Australia Day Awards 2025

The Australia Day Awards have been announced and presented and a big congratulations to Matthew Stokes from Plants Whitsunday for his work within the community in particular, Suicide Prevention.

“The Whitsundays’ best and brightest gathered at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre on January 26 to recognise and celebrate the winners of the 2025 Australia Day Awards. Whitsunday mayor Ry Collins welcomed the chance to recognise the region’s “unsung heroes” and said the awards were a powerful reminder of the importance of community spirit.

Citizen of the Year Award – Matt Stokes

Community leader and dedicated volunteer Matt Stokes was the Whitsundays’ citizen of the year for 2024. Mr Stokes was recognised for his unwavering commitment to making a positive impact in the lives of others. Working with Whitsunday Suicide Prevention Network, Mr Stokes organised fundraisers and events with the aim of giving back to his community. In 2024 Mr Stokes organised “Legends Night” which raise more than $20,000 for community programs. Mr Stokes was pointed to as a beacon of hope and a perfect choice for the Whitsundays’ Citizen of the Year.

Young Citizen of the Year – Cooper Groocock

As school president at Collinsville State high School Mr Groocock led spirit week and fundraisers, fostering teamwork and giving back to the community. The school’s dux for 2024, Mr Croocock was awarded the ADF Long Tan and Future Innovators Award for his leadership and achievements in STEM and he represented the school in swimming and squash at the state level. As a proud Collinsville local Mr Groocock also played a key role in organising the May Day float.

Volunteer of the Year – Natasha O’Neil

Natasha O’Neil established a cancer and ostomy support group in Bowen. Ms O’Neil’s work created a lifeline for people seeking support, guidance and resources, particularly in navigating the challenges of living with an ostomy bag. The group has grown into a monthly gathering and Ms O’Neil now organises trips to Mackay and Townsville for medical appointments and works to secure donations and specialists for group members. Ms O’Neill does all this while working as a local high school counsellor and managing a busy family life.

Community Group Award – Whitsunday Brahmans

For organising a “Family Field Day” at Les Stagg Oval in Proserpine the Whitsunday Brahmans won the Community Group Award of 2024. The club organised the event as a way to express their appreciation to the community for supporting Proserpine Rugby League. The day involved relay races, food vans, tug of war, jumping castles and, of course, footy. A resounding success, the Brahman’s love letter to Proserpine was well receivedand an Australia Day Award is the community’s reply.

Senior Sportsperson Award – Michael Kimpton

Taking the gold in the senior sports category was 70-year-old triathlete Michael Kimpton. As president of the Whitsunday Triathlon Club and race director of the Airlie Beach Triathlon Festival, Mr Kimpton helped strengthen sports in the Whitsundays. When the Airlie Beach Triathlon Festival faced a crisis in 2022, Mr Kimpton stepped up and secured sponsorships to keep it going. Having competed in the Ironman World Championships Hawaii and the World Multisport Championships in Townsville, Mr Kimpton is the Whitsundays Senior Sportsperson of 2024.

Young Sportsperson Award – Jure Portelli

Year 10 St Catherine’s Catholic College Student Jure Portelli is 2024s Young Sportsperson for her achievements in racing. Having been previously selected for the Ferrari Driving Academy’s Rising Star Program, she has since competed in events across Queensland and South Australia, taking first place in a 16-hour endurance race. Ms Poretelli supports local charities through car shows, festivals and proudly represents her Whitsunday sponsors Solar Power Whitsundays and Whitsunday Chiropractic. Her achievements and determination make her a natural role model.

Environmental Achievement Award – Eco Barge Clean Seas

An Airlie Beach not-for-profit is this years recipient of the Environmental Award for removing a staggering 256,000 kg of debris from Whitsunday beaches and waterways. The Eco Barge Clean Seas also run educational programs, recycle ocean plastics into products and operate Whitsunday Turtle Rescue Centres. Organised by a dedicated committee, staffed by 55 members and helped by more than 2000 volunteers, Eco Barge’s work in the Whitsundays and their championing of marine life ensures the natural beauty of the Whitsundays can be enjoyed by generations to come.

Arts & Cultural Award – Seagrass Theatre and Music Company

The three-year-old Seagrass Theatre and Music Company made its splash onto the Whitsunday cultural scene with a production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Providing an inclusive platform for young people to showcase their talents and aspirations in the arts, the five month project managed to draw an audience of 1000 people over six performances. For their passion and as an example of the power of youth-led initiatives, the Seagrass Theatre and Music Company are the recipients of the 2024 Arts and Culture Award.

Mayoral Awards

Dr Arthur Trezise

The Bowen doctor of more than 50 years was recognised for serving the community as the owner of Queens Beach Medical Centre. Dr Trezise also supporting Bowen hospital as an on-call doctor beyond running his
clinic. He has played a vital role mentoring medical students, registrars and aspiring general practitioners.

Brittaney O’Brien

Reigning Australian Women’s Track and Dirt Track Queensland Champion Brittaney O’Brien set an example for young women by thriving in a sport traditionally dominated by men. Ms O’Brien earned a mayoral award for her passion, perseverance and exceptional sportsmanship.

Susan Gravelle

As a cornerstone of the Whitsunday Community, Susan Gravelle has had an unwavering dedication to her tireless volunteer work over 40 years. A committed member of the Whitsunday Lions Club, Ms Gravelle has launched programs like Adopt a Christmas Family and the Peace Poster Competition. She also volunteers at local markets and assists with annual fundraisers supporting youth, seniors and health causes.

Collinsville Community Centre (CCA) Awards:

Community Sports Award – Katie Humble
Community Group of the year Award– Collinsville St Vincent De Paul
Environmental Achievement Award – Garry Reed
Arts &\ Cultural Award – St John Bosco School – for the “Johhny Bosco Beats” Program
Collinsville Volunteer of the Year Award – Diane Watts
CCA Community Spirit Award – Kathleen Morrissey (Kathy)
Young Citizen of the Year Award – Cooper Groocock
Citizen of the Year Award – Marissa Kearney