A retired rural firefighter, champion bull rider and a 96-year-old bush race weekend were among the 2022 Isaac Region Australia Day Award winners announced yesterday.
Clermont local Alister Lawrence (pictured, below), who was a dedicated auxiliary firefighter for 46 years, accepted the Citizen of the Year Award from Isaac Regional Council Mayor Anne Baker in Clermont.
Four-time PBR champion Clermont cowboy Aaron Kleier was named Young Citizen of the Year and Event of the Year went to organisers of the Twin Hills Race Club Race Weekend.
Corporate Community Contribution of the Year winner was Clermont4Doctors, a powerhouse community initiative between Glencore Coal and Mackay Hospital and Health Service to attract and retain doctors to Clermont.
The Spirit of Isaac Award winner was Dr Sunday Adebiyi, who has served the community of Dysart diligently for over 18 years, and still maintains such a high level of dedication to his patients and their families.
Mayor Baker said all award winners played an integral part in the community and created a positive difference to the lives of those around them.
“We are a region rich in resources, but we are also blessed with the greatest resource of all – our people, especially through 2021 – another tough year with COVID but we’re making it through together,” she said.
Mayor Baker said rural firefighters were among the heart of our Isaac’s identity.
“Citizen of the Year Alister Lawrence was among those men and women who put themselves in the line of fire,” she said.
“As a dedicated auxiliary firefighter for 46 years, he battled blazes for the sheer love of his local Clermont and Isaac region communities.”
Mayor Baker said regional communities truly come alive when the rodeo comes to town.
“Having our very own champion cowboy who is a role model to many adds to the vibrancy of our region,” Mayor Baker said.
“Clermont local and professional bull rider Aaron Kleier has made history with four back-to-back Australian PBR Champion titles – 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021. Aaron’s a worthy Young Citizen of the Year.
“We heard about resilient and hardworking people that personify the spirit of Isaac through their passion and work and so many more.
“It is people like these who make me proud to be in Isaac. Congratulations to each of our nominees and winners – your hard work and passion is truly inspiring.”
Glenden’s Australia Day awards ceremony will be held at a later date and will be announced soon.
The 2022 Australia Day Awards is an Isaac Regional Council event assisted by the Australian Government through the National Australia Day Council.
