Community & Business
2 February, 2024
Postie Bob honoured
A HUMBLE postie has taken out Tablelands Regional Council’s Citizen of the Year Award for 2024.
Bob Walker, known as “Postie Bob”, is a well-known around Mt Garnet and Ravenshoe as he goes about delivering the mail, but also going way beyond his duties in helping those who need it.
“Going the extra mile, Bob assists the elderly residents by delivering essential items like milk and bread to those unable to leave their homes”, according to his nomination form.
Mr Walker was unable to make the ceremony on Friday to collect his award which was accepted on his behalf by Cr Annette Haydon, who has been on the receiving end of his selflessness.
“Bob can’t be here because he’s flooded in at the moment but he would be so humble about winning this,” Cr Haydon said.
“I don’t know what we’d ever do without Postie Bob when he retires – he goes beyond the call.
“When you’re sick he will bring your medicine to the house, he brings the paper inside – nothing is too much for him.”
Young Citizen of the Year was Paige Grose, who has made substantial and positive contributions to the community, engaging in junior theatre, volunteering for front-of-house roles, participating in the Youth Advisory Committee, and representing her school and region in sports.
“I want to recognise my mum,” the young winner said to the large crowd in attendance at the Atherton International Club on Friday.
“The last 10 years have been hard for my family – I want to thank you for not giving up on me even when I gave up on myself.”
Malanda’s popular Bull Ride took out Community Event of the Year, while the Community Service Award went to David McConnell who volunteers around 25 hours a week to various organisations including the Rural Fire Brigade, State Emergency Service (SES), Coastguard, Red Cross, Salvation Army and Lions Club.
He trains new and existing SES volunteers and has served as president on several organisations including the Tolga State School P&C, Tolga Tennis Club and Tolga Cricket Club.
Members of the Malanda Lions Club were proud to take the stage when they were named the winner of the Inclusion Award for the group’s amazing efforts in providing affordable housing for aged pensioners.
The club currently has 18 accommodation units and strives to maintain low rents for the tenants to just cover costs. Through fundraising activities including monthly markets, sausage sizzles and goose clubs, the club raised over $15,000 in 2023 which went to Malanda charities and the housing project.
The Cultural Award was won by talented violinist Khalida De Ridder, accepted on her behalf by her mother Carina, as the musician is currently performing in Europe.
The Junior Cultural Award went to joint winners – talented dancer Madison Stansby and visual artist Tahalia Durrand.
The Junior Sports Award was won by Bronte Grose, who has excelled in cross country, netball, volleyball and athletics, while the Sports Award went to impressive weightlifter Karli Duesbury who hopes to represent Australia at the next Commonwealth Games.
The Sports Supporter Award went to Netta Stringer, an honorary life member of the Atherton Tablelands Dressage Club, who has been judging, coaching and mentoring Tablelands dressage riders for many years.
