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Australia Day Awards

The 2024 Lockyer Valley Australia Day event saw our community to come together to celebrate their friends, family and neighbours who have gone above and beyond to help improve the lives of others, and contribute to a diverse, friendly, and strong community with our Australia Day Community Awards. We also welcome new citizens to the region at the Citizenship Ceremony.

Lockyer Valley's 2024 Australia Day Ambassador was Gerrard Gosens, who is a vision-impaired adventurer, three-time Paralympian, project manager, chocolatier, small business owner, sports coach and motivational speaker. He most recently represented Australia in the Para-triathlon at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham and has represented Australia at the 1996 Atlanta Paralympic Games in the team sport of Goalball.

Australia Day winners

Unwavering passion and commitment to the Lockyer Valley community has earned resident Karen Nawratzki the title of 2024 Lockyer Valley Citizen of the Year.

The full list of the 2024 Lockyer Valley Australia Day Award winners are:

Citizen of the Year: Karen Nawratzki

Young Citizen of the Year: Taylah Horne

Senior Sportsperson of the Year: Tara Reinke

Junior Sportsperson of the Year: Macie Whiting

Event of the Year: Maddox’s Helping Hand Foundation Annual Luncheon

Community Organisation of the Year: Spirit of the Valley Events Inc

Mayoral Award: Bob and Julie Porter

Nominees

The nominees for 2024:
Julianne Bachmann Karen Nawratzki Macie Whiting
Madeline Pickering Lockyer Regional Performing Arts Inc Tara Reinke
John Smith Immanual Lutheran Church Ropeley Taylah Horne
Withcott and District Progress Association Maddox's Helping Hand Foundation Lockyer Valley Orchid Society
Gary Dallinger Lockyer Community Centre John Emerick
Laidley Garden Club Inc Darcie Gillis Amelia Morris
THLSS 150th Anniversary Committee Lockyer Equestrian Group Ralph Gurowski
Bob Mann Lights on the Hill Tanya Dunbar
Valley Fest Leanne Lencz Spirit of the Valley Events Inc
Lorelle Grams Under 5's Day Allan Dempsey
Laidley Uniting Church Quilt and Craft Expo Gatton and District Committee on the Ageing Inc


Nominations for Australia Day Awards are now open year-round. To submit a nomination, visit https://lockyervalley.smartygrants.com.au/

Nominees for the 2025 Australia Day Awards close midnight 22 November 2024.

Contact the Tourism and Events Team on 1300 005 872 or email lockyerevents@lvrc.qld.gov.au for more information.

Award categories

There are six award categories, including:

Citizen of the YearRecognises the outstanding contribution, achievement and/or leadership by an individual over the preceding year or over numerous years, providing a positive role model for others.
Young Citizen of the YearRecognises contribution, achievement and/or leadership by an individual over the preceding year or over numerous years, providing a positive role model for others.
Senior Sportsperson of the YearRecognises an individual for their sporting achievements during the preceding year.
Junior Sportsperson of the YearRecognises an individual for their sporting achievements during the preceding year.
Event of the YearRecognises an outstanding event held within our region during the preceding year, with a demonstrated contribution to the wellbeing of the community. This may include arts and cultural events, festivals and sporting events.
Community Organisation of the YearRecognises a community organisation that has made an outstanding contribution to our community. Community organisations may include arts and cultural organisations, sporting organisations and charitable organisations.
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