TRC Australia Day Awards

A MAN who has shown his commitment to veterans, military history, military and commemorative events, fundraising, charitable voluntary services, and agriculture research and development is the Tablelands Regional Council’s 2022 Citizen of the Year.

By Robyn Holmes

John Hardy OAM was announced as the TRC Citizen of the Year

John Hardy OAM has contributed over and above normal employment duties to the Tablelands community for over 40 years. His 45 years at the Department of Primary Industry research station contributed significantly to the primary producers of the Atherton Tablelands.

He is very active in the community through membership and support of numerous veteran and community organisations. He also made a noteworthy contribution to the Atherton Maize Festival Committee, which he joined in 1980.

Mr Hardy was among nine award winners at this morning’s Australia Day Awards, presented by Mayor Rod Marti.

“It was a great day to recognise these amazing people and organisations in our community, and remind ourselves why the Tablelands region is such a great place to live, work and play,” he said.

Taking out the Young Citizen of the Year was Tahnee Dilger who was described as an “outstanding example of selfless commitment to the service of others and a wonderful role model for people of all ages”.

TRC Young Citizen of the Year, Tahnee Dilger

She is a serving member of the Tinaroo Rural Fire Brigade, assisting with hazard reduction burns across the Atherton Tablelands and cooking, serving and cleaning for the annual Christmas Toy Run.

Other award winners were: Community Event of the Year — Calendar Girls; Community Service — John Compton; Inclusion— Tableland Community Link; Sports Supporter — Carrie de Brueys; Junior Sports — Emily Mills; Cultural — Jaelene Durrand and Graham Harrington; and Junior Cultural — Aladdin