AUSTRALIA Day award winners have officially been announced, with some of the region's most outstanding achievers and volunteers being awarded for their contributions.

Councillor Cameron O'Neil said Australia Day was an opportunity to get behind the flag and celebrate what makes it special.

"We are an inclusive, multicultural and diverse community,” he said.

"We have much to be proud of, so let's celebrate our diversity, and our unity.”

Below is the full list of Maranoa's Australia Day award winners.

Australia Day award winners for Jackson, Wallumbilla, Yuleba, Noonga and surrounds:

CITIZEN OF THE YEAR: Neville Maunder

Neville Maunder has been a dedicated and committed volunteer within the Wallumbilla community for many years. While his children were growing up, Neville took a very active volunteering role as he assisted with the Junior Football and Netball Associations. He was a determined member of the P&C Association and was instrumental in the building of the Wallumbilla Swimming Pool and was also a founding member of the Swimming Club. Neville continued to volunteer, even when his children were no longer involved.

Neville has given over 40 years of service to the Wallumbilla Campdraft Committee, being the Club President on numerous occasions. Presently he is a patron, life member and takes on the role of announcer and cattle organiser for campdraft competitions.

His long support of the Wallumbilla Show Society has seen him recently be given a life membership. Neville is a founding member, current President and active member of the Wallumbilla Men's Shed.

YOUNG CITIZEN OF THE YEAR: Cameron Thompson

Cameron was born in 2002 with a condition where his right femur is half the size of his left femur. Cameron has endured many operations to lengthen his femur.

Cameron has not allowed this to stop him enjoying life, showing resilience and determination in everything he sets his mind to.

From a young age he put his hand up to have a go at many sports, including cricket, lawn bowls and tennis, and as he got older he has thrown himself into school athletics, shining particularly in the throwing events of discus, shot put and javelin.

Cameron made the South West School Athletics Team for the first time in 2015 and has been in the team ever since. In 2016 he took out the silver medal in discus and the bronze medal in javelin and went on to receive a bronze medal in discus at the Australian All School Athletics Championships in Canberra. In 2017, Cameron also won the gold medal in both shot put and discus.

Cameron is a hard-working and dedicated young man, and the community is very proud of what he has achieved already at such a young age.

COMMUNITY EVENT OF THE YEAR: 2017 Help Kids Like Nick Yuleba Marathon & Fun Run

Drawing significant crowds, enhancing social interaction among the community and serving to raise the profile of the Maranoa region as the Region of Choice, the 2017 Help Kids Like Nick Yuleba Marathon & Fun Run was presented with the Community Event of the Year Award.

This event brought hundreds of visitors to Yuleba and achieved international attention. The Help Kids Like Nick Foundation works to provide an enhanced quality of life for those diagnosed with Wolf-Hirschhorn Syndrome (WHS) and their immediate families.

The event featured a full marathon, half marathon, run and walk, 10km, 5km and 3km events. 350 runners and walkers attended the event in 2017 and raised a massive $40,000 for families dealing with this rare chromosomal disorder. The event also hosted overnight camping with live bands, food stalls, a multi-draw raffle, fundraising dinner and a charity auction.

CULTURAL AWARD: Beryl York

Beryl has had a long and remarkable impact on the Bendemere community through the wide range of roles she has undertaken. She has succeeded in bringing her community together by championing its rich history and culture through the Wallumbilla Heritage Association.

Beryl's dedication, creativity and hard work as an executive member of the heritage group has resulted in exceptional displays at the Calico Cottage Heritage Complex. Every day she demonstrates her commitment to retaining and celebrating objects, sites and stories of significance within the entire Bendemere district.

Beryl is just as passionate about the Wallumbilla Show, which this year will celebrate its 100th anniversary. Her kindness, energy, perseverance and passion are living proof that individuals can make a difference. Her efforts have helped nourish a community culture that values respect, harmony and cohesion.

JUNIOR SPORTS AWARD: Jasmine Johnson

Jasmine is a student at Wallumbilla State School and has represented her school at a number of sporting events and participated more widely across the region in netball and equestrian.

Jasmine competed in the Roma & District Netball Team and was named Age Champion at the Roma & District and South West Swimming Carnivals. Jasmine went on to represent the South West at the State Swimming Championships in Brisbane.

Jasmine's teachers describe her as persistent and hardworking person and these qualities brought success in 2017. At the Wallumbilla School Awards Night Jasmine was named Junior Sportsperson of the Year.

MEMBER CONTRIBUTION AWARD: Polly Leahy

Polly works tirelessly for the small community of Noonga and in 2017 she took up the role of secretary and grants officer for the Noonga Community Association.

In this role Polly was successful in obtaining new tennis courts and fence and oversaw the construction of this major project. She has a passion for health and wellbeing and received funding for a Pilates instructor as well as an instructor for Junior Tennis. Polly was also able to raise funds for the Noonga Community Association to provide more gym and sporting equipment for all ages.

She is a hard working community member who is the driving force behind many of Noonga's annual and biennial events including the New Year's Eve Fair, Noonga Dance, Seniors Day and youth activities.

ACHIEVEMENT AWARD: Emma Rogers

Emma Rogers is the Director of Nursing at the Wallumbilla Hospital and goes well above the call of duty with true professionalism. Her care for all community members is exemplary, especially to its senior members.

Although Emma's paid hours are from 9am to 5pm, her day does not end there. Emma is known to support people in care and their families regardless of the time of day or night. In some cases, this means putting her own family life on hold.

Emma has a genuine interest in people's health and is only too willing to offer advice to make their life easier. She is a true leader and valued member of the community. Emma also makes more contributions to the community by supporting P&C fundraising events and having an active role in Wallumbilla Hospital Auxiliary and Wallumbilla Girl Guides.

Australia Day award winners for Mitchell and surrounds:

CITIZEN OF THE YEAR: Shirley Hart

Shirley's involvement in both craft and motivational therapy areas has been invaluable to the Mitchell community. For many years, as a qualified Yoga instructor, Shirley has conducted Yoga classes in Roma, Mitchell, Amby and Muckadilla, with Chair Yoga in these areas for the elderly as well.

Westhaven residents have benefited greatly from Shirley's support as a qualified Diversional Therapist, with classes including drumming sessions and various forms of art and craft. These activities are intended to keep residents' minds active and promote involvement in the community to stay socially connected.

Shirley's support of Mitchell's local community through the Queensland's Country Women's Association (QCWA) has been invaluable, generously passing on her knowledge of many forms of craft which she has generously taught at the QCWA craft days over the years. Whether it has been spinning, dyeing, felting, knitting or Japanese folding techniques, Shirley has been very willing to teach and demonstrate these skills to contribute to members' general wellbeing and self-confidence, and to bring people together.

Shirley is the first to offer help in any situation, especially for local pensioners who are made very welcome regularly at her home for meals and a chat. With her sense of community, caring and compassionate nature, astute mind and level of fitness in her early eighties, Shirley is a wonderful role model for the Mitchell community and has been awarded with the Citizen of the Year Award.

YOUNG CITIZEN OF THE YEAR: Ashley Tate

Ashley is a highly valued and passionate member of the Mitchell community. She is a senior student entering into Grade 10 this year at Mitchell State School. She has been involved in a number of local, national and international community events, including the Solar Lights Project. Ashley willingly made solar lights for the project that were sent overseas to support disadvantaged students in Papua New Guinea.

Ashley has been a school representative for Anzac Day since Prep and has taken part in the community march and school commemorations. Ashley is passionate about the Mitchell community and is always willing to assist. She is involved in many community groups, including Mitchell State School's Junior Country Women's Association and helping in the kitchen and serving at the canteen for the Junior Rugby League Club.

In 2017, Ashley was one of four students chosen to attend the Beyond Year 10 Camp at the University of Southern Queensland. Ashley will serve as President this year on the Student Representative Council.

Ashley is an outstanding role model for younger students and her peers, both at school and in the wider community.

COMMUNITY EVENT OF THE YEAR: Paint the Town ReAD

This annual event pulls the Mitchell community together and stresses the importance of reading in every aspect of daily life. This outstanding event for Mitchell and surrounds included kindergartens and schools from both Catholic and Education Queensland.

A guest motivational speaker was organised who was able to visit Mitchell for a number of days preceding the event to build enthusiasm and focus for the Paint the Town REaD program. 2017 celebrated the inspirational mantra of 'Climb Every Mountain' by Lorin Nicholson, a PTTR speaker who has been visually impaired for much of his life, but has overcome his disabilities to become an accomplished musician and a qualified Physiotherapist.

In 2017 Education Queensland contacted Mitchell State School and came to Mitchell to video excerpts of the event to be placed on a new Queensland website based on state-wide inclusion and Disability Services.

Students, parents and community members all pitched in to make the day a huge success!

JUNIOR SPORTS AWARD: Rileigh Lawson

Rileigh has played for the Maranoa Netball Association (MNA) since 2016. Last year she played on a Saturday netball team and the MNA representative travelling team, and coached an Under 8s team for the season. At the end of 2017, Rileigh was awarded most improved player in the Under 14s team and also received the Coaches Award and Junior Player of the Year.

Rileigh is currently 14 years old and throughout her schooling has enthusiastically participated in various school sports including swimming, athletics, cross country and netball. In 2017 she was chosen to play in the Under 15s St Johns Vicki Wilson Cup Netball Team. Rileigh also plays, umpires and helps run social mixed netball in Mitchell once a week.

Rileigh shows outstanding sportsmanship and continuously encourages others to have a go and try their best.

With her achievements and commitment to sport throughout 2017, Rileigh is the successful recipient of the Junior Sports Award.

MEMBER CONTRIBUTION AWARD: Kelly Kenafake and Amanda Bowen

Amanda and Kelly have been a dynamic duo for Mitchell, working together to ensure there are things for children to do, and sports are up and running!

These two ladies have shown true community spirit with their involvement in many different committees, including holding positions in Junior Rugby League, Little Athletics and Junior Netball. Amanda and Kelly are also Mitchell P&C members as uniform coordinators and active Mitchell Swimming Club members.

With a passion for anything to do with junior sports, the busy mothers generously spend their time ensuring the children in Mitchell have plenty of sports, club days and celebrations to attend.

Amanda and Kelly have been awarded the Member Contribution Award for their ongoing contributions to the Mitchell community.

ACHIEVEMENT AWARD: Mitchell Magpies Junior Rugby League Under 14s

In 2017 Mitchell's Under 14s Rugby League Team was captained by Isaac Page and coached by Wendy Clark. It was a successful and very long season for Under 14s with the team starting to play at the beginning of February 2017 and finishing in September 2017.

Members of the team included, Isaac Page (Captain), Maison Dobbin, Lachlan West, Shannon Ross, Doug Cox, Jordan Lemon, Jason Mitchell, Makita Mailman, Charlie Richards, Kye Smith, Aiden Suhan, Declan Collins, Chris Smith and Daniel Varley. These boys showed exceptional skill and sportsmanship both on and off the field throughout the year.

The team travelled far and wide to play rugby, and were successful in winning a combined game with the Benderoo Bulls at the Adrian Vowles Cup in Charleville. From there, they stayed together to play in the central division Bronco's Outback Carnival which saw them travel throughout the south-west for numerous games, with the boys successful in winning the cup!

The boys then moved on to Roma & Districts season where they competed as their own Mitchell Magpies, and won minor and major Premierships for the season!

Australia Day award winners for Injune and surrounds:

CITIZEN OF THE YEAR: Karel-Anne Collie

Karel-Anne is an amazing individual and community member who always puts the people of Injune and surrounds before her own personal needs.

Karel-Anne has been an integral part of the Injune community her entire life and has always been heavily involved in various volunteering commitments. She always makes herself available to assist and support both individual members and community organisations including volunteering as a children's swimming coach, catering for various organisations, organising the Injune Seniors Day and being a member of the Local Ambulance Committee.

Her compassion and care for her community goes above and beyond all these roles, with many people depending on her knowledge and kind-heartedness in their everyday lives. Her willingness to go into bat to provide her community with the services, facilities and events they require and deserve is admirable.

YOUNG CITIZEN OF THE YEAR: Charlee O'Donohue

At 12 years old, Charlee is an Injune local who is mature beyond her years. The bright and happy girl exudes a quiet warmth and has a compassionate nature and love of animals and people. In 2017 Charlee decided on her own accord to fundraise for the Golden Octopus Foundation for Childhood Cancer. She sold merchandise and promoted the foundation as well as getting her local school involved in having a Go Gold free dress day to help raise funds.

As Treasurer of the Injune P-10 State School Students Representatives Council, Charlee was instrumental in raising funds and donating money to the Dalby School Fire Fund and donating to the Local Seniors Christmas Luncheon.

Charlee is actively involved in the Local Injune Youth Group, where she is an asset, role model and mentor for the other children of the community. With her ability to communicate and connect across all age groups, Charlee spends time at the Injune Hospital having conversations or playing games with the elderly residents.

COMMUNITY EVENT OF THE YEAR: 'Beef in the Buffel' Black Tie Ball

In order to fund the lighting installation in the Injune P-10 State School's Sports Shed and lighting on the school oval, Injune's P&C banded together to organise a fundraiser - the Beef in the Buffel Black Tie Ball.

It was a marvellous social occasion with 200 guests joining the P&C for dinner, drinks and evening entertainment. Many of the Injune State School students filled roles in hospitality and catering for the event.

The Beef in the Buffel Ball also served as a morale boost for a farming community that has been plagued by drought, giving commercial farmers and sponsors an opportunity to showcase their products throughout the evening.

The ball was a huge success with over $17,000 raised to go toward the school's installation of lighting and has been awarded with the Community Event of the Year Award!

CULTURAL AWARD: Injune Combined Churches

Historically there were three church buildings used separately by Catholic, Uniting and Anglican denominations. It was decided to combine the churches and resources by using only one building. Negotiations were required at the highest levels of each church, with approval granted by the Catholic Pope, the Archbishop of Canterbury and the President of the United Church - a world first! It was agreed to choose the church that required the least repair work and was located in the most suitable position, which was the Anglican Church building.

The church required upgrades and repairs which included the stabilisation of its foundations and the extension of the front of the church to make the entrance more accessible.

The project was driven by local Injune residents and a small committed group, with strong dedication from residents Graham and Jenny Girle. Without this dedication and active involvement Injune Combined Churches would not have happened.

It has taken seven years for the project to come to fruition and now with renovations complete it has renewed positivity and created a sense of purpose for parishioners.

SPORTS AWARD: Raymond Duff

Raymond has played golf for most of his life with no-one loving the game or Injune Golf Club more than him. He was made a Life Member of the Injune Golf Club in 2017 after serving as the President of the club for three years.

Raymond began playing golf at the age of 12 under the guidance of Victor Guyatt, where Victor would lend Raymond his golf clubs, even though the golf clubs were too long for him. Victor could see the potential in Raymond and with patience, encouragement and coaching saw Raymond start hitting fairway shots longer than most men could.

In 2015 and 2016, Raymond was the Injune Golf Champion and in 2017 was the Senior Champion for Zone 2 (Maranoa and Balonne). He has won several major competitions in the Maranoa district and is well known throughout the golfing circles for his sportsmanship. Raymond encourages the younger generation to play, even loaning out his golf clubs, as Victor did for him.

YOUNG SPORTS AWARD: Jack Bischoff

Prior to 2017 Jack had only occasionally shot clay targets in the paddock with his grandfather for fun, however in 2017 he achieved amazing results in his first year of competing. The success Jack has had this year shows a great deal of natural talent, as well as an ability to keep calm and contain his nerves when competing in shoot offs that is way beyond his years and experience.

Jack competed in the Injune Toompine at Easter time, winning all the U17 events and took out the Junior High Gun Award (overall winner of the competition). He also came first in the B Grade 50 target State Single Barrel Championship (an open event) in the QACTA State Trap Carnival at the Gemfields.

At the Chinchilla Carnival Jack took out the Junior High Gun. He also competed in the Open handicap where he placed second out of 126 shooters and he was promoted to AA Grade, being the highest grade possible.

MEMBER CONTRIBUTION AWARD: Brigid Price

Brigid Price is a well-grounded, genuine woman who wholeheartedly understands the complexity of what it means to live on the land and stay connected with your small community.

Brigid has been a valued member of the Community Advisory Network for Injune Health Services for several years and has coordinated the Injune Naturally Resourceful Women Group who are celebrating their 10 year anniversary this year.

She is an extremely resourceful person who uses networks and contacts to provide opportunities for local people, including a grant she obtained from Maranoa Regional Council for a Marketing Foundation Workshop for Injune.

Brigid is very passionate about acknowledging the contribution women make in the community. In recognition of her active involvement in the community, Brigid was awarded with the Member Contribution Award.

ACHIEVEMENT AWARD: Injune P&C for 'Country Kids to Capital'

Country Kids to Capital is a trip run every five years for the Injune P-10 State School offering students in Grade 5 and above the chance to visit Australia's Capital City.

Students had the opportunity to visit the Australian War Memorial, Australian Institute of Sport, Questacon, Old and New Parliament, the Australian Mint, Telstra Tower and they enjoyed a day on the snowfields.

Due to the financial cost of the trip a subcommittee of parents banded together with the goal to raise funds by catering numerous community events throughout the district. The subcommittee also ran a Cattle Drive where livestock was donated and sold at the Roma Saleyards with all proceeds going towards the camp.

The committee raised $22,600 for the Country Kids to Capital, where 25 students benefited from an impressive subsidy of $904 each towards their trip expenses.

Australia Day award winners for Roma and surrounds:

CITIZEN OF THE YEAR: Annette Mills

Annette has been a valued member of the Roma & District Family History Society since 1998. During that time, Annette has been an integral member of the group, holding several important positions, including Research Officer and Maranoa Enquirer Editor.

As the Research Officer, Annette has answered hundreds of enquiries from people all over the world requesting information and photographs of their ancestors who have lived in the Maranoa district.

As well as this, Annette researches and compiles a 16 page newsletter three times a year called 'The Maranoa Enquirer', filled with local news of the district, historic events, photographs, obituaries and interesting family stories.

Annette is also the compiler and editor of many books that are printed and sold to help with the running and upkeep of the Roma History Lodge.

At the group's annual General Meeting in 2017, Annette was awarded life membership in recognition of her work.

She also contributes to the cultural life of the Maranoa by helping to preserve history with various projects, including running numerous market stalls and selling raffle tickets, researching and typing up information for the 150 Years of Roma book and assisting with the general running of the Roma History Lodge by ensuring it is opened to the public on a daily basis.

Annette has been previously recognised for her contribution to the community by winning the 'True Blue' award at Easter in the Country 2006.

She has an amazing sense of community and is a very deserving recipient of this year's award!

YOUNG CITIZEN OF THE YEAR: Tony Kerr

Tony is an outstanding young man who last year completed his schooling at St John's School. During his time there he was recognised for his active participation in the life and activities of the school.

Tony is extremely generous with his time and skills, often volunteering his time as a light and sound technician to many events and activities at St John's.

Tony is also valued for his volunteering efforts at All Saints Catholic Church and Roma Performing Arts, where he regularly spends time helping to train others.

At the 2017 St John's Presentation Night, Tony was awarded the Lion's Award for contribution to the cultural life of the school where he was acknowledged for his expertise in lighting and sound technology.

Tony is admired and respected for the generous way in which he gives his time to ensure events run smoothly and efficiently.

COMMUNITY EVENT OF THE YEAR: 150 Years of Local Government presented to Roma Historical Society

Members of the Roma & District Family History Society Inc. worked in partnership with Maranoa Regional Council to arrange a week of events for the celebration of '150 Years of Local Government in Roma' from 21 - 27 August 2017.

The society approached Council in late 2016 regarding the upcoming anniversary marking 150 years since Roma's first local government election in 1867. The History Society spent countless hours thoroughly researching the lives and times of the 44 Mayors of Roma who played an important civic role in establishing the town.

Photos of all but two of the former Mayors were located after months of searching, before being edited and provided to Council for inclusion in the 150 Years of Mayors in Roma exhibition and printed publication.

Held in August 2017, the week-long celebration included art exhibitions, a book launch, historic bus tours, smoko at Mount Abundance Homestead, guided tours of Roma Cemetery and placement of a time capsule.

Many community groups and individuals contributed to the events, creating a very successful and memorable week.

CULTURAL AWARD: Muckadilla Community Association Remembrance Day Service

Muckadilla Community Association, together with local historian David Bowden, conducted a fantastic event on the Muckadilla War Memorial Grounds on 11 November 2017.

The theme of the event was 'The Battle of Beersheba 100 Years Ago' and honoured Muckadilla soldier Corporal Guy Manning Nield (who lies buried on Bindango Station near Muckadilla). Surviving the landing at Gallipoli, and the charge of Beersheba in World War One, Corporal Nield returned to the district to live out the rest of his life.

The event was very well attended and organised, meeting the high standards the community holds for all events they undertake. The Muckadilla Community Association is a strong group that continually works hard to contribute to the community.

SPORTS AWARD: Thomas McNulty

In 2017 Thomas was an integral member of a number of Rugby League, Touch and Basketball teams in Roma.

Teams that he is a member of include Wallumbilla Surat Red Bulls, St John's 1st XIII Rugby League, St John's School 1st VI Touch Football, St John's School 1st V Basketball, South West School Sports Under 18 Rugby League and South West School Sport Under 18 Touch Football.

As well as this, Thomas was the Open Boys Age Champion for St John's School, track and field, swimming and cross country for 2017. Thomas is an excellent ambassador for his family, school and community in his sporting achievements. He has worked extremely hard to commit to all elements of his sporting endeavours as well as balance the requirements of Grade 12.

A fantastic athlete in the making, and someone to watch!

JUNIOR SPORTS AWARD: Hannah Hughes

Hannah has been a student at Roma Highland Dancers for 10 years. During this time she has competed successfully in many competitions all over Australia, as well as competing at the top level since 2010.

In 2017, Hannah was selected as part of the OZScot Australian Team and was one of only 36 elite highland dancers from Australia to travel to Switzerland to perform at the Basel International Tattoo. Hannah was also chosen as one of nine to perform at the production of Scotland the Brave recently in Brisbane.

Assisting in teaching dance classes, Hannah gets a lot of enjoyment interacting with and passing her skills on to younger dancers.

As well as her passion for dancing, Hannah has also competed at regional netball. Playing since she was in the Under 8s team, Hannah plays for Maranoa Netball Association and has competed in the 2017 State Carnival in Brisbane. She was also selected as part of the Panthers Darling Downs Under 19 Development Team.

Hannah is a very well accomplished young sportswoman making her a very deserving winner!

MEMBER CONTRIBUTION AWARD: Donna Sutton

Held in very high regard by all those who work alongside her, Donna is an instrumental member of the Muckadilla community.

Secretary of the Muckadilla Community Association, Donna has written grants which saw the Muckadilla Community Hall receive over $30,000 worth of funding to complete various major renovation projects.

Donna is also heavily involved in the ANZAC and Remembrance Day services and in 2017 arranged for a special luncheon following the Remembrance Day service for invited guests and members of the community.

Always encouraging participation in community life, Donna recently started a monthly meeting for the younger members of the community to form a social group to provide both adults and children with a chance to socialise and form relationships.

A true asset to the town, Donna is a deserving winner for her tireless efforts and contribution to the community.

ACHIEVEMENT AWARD: Tyson Campbell

A highly valued member of the community, Tyson Campbell works tirelessly for many local fundraising events, activities and projects.

Instrumental in reinvigorating the Roma Apex Club, he has encouraged many members to join throughout the years and has seen many projects, such as the fencing of the Apex Park, come to fruition.

In 2017, Tyson was recognised as the Apexian of the Year at the National Conference on the Sunshine Coast, a fantastic achievement.

Tyson has been heavily involved in the Roma Show Society for many years and fills the role of Chief Steward of the Poultry Section. Within this role, Tyson has been successful in gaining grants to improve the appearance of the Poultry Shed and spends his own time making the cages to house extra exhibits.

A long standing member of Maranoa Music, he plays the drums in the symphony band and can be seen at many community events with the band.

With his 'no nonsense' approach, desire to serve his community and devotion to his wife and young family, Tyson is a deserving winner for this award.

ANDREA MURRAY MEMORIAL AWARD: Daphne Beale

Daphne has worked as a support worker within the disability sector for Anglicare for the past 14 years and exemplifies the very essence of what Anglicare stands for.

Throughout these years of service, Daphne has always provided a high level of service to all clients and is held in very high regard by clients and colleagues alike.

A passionate and dedicated member of the community, Daphne is a truly caring person who will always say yes to helping and inspiring others to achieve, going above and beyond in her role to help those in need.

Daphne's contribution to the disability sector within the Maranoa has been invaluable and she is a deserving recipient!

Australia Day award winners for Surat and surrounds:

CITIZEN OF THE YEAR: Margaret Gallagher

Margaret has lived in Surat for 54 years and has dedicated her life to raising her family and supporting the community of Surat. Margaret is a hard working citizen who spends much of her time volunteering for many organisations, including the Surat Diggers Race Club, Surat Campdraft, Meals on Wheels, Surat P&C Association, Surat Hospital Auxiliary, Surat Lions Club, Surat Local Ambulance Event and the Warroo Senior Card Group.

Margaret was one of the first volunteers to deliver meals to Meals on Wheels clients and she is still delivering Meals on Wheels over 30 years later!

With a real passion for helping people, Margaret often visits the hospital to offer respite on a volunteer capacity for seniors. She collects mail, takes them to the park or down the street to do jobs - whatever is needed, nothing is ever a hassle for Margaret.

Margaret's dedication and commitment to the Surat community is inspiring, and she is truly a worthy recipient of the Citizen of the Year Award for Surat and Surrounds.

YOUNG CITIZEN OF THE YEAR: Holly Thom and Claudia Thom

This year it was decided to award joint winners for the Young Citizen of the Year Award. The judging committee agreed both Claudia and Holly are equally worthy of the award, as they frequently contribute to events and activities together.

Claudia and Holly are proactive in their community and are often seen around town helping out. They regularly mow and spray the lawns of the Catholic Church, and the yards of the elderly residents of Surat.

Both young ladies partake in many sporting activities throughout the Maranoa, each dominating the field in their chosen sport: Claudia the 1500m and cross country, and Holly track and field and netball.

Holly was elected a St John's School Leader for 2017/18 and is involved with many extra-curricular activities, while Claudia's efforts in the community along with her bubbly, cheerful attitude led to her being named one of the 2017/18 St John's Head Prefects.

Claudia and Holly are both valued members of the Surat community and are very worthy recipients of the 2018 Young Citizen of the Year Award.

COMMUNITY EVENT OF THE YEAR: WAGS Expo

Hundreds of women from Surat and surrounds gathered at the Surat Shire Hall in October 2017 to enjoy the annual WAGS Expo and to raise money for the Save the Box campaign for Gynaecological cancer research.

The Expo was a dual celebration of International Rural Women's Day and a showcase of local and regional women in small business. A large number of stallholders had their wares on display, with everything from makeup and fashion to plants and garden ornaments available to purchase.

Guests enjoyed a fashion parade showcasing the latest trends for women, and guest speaker Helen Everingham from the Centre Within spoke candidly about her life experiences and offered uplifting advice on how to stay positive in the face of adversity. The WAGS Expo Committee again organised a very successful event, and is a worthy recipient of the Community Event of the Year Award.

CULTURAL AWARD: Elizabeth McLean

Elizabeth has been an enthusiastic organiser of the Surat Tinsel Trail for a number of years now. Organisation for the trail starts months before Christmas by purchasing tinsel and ribbon used to decorate the town of Surat.

Part of her role has been to encourage people in Surat and surrounds to decorate their mail boxes for Christmas. In order to encourage Christmas cheer, Elizabeth sends out a specially prepared flyer to inspire people to join in the spirit of Christmas and decorate their front entrance.

As a result of the Surat Tinsel Trail, the community and visitors enjoy seeing many Christmas themed mailboxes all over the district. Elizabeth also organises a Giving Tree, encouraging the community to make donations that are distributed by Aussie Helpers to drought affected farmers.

It is due to the promotion and dedication by Elizabeth that Surat has become known as the home of the Tinsel Trail!

SPORTS AWARD: Geoffrey Moore

In 1999, Geoff turned an interest in shooting into a passionate hobby and has since amassed an array of awards, titles and representative honours, including representing the Western Zone at the Annual State Shoot many times.

Geoff has placed in the IDDF Olympic Discipline - Olympic Trap and travelled to Perth to represent Queensland in the Double Trap. He has placed in the Western Zone Open Team and also placed in the State Open Team which competes at the National Titles. He has also placed in the Australian Mackintosh Team twice in recent years. He continually challenges other shooters on a club level.

In 2005, Geoff was involved with creating the Surat Clay Target Association where he was elected as President, a position he still holds today.

Geoff is a true ambassador for the Surat Clay Target Club and the Surat community. Together with his family, Geoff travels across the state to participate in events and encourages people to visit Surat and to 'come have a shot'.

JUNIOR SPORTS AWARD: Claudia Thom

Claudia's sporting prowess has led her to represent Surat on many stages across Queensland, mainly dominating the track and field and cross country events. Claudia was awarded the St John's age champion for 3km and 4km cross country for four consecutive years, and went on to bring home the age championship for 4km in both Roma and District and South West Queensland for the past three years.

Claudia's love of running and her dedication to training has seen her progress with the 1500m sprint, being the fastest in the Maranoa for the past two years. She has rewritten record books across the Roma and District and South West regions.

Claudia's continuous hard work and persistence has seen her climb to new heights, being selected to represent the region at state championships in both cross country and athletics. Claudia is a fantastic ambassador for her sport, her school, and the community of Surat and is a very worthy recipient of the Junior Sports Award for 2018.

MEMBER CONTRIBUTION AWARD: Gregory Richardson

Greg has lived in Surat for 42 years and during this time he has worked tirelessly as a volunteer with many community groups in Surat. He is a life member of the Surat Campdraft and past president of the club, and has coordinated Clean-up Australia Day and Take a Kid Fishing Days for over 20 years.

Greg is the current President of the Surat Fishing and Restocking Club and manages the aquarium at the Cobb & Co Changing Station, which includes feeding of the fish and cleaning of the aquarium. Greg is the coordinator of the SES in Surat and he also represents Surat on many committees including Qld Murray Darling Committee, Landcare and the Carp Buster Series.

Greg currently holds the position of President of the Surat & District Development Association and is passionate about all areas of the Surat community and was awarded with Surat's Member Contribution Award.

ACHIEVEMENT AWARD: Maxine Murray

Maxine has been a valuable member of the Surat Queensland Ambulance Service team as an emergency driver since 2015. During this time, Maxine has attended numerous traffic accidents and medical cases, and assisted with transfers.

In November 2017, Maxine was driving and witnessed an oncoming vehicle leave the road, narrowly missing her vehicle. She immediately stopped her vehicle and went to assist the driver of the other vehicle. She located the vehicle upside down in a culvert approximately 8 metres below road level.

Maxine went straight into action, reassuring the occupant that assistance was coming and gave QAS Operations Centre vital information regarding the location of the accident and the condition of the patient. This allowed prompt activation of aeromedical service to attend the accident.

This is one example of Maxine's professionalism, attitude and perseverance which has resulted in her acknowledgement for this Achievement Award.