2023 Australia Day award winners announced

Published on 26 January 2023

Australia Day winners 2023 (Addy credit).jpg

The 2023 Central Goldfields Shire Australia Day Award winners were officially announced at a celebration at the Station Domain in Maryborough on Thursday 26 January. 

Australia Day awards were presented in three categories - Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year and Community Award of the Year. 

The recipients are: 

Citizen of the Year- Tony Macer 

A teacher in Maryborough for over 30 years, Tony was the organiser of the Climate Action Rally which attracted over 250 residents, has contributed significantly to the development of the Central Goldfields Climate Action Plan, was instrumental in obtaining solar panels for the Maryborough Community House through the Community Power Hub, he played a key role in Climate Conversation Month, held in October and is leading the Goldfields Renewable Energy Group. 

Tony has been heavily involved in establishing the Maryborough Volunteer Resource Centre which helps to channel prospective volunteers, shire-wide to appropriate organisations. 

Tony's enthusiasm and passion to drive climate action and education has inspired others to become involved in the cause and be prepared to take action. 

His work with the Maryborough Volunteer Resource Centre has resulted with a greater awareness of the importance of volunteering and the many volunteering roles that are available in the local area. 

Young Citizen of the Year- Hannah Lanfranchi  

Described as an exceptional all-rounder, Hannah shows dedication to her studies, leadership, professionalism at work and is a role model for her peers. 

Her contribution to community includes being a diligent student at Highview College, part of the team at Priceline Maryborough, involvement with Girl Guides for ten years, where she has had a positive impact on her peers, as well as participation within local sporting clubs, service and volunteer work at St Vinnies and St Augustine’s Primary School Breakfast Program.  

Hannah has received numerous academic, studentship and attendance awards at school; several scholarships; the GRACE Award; Peak Achievement Awards in Guiding and recognition of her service through other community groups including Zonta and Rotary. 

Hannah is an admirable young person, who has immersed herself within many aspects of the Central Goldfields community. 

Community Award- Dunolly Gold Rush Festival  

The return of the Dunolly Gold Rush Festival after a 16-year hiatus came together by a hard-working group of volunteers through Dunolly, Today, Tomorrow. 

The core aim of the revived Festival was "to put the smiles back on the everyone's faces”, bring people into the town to share the Gold Rush heritage and stimulate the economy of Dunolly. It gathered the support of local residents, businesses and  

Held on the 23rd of October, 2022, the event attracted around 1500 people throughout the course of the day, bringing an economic boost to the town. 

The event featured selfies in period costumes at the historic Courthouse; exhibitions of historic engines, vintage cars and revival of "gold rush" activities such as gold panning, the popular "Hold The Gold" endurance challenge, free music, free popcorn and fairy floss, as well as a jumping castle and slide. 

 

Tagged as: