Australia Day celebrations are held in Ayr or Home Hill on the 26th January each year where residents are recognised for their community spirit. The Burdekin Shire Council Australia Day Awards recognise members of our community who have made an outstanding contribution to the community, and for exceptional achievement in many areas.
2026 Frank Nucifora 2025 Scott McLean 2024 John Woods 2023 Gerald Henaway 2022 Gloria Vass and Achievement Award, David Cox 2021 Colin Casswell and Achievement Award, Les Henaway 2020 John Furnell 2019 Bill & Betty Lucas 2018 Alfred Shand 2017 Ross Romeo 2016 Robert Antoniazzi 2015 Peter and Janette Pattison 2014 Charles Ford 2013 Patricia Nuttall and Achievement Award, Lorna Hogenelst 2012 Graham Andersen and Achievement Award, Allan Mullaly 2011 Paul Clark and Achievement Award, John Winn 2010 Treena List 2009 Margaret (Betty) Searle and Achievement Award, Paul Hatch 2008 Ellen Lund 2007 Norm Perry 2006 Esther McIntosh 2005 Marie Finn and Achievement Award, Leo Previtera 2004 Terry Baxter and Achievement Award, Shirley Gilmore 2003 Maureen Perry 2002 Joy O'Leary and Achievement Award, Billy Raymond 2001 Edna Hobson and Achievement Awards, Bill Micola and Les Searle 2000 Ennio Gazziola 1999 Ray Davies 1998 Jack Tomsett 1997 Norman Joseph Ralph 1996 Ruth Ann Coutts 1995 John McVeigh 1994 Roy K. Dickinson 1993 Walter J. Hicks 1992 Minnie Hartwell 1991 David Tosh 1990 Pat Toohey and Norm Graf 1989 Frank Hocking 1988 Geoffrey D. Barton 1987 Doreen A. Woods 1986 Joan M. Heatley 1985 Ronald L. Parker 1984 Llyod R. Mann 1983 Richard W. Rossiter 1982 Thomas Chatfield 1981 Charless Green
2026 Grace Ogomeni and Achievement Award, Grayson Potter-Geitz 2025 Nicole Cervoni and Achievement Award, Jacob Machin 2024 Eddie Jones and Achievement Award, Emily Holmes and Martina Bojack 2023 Zavier Wood and Achievement Award, Brent Dingle 2022 Mikayla McDonnell 2021 Sarah McDonnell 2020 Sarah McDonnell 2019 Caitlin Holmes 2018 Sarah McDonnell 2017 Keely Johnson and Achievement Award, Tianna Previtera 2016 William Webber and Rene Le Feuvre 2015 Reece D'Alessandro 2014 Alicia Kirk 2013 Brianne Rossato and Joshua Great, and Achievement Award, Brittany Falco 2012 Danny Burke and Stuart Woods 2011 Renee Hudson 2010 Katie Pirrone and Achievement Award, Coral Shamir 2009 Julian Homewood 2008 Heather Scott 2007 Jarrod Rossato and Daniella Tama 2006 Gemma Baxter 2005 Christine Pirrone and Achievement Award, Kaitlyn Wright 2004 Kristen Tuffin 2003 Chris Platt 2002 James Dearness 2001 Alice Venables and Achievement Award, Kirryn Jensen 2000 Benjamin Chapman 1999 Glenn Gooding 1998 Christopher J. Williams 1997 Timothy Elliott 1996 Susann Chandler 1995 Louise Andrews 1994 Jeff Sievers 1993 Russell J. Pertot 1992 - 1991 Christopher J. Trace 1990 Phillipa Creagh 1989 Leon Oliveri 1988 Thomas Pontarelli 1987 George Koutsonis 1986 Anthony J. Shaul 1985 Vincent G. Toohey (Posthumous) 1984 Lesley J. Taylor 1983 - 1982 James D. Lewty 1981 -
2026 GOLD Award (40+ Yrs Voluntary Contribution) - Frank Nucifora, Dolores Droquet and John Power 2026 SILVER Award (30+ Yrs Voluntary Contribution) - Robyn Hewson and Maryann Petersen 2025 GOLD Award (40+ Yrs Voluntary Contribution) - Betty Durrant and Gwen Marshall 2025 SILVER Award (30+ Yrs Voluntary Contribution) - Joan Andersen, Shirley Gilmore and Linda Scott 2024 GOLD Award (40+ Yrs Voluntary Contribution) - Charlie Barbagallo2024 BRONZE Award (20+ Yrs Voluntary Contribution) - Robin Blundell, Shirley Chard, Gary Edwards, Leanne Gudge2023 GOLD Award (40+ Yrs Voluntary Contribution) - Desley Musumeci2023 SILVER Award (30+ Yrs Voluntary Contribution) - Kate Casswell, Michelle Darker and Ricky Gudge2023 BRONZE Award (20+ Yrs Voluntary Contribution) - Joan Andersen, Flo Downing, Maureen Perry, Judy Peterson, Beth Wall and Michelle Darker2022 GOLD Award (40+ Yrs Voluntary Contribution) - Betty Corradi, David Cox and John Woods2022 SILVER Award (30+ Yrs Voluntary Contribution) - Alan Chatfield, Kevin Chafield and Sandra Danziger
2026 Trevor Elton and Achievement Award, John Power 2025 Ben, Kellie and Bella Lawry and Achievement Award, Mark Vass 2024 Leanne Gudge 2023 Kate Casswell and Achievement Award - Michelle Darker and Ricky Gudge 2022 Brendan Kolb
2026 Home Hill State High School - 2025 Ag Precinct Community Open Day 2025 Giru State School - 2024 100yr Fete and Achievement Award, 2024 Burdekin Water Festival "Bring It Back" 2024 Jeffrey Lunn & Leon McCormack - 2023 Community Lights Display and Achievement Award, Millaroo Social Club - Cathrine Britt's Bush Pubs Tour 2023 2023 Burdekin Race Club - 2022 Burdekin Growers Race Day 2022 Queensland Country Bank Home Hill Harvest Festival Street Party 2021 and Achievement Award, Home Hill Tennis 40th Sugar Bowl and Burdekin Netball Association 51st Anniversary Reunion Celebration 2021Laurie's Love- 24 Hour Row for a Cure 2020 and Achievement Award, Burdekin Shire Council - 2020 Sweet Days Hot Nights Virtual Festival 2020 Laurie's Love - 24 Hour Row for a Cure 2019 and Achievement Award, Jeffrey Lunn and Leon McCormack - Christmas Lights Display 2019 Burdekin Singers & Theatre Company Inc. – Burdekin Singers 25th Anniversary Concert 2018 and Achievement Award, Burdekin Shire Council – 2018 Sweet Days Hot Nights Festival 2018 Burdekin Shire Youth Council – Fast Track Talent Showcase 2017 2017 Burdekin Singers & Theatre Company Inc. – 2016 Addams Family Production and Achievement Award, Burdekin Clay Target Club – 2016 Official Re-opening 2016 Burdekin Junior Rugby League – Shane Muspratt Cup 2015 2015 Burdekin Machinery Preservationists Inc – 6th Qld Heritage Rally 2014 2014 Burdekin Cruisers Car Club Tenth Annual Burdekin Auto Festival 2013 Sacred Heart Parish Centenary 2012 2012 Home Hill Centenary Celebrations Gala Dinner and Picnic in the Park 2011 Home Hill Harvest Festival 2010 Ayr Pastoral and Agricultural Show – 100 Years 2009 Burdekin Water Festival – 50th Anniversary Celebrations 2008 Burdekin River Bridge 50th Anniversary Celebrations 2007 Delta Iron Works Centenary Celebrations 2006 Triple J’s – One Night Stand and Back to the 80’s by Burdekin Singers 2005 Burdekin Water Festival – Theme “Carnivale” and Achievement Award, “They Way We Were” Power Station Exhibition 2004 Gino Paris Soccer Carnival 2003 East Ayr State School Jubilee 2002 Centenary of Federation Motorama 2001 and Achievement Award, Spirit of the Burdekin Solar Car Team 2001 Burdekin Working Group for the Sydney 2000 Olympic Torch Relay 2000 Burdekin Grower Race Day 1999 Peter Pan by Burdekin Singers 1998 Giru Agricultural, Horticultural and Industrial Society Inc. Annual Show 1997 Burdekin District Junior Eisteddfod 1996 Hans Christian Anderson by Burdekin Singers 1995 The Great Burdekin House and Land Giveaway 1994 Burdekin State League Basketball Inc. 1993 State League Basketball Final Series (Burdekin Wildcats) 1993 Bocce Tournament – North Queensland Games 1992
2026 Anthony Drage 2025 No nominations received 2024 No nominations received 2023 Keith Kiloh 2022 Debbie Calligaro 2020 Home Hill State High School 2019 Francisco (Frank) Mugica 2018 Gary and Angela Spotswood 2017 Keith Kiloh
2026 Larry Hudson and Achievement Award, Cheryl Platt 2025 No nominations received 2024 Irene Richards 2023 Aileen Jones and Achievement Award, Eliza Worlein 2022 Rachel Webber 2021 David Guy 2020 Machelle Slatcher 2019 Erin Brennan and Achievement Award, Carolyn Starkey 2018 Mickey McKellar 2017 Jaynai Slatcher and Samuel Row 2016 Merle Turner 2015 Peter Pattinson 2014 Allana Barbagallo 2013 Monica Licciardello 2012 Corinna Polga 2011 Ricky Romeo 2010 Gloria Lazzarini 2009 Aicey Zaro 2008 Emma Andrews 2007 Merle Turner 2006 Christine Homewood 2005 Jim Nuttall 2004 Pat Harris 2003 Uli Liessmann 2002 Cheryl Platt 2001 Cheryl Gilmore 2000 Merle Turner 1999 Bobbie Raitelli 1998 George and Beryl Barton 1997 Nancy Martin 1996 Pat Nuttall 1995 Elvena Bycroft 1994 Harold G. (Bunny) Smith
2026 Cecillia Cason 2025 Jacob Machin 2024 Emily Holmes 2023 No nominations received 2022 Lauren Raitelli 2021 Clara Hutton and Achievement Award, Hayley Nosworthy 2020 Julia Nosworthy 2019 Brendan Kolb and Achievement Award, Lauren Raitelli and Olivia Licciardello 2018 Alysse Contzonis and Kelsy Rye 2017 Kacee Bromham 2016 Taia Favale 2015 Reece D’Alessandro 2014 Amaia Licciardello 2013 Reece D’Alessandro and Achievement Award, Shannyn Pattinson 2012 Sophie Ricca 2011 Renee Hudson 2010 Jeremy Romeo 2009 Carmelo Quagliata 2008 Bobby Gray 2007 Matthew Derlagan and Achievement Award, Nathan Winn 2006 Daniella Tama 2005 Ashleigh Killick 2004 Nat Dash 2003 Kady Brandon 2002 Abby Martin 2001 Kristopher Brennan 2000 Natalie Comas 1999 Jessica Westwood 1998 Christopher Williams 1997 Deanne Plaza 1996 Leah Gilmore 1995 Hayley Sheehan 1994 Louise E. Andrews and Neil I. Gooding
2026 Karin Thorburn 2025 Jennifer Fotinos and Kristy Wassmuth 2024 No nominations received 2023 Jarrod Langford 2022 Luke Jack 2021 Josephine Coddington 2020 - 2019 Ross Rickards 2018 Sonya Lampton 2017 Lawrence Lampton and Achievement Award, Shane Kennedy 2016 Frank Beer and Achievement Award, Michael Littlefield 2015 Brianne Rossato 2014 Brianne Rossato 2013 Michelle Scott 2012 Patrea Bojack 2011 Ray Collinson 2010 Andreas Reiners 2009 Ryan Dowson 2008 Heather Desbois 2007 Carol Betteridge 2006 Brian McIntosh 2005 Ray Collinson 2004 John Barbagallo 2003 Allan Moustoukas 2002 Annette Vassalini 2001 Brooke Stockham 2000 Marie Dennis 1999 Roy Hansen 1998 Alex Kupke 1997 Alex Kupke 1996 Karrie Webb 1995 Marisa Nucifora 1994 Brendan Casey 1993 Andrew Bowater 1992 Anita Muguira 1991 Clint Smith 1990 James Carr 1989 Alex Kupke 1988 Leslie J. Wellington and Norman V. Dee 1987 James A. Chalmers and John Parker 1986 John Deer 1985 Michelle Hartwell 1984 Anita Muguira 1983 Paul K. Bird 1982 Andrea McDonnell
2026 Luke Potter-Geitz 2025 Ashlee Colls 2024 Ky Mitchell 2023 Kiera Wiseman and Makayla Pirrone and Achievement Award, Ellyana Mugica 2022 Kiera Wiseman 2021 Isabella Moloney 2020 Isabella Linton and Kiera Wiseman and Achievement Award, Makayla Pirrone 2019 Maeghan Saldumbide and Achievement Award, Hayden Lammon and Luke Jack 2018 Luke McNee 2017 Adam Walton and Achievement Award, Charles Slaney 2016 Emma Lawson and Achievement Award, Adam Walton 2015 Danae Olsen 2014 Alicia Kirk 2013 Jarrod Langford and Achievement Awards, Kurt Perry and Jack Brock 2012 Justin Haller 2011 Brianne Rossato and Achievement Award, Mackenzie Falco 2010 Hannah Casswell 2009 Clinton Dennis and Achievement Award, Michael Coppo 2008 Brianne Rossato 2007 Michael Coppo and Achievement Awards, Brianne Rossato and Branden Holt 2006 Kazzia Lammon 2005 David Wellington 2004 Kate Castelanelli 2003 Brendan Bunyan and Junior Sports Team Award, Burdekin Colts Soccer Team 2002 Dean Wellington and Junior Sports Team Award, Burdekin Representative 16 Years Netball Team 2001 Ben Johannes and Junior Sports Team Award, Under 13 Burdekin Barras Junior Soccer Team 2000 Alita Dales 1999 Chris Scuderi 1998 Michael Pappalardo 1997 Zane Dockray 1996 Clint Lawson 1995 Leana Viero 1994 Catherine Roncato 1993 Neva Pearce 1992 Wade Eathorne 1991 Karrie Webb 1990 Michelle Gosper 1989 Sandra McDonnell
2019 Sara Smith 2018 Cara Trindle 2017 Rhonda Martin 2016 Terrence Lund 2015 Col Caswell 2014 Steve Sunderland 2013 Karina Johnson 2012 Alex Lawson 2011 Tony Felesina 2010 Anne Kerr 2009 Richard Samwell 2008 Linda Scott 2007 Ray Coppo 2006 Gary Pappalardo 2005 Darren Meinicke 2004 Christopher Perry 2003 Lewis Arroita 2002 Brian Kernovske 2001 Ron Vernon 2000 Sandra Danziger 1999 Ian Elliott 1998 Hugh Montgomery 1997 Kevin Haller 1996 Gloria Vass 1995 Des Hyne 1994 Donald J. McDowell 1993 James A. Anderson (Lex) 1992 Peter Knapton 1991 John S. Foote 1990 Donna Vawdrey 1989 Roy Chapman
2018 Alex Lawson 2017 Irene Cole and Achievement Award, Brad Perry 2016 Karen Healy
2016 Dot Jensen and Iris Dingle
2019 Gloria Vass 2018 Les Wellington 2017 Treena List 2016 Joan Heatley
2019 Andrea McDonnell 2018 - 2017 Brent Dingle 2016 - 2015 Andrea McDonnell