Cassowary Coast Australia Day awards celebration

Maria Girgenti

A PASSIONATE advocate for the sugar cane industry, environmental warrior and a talented young First Nations artist were among those acknowledged with awards at the Cassowary Coast Australia Day celebrations held at the Cardwell Community Hall last Thursday.

Colin Ritchie, named as Citizen of the Year has been a long-term volunteer of various community groups in the Cassowary Coast region.

These include: the Local Ambulance Committee (26 years), foundation member of Innisfail/Babinda/Tully National Servicemen’s Association branch (early 1980s), Probus Club of Innisfail, Queensland RSL Service member for over 30 years, QFES fireman for 32 years, assisted with clean-up and repairs after Cyclones Winifred, Joy, Larry and Yasi, foundation member of Innisfail Men’s Shed (2014) and for over 20 years assisted elderly and disabled residents with maintenance/repairs.

Young Citizen of the Year, Cameron Anderson, an Innisfail State College Year 12 student, is a current school captain and Music Band captain.

In 2022, Anderson was a joint winner of the Australian Defence Force Long Tan Leadership Award.

Anderson currently volunteers at the Innisfail Mini Rail where he does train/track maintenance and cooks the sausage sizzle at the group’s monthly events and at the monthly markets.

Mayor Mark Nolan said it was an honour to present awards to outstanding Cassowary Coast residents at the Australia Day ceremony.

“It was a wonderful opportunity to acknowledge the commitment and achievements of outstanding individuals who have volunteered their time, skills and passion to make generous and powerful contributions to the community, and inspired others to be the best they can be in their pursuit of excellence.”

Citizen of the Year: Colin Ritchie

Young Citizen of the Year: Cameron Anderson

Lifetime Contribution: Sheila Lawler (Mission Beach Lions - over 25 years/ Local Ambulance Committee)

Lifetime Contribution: Joseph Marano (over 30 years of volunteer service with a variety of groups and commitment to the sugar cane industry - 25 years)

Lifetime Contribution: Jo-Anne McElhinney (Etty Bay Surf Life Saving Club - 18 years)

Community Event of the Year: Innisfail Game Fishing Club (Sam Pagano Innisfail Bill Fishing Memorial

Tournament 2022) - 60 competitors, 16 boats, and 48 billfish tagged.

Young Sports Person of the Year: Tiara Herbert (athletics/rugby league/ swimming)

Young Sports Person of the Year: Braxton D’Urso (athletics/cross country)

Sports Person of the Year: Yolanda Jenkins (cross country, netball)

Service to Sport Award: Brigid Darvenizia (Etty Bay Surf Life Saving Club - 16 years)

Cultural Award: Toshandai Fejo (arts/ painting)

Young Cultural Award: Lily Darveniza (arts/music/singing/dance)

Sustainable Environment Award: Ian Shankly (revegetation/reforestation techniques/care of injured/orphaned cassowaries/wildlife friendly fencing.

Achievement Award: Robyn Smith (Cardwell Chamber of Commerce/ Cardwell Seafest/Cardwell Garden Club.

Achievement Award: Zoe Dunne (Innisfail Breast Cancer Support Group - 14 years)

Excellence and Innovation Award:

Mark Giffin (founder/owner - Rural Medical Imaging Innisfail - 16 years)

Excellence and Innovation Award: Mark and Judy Evans (Paronella Park30 years)

Excellence and Innovation Award: Randall Russell (Paradise Walk/Run Mission Beach)