A Minute With The Mayor Ry Collins

Every year on January 26 the Whitsunday Regional Council Australia Day Awards celebrate the outstanding achievements and contributions of individuals and organisations across our region.
 
Nominations for the 2025 Whitsunday Regional Council Australia Day Awards are now officially open! These awards are an incredible way for us as a community to recognise the outstanding contributions of individuals and groups who go above and beyond to make the Whitsundays such a special place to live.
 
Each year, these awards honour people from all walks of life—our dedicated volunteers, committed educators, passionate community workers, and even our local sporting heroes.
 
Whether it's someone who has made a difference through a lifetime of service or someone who’s made an impact through a project in the last year, these awards offer the chance to say a heartfelt "thank you" for their efforts.
 
We all know someone in our community who quietly works behind the scenes without expecting recognition. These are the people we want to celebrate—the ones who make a real difference in the lives of others.
 
It could be the coach who devotes countless hours to mentoring young athletes, the volunteer who consistently gives their time to help those in need, or the local business owner who always goes above and beyond to support community causes.
 
By taking the time to nominate someone, you’re not only acknowledging their efforts, but you’re also encouraging them to continue making a positive impact, knowing their work doesn’t go unnoticed.
 
We have several categories available, including Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year, and Senior and Junor Sports, so there’s a way to highlight every type of contribution.
 
If you know someone who deserves to be celebrated for their contributions, I strongly urge you to submit a nomination. It’s easy to do, and nominations are open until Friday, December 6. You can find all the details on the Your Say Whitsunday page on our website or by dropping into one of our Customer Service Centres in Cannonvale, Proserpine, Bowen or Collinsville and filling out a hard copy form.
 
Let’s take this opportunity to shine a light on the people who make the Whitsundays a better, stronger, and more vibrant place for us all. I look forward to seeing many worthy nominations and celebrating with our incredible community on Australia Day 2025.
 
Together, let’s show our appreciation for those who are making a difference, one good deed at a time.
 
Ry Collins
Mayor of Whitsunday Regional Council

‍