Celebrate Australia Day in True Whitsundays Style

Embrace the spirit of Australia Day with the Whitsunday Regional Council’s exciting festivities at Airlie Beach Foreshore. From 4:00 PM, come together for a day filled with live music, delicious food stalls, and a wide range of activities for all ages.

The little ones will have a blast with games, activities, and more, while the prestigious Australia Day Awards will shine a light on the exceptional individuals who make the Whitsunday community thrive.

Australia Day Award Categories and nominees

Whitsunday Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year
This award honours individuals who have made significant contributions to the Whitsunday Region or have provided exceptional service to the local community.

Nominees:
   • Dr Arthur Trezise
   • Jennifer Honnery
   • Helen Maynard-Turner
   • Brent Edgerton
   • Marissa Kearney
   • Matt Stokes
   • Janice Brown

McDonald’s Cannonvale, Airlie Beach and Bowen Young Citizen of the Year
Recognising young people who have made notable contributions to their community or positively impacted the Whitsunday Region.

Nominees:
   • Nathan Richards
   • Kodi Mackie
   • Cooper Groocock

Tassal Senior Sports Award
Celebrating sportspeople, coaches, administrators, officials, and volunteers whose dedication and passion inspire others to engage in sport.

Nominees:
   • Brittaney O'Brien
   • Liv Compton
   • Tommy and Chez O'Brien, Whitsunday Allstars
   • Michael Kimpton

Coral Sea Marina Resort Airlie Beach Triathlon Young Sports Award
This award acknowledges young athletes whose commitment and hard work encourage others to participate in their chosen sport.

Nominees:
   • Jure Portelli
   • Millie Groom
   • Cooper Groocock
   • Byron Goodin

Creative Connections Whitsunday Arts & Cultural Award
Recognising individuals or groups who have made meaningful contributions to the region’s vibrant arts and cultural scene.

Nominees:
   • Jenny Featherstone, Whitsunday Dance Connection
   • Chez O’Brien, Chez’s House of Dance
   • Seagrass Theatre and Music Company
   • Karen Jacobsen
   • Category 5 Band

Green Energy Technologies Environmental Achievement Award
Honouring individuals or groups whose passion for environmental conservation and education positively impacts the region.

Nominees:
   • Libby Edge, Eco Barge Clean Seas Inc.

Bendigo Bank Cannonvale and Proserpine Community Group Award
Celebrating individuals, groups, or organisations whose projects, activities, or events have made a significant and positive impact on the Whitsunday Region in the past 12 months.

Nominees:

   • Whitsunday Brahmans, Proserpine Rugby League Club
   • Tarnia Patton, Proserpine Community Markets
   • Whitsundays Writers Festival
   • Bowen Tourism and Business Volunteers

Coral Sea Marina Resort Airlie Beach Triathlon Community Volunteer Award
Presented in memory of Wally Hinschen, this award honours individuals who have made a remarkable difference as volunteers in the Whitsunday community.

Nominees:
   • Christine Pennay, Collinsville Vinnies
   • Diane Watts
   • Natasha O’Neil, Bowen Cancer Ostomy Group
   • Kathleen Morrissey
   • Bowen Tourism and Business Volunteers
   • Donna Deegan, Volunteer Marine Rescue Whitsunday
   • Heather Sutton, Whitsunday Sailing Club
   • Helen Daley
   • Susan Gravelle
   • Ronald Read
   • Bowen Tourism and Business Volunteers

As the sun sets, gather your loved ones for a spectacular fireworks display at 8:00 PM, bringing a perfect end to an unforgettable day of celebration.

Pack a picnic blanket or chair and make your way to Airlie Beach Foreshore to join in the festivities.
Please note: In the event of inclement weather, the event will be cancelled. This is a smoke-free, alcohol-free event.

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