Community & Business
29 January, 2024
Shire’s dedicated citizens recognised
A LOCAL woman who has dedicated countless hours to volunteering for many community events and a local boy who has excelled in the academic world have been named Mareeba’s Citizens of the Year for 2024.
From the iconic Great Wheelbarrow Race to the Rotary FNQ Field Days and Merry Mareeba Carols by Candlelight, Natasha Srhoj has been a driving force behind the scenes for some of the most successful community events in the Far North.
She also sits on the executive of the Mareeba Chamber of Commerce and is a board member of the Mareeba and Dimbulah Community Bank.
Ms Srhoj has been described by anyone who knows her as selfless, caring and humble and she always finds time in her busy schedule to lend an extra hand.
“I am extremely honoured to receive this award,” she said.
“But it's not just myself, there are so many people involved in everything we do in the community, it's a team effort that makes it all happen and I couldn’t do what I do without the people around me – this award is for everyone who does anything to make the community great.”
Mr Brammer was unable to attend the awards ceremony after enlisting in the army last Monday, but his proud brother Henry represented him.
An avid member of the community, Mr Brammer has achieved many things throughout his high school years, including becoming the Zone Winner for the Lions Youth of the Year public speaking competition.
He was involved in almost every fundraising event at St Stephen’s Catholic College before he graduated last November, including, but not limited to, Caritas and Vinnies Christmas Hampers, and the Push Up Challenge for Mental Health Awareness.
The very successful Merry Mareeba Carols by Candlelight held by Mareeba Rotary received the Community Event of the Year after attracting thousands of people from across Mareeba and the Tablelands to Byrnes Street for the big event.
CrimeStoppers also received recognition for their ongoing commitment to keeping the community safe as the Community Organisation of the Year. Last year, they conducted 22 events with over 2000 volunteer hours.
Terri Goodhew received the Community Service Award for volunteering over the past 23 years at the Mareeba Community Centre.
The Environmental Achievement award went to Rupert Russell from Mt Molloy for his effort to conserve and restore an eight-hectare block of native land.
Past school captains of Mareeba State High School, Cassia James and Jack Fealy received awards for their ongoing dedication to their roles inside and outside the schoolyard.
Well known young gymnasts Frank Tulloch, who also excels at other sports, was named the Sportsperson of the Year.
Rugby league star Mackenzie Stephens, who signed up with the Canterbury Bulldogs in December, received the Junior Sportsperson of the Year award for her dedication to the sport, while Steven Soda received the Sports Administrator award for his 15-year commitment to the Mareeba Mountain Goats mountain bike club.
Local singer Jamie Malcolm received the Arts and Cultural Award for her passion towards the community and her involvement with every event involving singing and acting.
2024 AWARD WINNERS
Citizen of the Year: Natasha Srhoj
Young Citizen of the Year: Nicholas Brammer
Junior Sportsperson of the Year: Mackenzie Stephens
Sportsperson of the Year: Frank Tulloch
Sports Administrator of the Year: Steven Soda
Community Service Award: Terri Goodhew
Junior Community Service Award: Cassia James
Arts and Cultural Award: Jamie Malcolm
Junior Arts and Cultural Award: Jack Fealy
Junior Group Arts and Cultural Award: Jingle and Mingle Christmas Party and Twisty Cindy: The Circus Show by Dream BIG Circus School – Koah Sports and Social Club Inc
Environmental Achievement Award: Rupert Russell
Community Event of the Year: Mareeba Rotary’s Merry Mareeba – Carols by Candlelight
Community Organisation of the Year: CrimeStoppers Far North Queensland Volunteer Group
