Australia Day Award Nominees 2025
As we prepare for Australia Day 2025 on January 26 at Airlie Beach Foreshore, Council would like to recognise the 38 Australia Day Award nominees for our Whitsunday region.
Each nominee represents the spirit of our community and their remarkable achievements and commitment to making Our Whitsunday a better place to live, work and play.
Their individual stories are a testament to the strength and unity that define our wonderful community.
Citizen of the Year sponsored by Whitsunday Chamber of Commerce
- Dr Arthur Trezise
- Jennifer Honnery
- Helen Maynard-Turner
- Brent Edgerton
- Marissa Kearney
- Matt Stokes
- Janice Brown
Young Citizen of the Year sponsored by McDonalds Cannonvale, Airlie Beach and Bowen
- Nathan Richards
- Kodi Mackie
- Cooper Groocock
Art and Cultural Award sponsored by Creative Connections Whitsunday
- Jenny Featherstone , Whitsunday Dance Connection
- Chez O’Brien, Chez’s House of Dance
- Seagrass Theatre and Music Company
- Karen Jacobsen
- Category 5 Band
Community Group Award sponsored by Bendigo Bank Cannonvale and Proserpine
- Whitsunday Brahmans, Proserpine Rugby League Club
- Tarnia Patton, Proserpine Community Markets
- Whitsundays Writers Festival
- Bowen Tourism and Business Volunteers
Community Volunteer Award sponsored by Coral Sea Marina Resort Airlie Beach Triathlon
- Christine Pennay, Collinsville Vinnies
- Diane Watts
- Natasha O’Neil, Bowen Cancer Ostomy Group
- Kathleen Morrissey
- Bowen Tourism and Business Volunteers
- Donna Deegan, Volunteer Marine Rescue Whitsunday
- Heather Sutton, Whitsunday Sailing Club
- Helen Daley
- Susan Gravelle
- Ronald Read
- Bowen Tourism and Business Volunteers
Environmental Award sponsored by Green Energy Technologies
- Libby Edge, Eco Barge Clean Seas Inc.
Senior Sports Award - sponsored by Tassal
- Brittaney O'Brien
- Liv Compton
- Tommy and Chez O'Brien, Whitsunday Allstars
- Michael Kimpton
Young Sports Award - sponsored by Coral Sea Marina Resort Airlie Beach Triathlon
- Jure Portelli
- Millie Groom
- Cooper Groocock
- Byron Goodin
Join Mayor Ry Collins on Australia Day, January 26 at the Airlie Beach Foreshore as we celebrate Australia Day - Our Whitsunday Way and recognise the winners of each category.
Let's make this Australia Day a day of recognition, appreciation, and community pride. Thank you to everyone who took the time to nominate these remarkable individuals!