as building community spirit through volunteerism in Julatten.
SPORTSPERSON OF THE YEAR Leonard Hodges (pictured left)
Leonard has played a big part in the Mareeba Cricket Club, and he is acknowledged for being a volunteer coach in Mareeba and Dimbulah. Leonard runs the very successful Blast Programs, which has resulted in a growing number of junior players developing their skills.
He helps coach the junior teams, coaches the 4th Grade team, runs fitness sessions for all junior and senior teams and, in his spare time, he also plays and is a valuable member of the team.
Leonard has been selected to coach a Tableland District Cricket School team in 2022 and coaches the girls and boys school teams for Mareeba State High School, where he works as a teacher.
SPORTS ADMINISTRATOR OF THE YEAR Irene Roy (pictured centre)
IRENE is the President of the Mareeba Cricket Club and has dedicated many years of service, fundraising, seeking sponsorship and applying for grants to ensure the continued success of the club.
During the season, Irene is often found in the canteen, keeping score during the matches or transporting players to different venues. Nothing is too much trouble for this dedicated volunteer and she is well respected by all members of the club.
JUNIOR SPORTSPERSON OF THE YEAR Angus Campman (pictured right)
ANGUS is a talented young man who demonstrates incredible sportsmanship and resilience in his endeavours and achievements in both cricket and touch football.
His list of achievements include representing Cairns Far North Cricket at the State Level over a number of years; being awarded Mareeba Cricketer of the Year, best batsman and bowler over consecutive years; winning the Cairns Far North Jimmy Maher Cup Player of the Year and Batting Award; and representing Peninsula for Cricket and touch football on a number of occasions. In addition to this, Angus is actively involved in coaching and umpiring the junior teams and is considered a positive role model for all players.
