AUSTRALIA DAY awards 2023

AWOMAN who devotes her time to making Malanda a great place to live and a teenager who has already achieved much for her age were honoured to have been selected as the Tablelands Citizen of the Year and Young Citizen of the Year at a ceremony last week.

As the volunteer secretary of the Malanda Chamber of Commerce, Gail Barton has been described as “the epitome of selflessness and determination”.

She has been pivotal in the redevelopment of Jack May Park and pump track, and a key organiser of the town’s Queensland Day Family Fun Day, Christmas in July trivia night and the annual Malanda Shop Local Christmas Street Festival.

Gail also participated in the TV program “Adventure All Stars” to raise funds for the Moyamoya Australia, and is currently fundraising for local charity “This Strong Mum”.

Humbled by the accolade, Gail said she was so sure she wouldn’t win the prestigious award, she had not even considered writing an acceptance speech.

“There are so many people involved in what we do, it’s a real team effort and we collaborate with the local schools and other groups – you can really achieve something when you all work together,” she said.

“I do a lot of work in our community because that’s my passion, my purpose, that’s what gets me up in the morning, and I love giving back.

“I couldn’t do what I do with- out the support of my family, my friends and organisations like the Malanda Chamber of Commerce. We have 73 members and when we put on events, it’s not just me – it’s a team of people. I thank those people who come and put their hand up because, honestly, nothing happens without volunteers.”

As the 2023 Young Citizen of the Year, Marni Dennis was also humbled at being chosen for such an honour.

“Thank you to everyone for supporting me through this journey and thanks to my school (Atherton High School) for the opportunities they presented to me, and thanks to the community for supporting me – I am grateful for the opportunity to give back,” she told the gathering.

The 2022 Atherton State High School captain is described as “an inspiration and role model” by contributing to the community through the Tablelands Regional Council Youth Advisory Committee, Tablelands 2030+ forums, ANZAC Day ceremonies, and other community events.

She has represented the Tablelands in the State Honours Ensemble Program, and at various science and technology forums and competitions. Marni also constantly develops her leadership skills to benefit her peers.

In his address, Mayor Rod Marti spoke of the importance of Australia Day as a time for reflection.

“It’s a day to reflect on our history – its highs and its lows. And to write the new chapters.

It’s a day to respect the stories of others. Today, we celebrate our nation, its achievements and most of all, our people,” he told the audience.

A passionate advocate for women’s self-defence and described as an amazing coach and mentor, Annette Schep took out the Sport Supporter Award for her commitment to Taekwondo and dedication to the community, while national and state champion in sailing, Breanne Wadley won the Junior Sports Award in recognition of her outstanding achievements in her chosen sport.

Rebel Warren won the Cultural Award for her 30-year involvement in music on the Tablelands, having mentored many young people as well as being involved in with many community events and theatre productions.

The Atherton Performing Arts Youth Theatre, a group of 30 actors aged between nine and 17 years, won the Junior Cultural Award for their excellent two full-length quality classic plays –“A Midsummer Night’s Dream” and “Lord of the Flies” – staged in 2022.

The Atherton Tableland Agricultural Society was named the winner of the Inclusion Award, in part for the introduction of a companion card for free entry for carers/support workers, and all abilities art and craft classes. Show goers can also visit a sensory room, which lowers music, has no flashing lights and makes the show available and enjoyable for people with sensory overload.

Peter Tuck & Tableland Trees, Trails & Tracks picked up the Community Service Award for the work the group has done over the past three years planting and maintaining the trees along the Atherton Tablelands Rail Trail. More than 2600 trees have been planted during 2500 volunteers hours. Peter collects seeds and propagated approximately 1000 seedlings.

The Malanda Chamber of Commerce’s annual Christmas Street Festival was a popular winner of the Community Event Award. The event attracts more than 2000 people and kicks off the town’s Shop Local Campaign, showcasing up to 80 local market stalls and businesses.

Visit www.theexpress newspaper.com.au for more photos and info on the awards.

RESIDENTS in Kuranda and the surrounding area will have more area to bury and honour their loved ones after Mareeba Shire Council approved their own development application for a new Kuranda Cemetery.

The existing cemetery has been used by the community since the early 1900s and only had a few more months of use left.

Council was able to purchase a suitable plot of land at 70 Kuranda Heights Road which will now serve as the location for the new cemetery. A council officer indicated to council last year that the new site would be able to service the community for the next 100 years.

A motion was passed at the recent meeting to reconfigure the lot from one into two to allow the construction of the first stage of the new cemetery.

The cemetery will be built in stages with the first stage providing the community with over 30 years of service at the current rate of use.