By Jess Baker
Southern Downs Regional Council has announced its 2021 Australia Day Awards winners.
Nine residents “from all corners” of the Southern Downs have been recognised for their contributions to community, cultural events, and sport, and will be honoured at Tuesday’s citizenship ceremonies in both Stanthorpe and Warwick.
Stanthorpe resident Debbie-Ann Wilmot was named the 2021 Southern Downs Citizen of the Year, for her selfless and generous work with groups such as the Stanthorpe Cancer Support Group, Stanthorpe Sports Association, Stanthorpe Agricultural Society, and many more.
Mayor Vic Pennisi congratulated all the nominees and the award winners for their achievements and contributions over the years.
“These community members set a shining example and are a proud testimony of the citizens we have here on the Southern Downs – they are my inspiration,” said Cr Pennisi.
“All of the nominees and the award winners are worthy of recognition and all have made selfless sacrifices and achieved great things.
“These Australia Day Awards allow us as a community to say thank you and recognise some of the community members who have gone above and beyond the call of duty, and mostly after hours.”
For the full list of award winners, see below:
• Southern Downs Citizen of the Year 2021 – Debbie-Ann Wilmot
• Citizen of the Year Award 2021 – Northern Region – Sharlene (Franky) Horton
• Citizen of the Year Award 2021 – Southern Region – Debbie-Ann Wilmot
• Junior Citizen of the Year Award 2021 – Northern Region – Ella Winfield
• Sportsperson of the Year Award 2021 – Southern Region – Ben Armbruster
• Junior Sportsperson of the Year Award 2021 – Northern Region – Bailey Harm
• Junior Sportsperson of the Year Award 2021 – Southern Region – Rohan Brady
• Cultural/Community Event or Person of the Year Award 2021 – Northern Region – Allora 150th Year Celebration
• Cultural/Community Event or Person of the Year Award 2021 – Southern Region – Amiens History Association
The 2021 Australia Day Awards winners will be recognised following citizenship ceremonies at Warwick Town Hall – from 9.00am to 11.00am – and in Weeroona Park – from 3.30pm to 5.00pm – on 26 January.
