Awards, pool parties and barbecues to mark Australia Day weekend
Shire events
Douglas Shire’s Citizen of the Year will be announced tomorrow evening at the council’s Australia Day Awards ceremony in Port Douglas, while on Monday gatherings are expected to take place in several venues across the region including at Mossman Pool and in the Daintree Village.
The awards ceremony, which will take place at the Port Douglas Community Hall on Mowbray Street from 5.30pm on Friday, January 23, will also include awards in categories such as Volunteer of the Year, Environmental Achievement Award, Young Citizen of the Year, Senior Citizen of the Year, Arts and Cultural Award and both Senior and Junior Sports Awards, as well as a citizenship ceremony.
Last year’s Citizen of the Year, music teacher Jenny Guyett, said winning the award was an honour.
“People have been congratulating me all year - people I hadn’t seen in ages,” she said.
The Whyanbeel resident said the awards were particularly important in a small community like Douglas Shire.
“It’s important to recognise the efforts of individuals who help keep the place running.
“It’s nice to see people who you don’t always realise are doing all those things get recognised.”
Douglas Shire Mayor Lisa Scomazzon said the awards were an opportunity to celebrate our achievements.
“Our Australia Day Awards shine a light on the extraordinary contributions made by everyday people,” Mayor Scomazzon said.
“These are people who give their time, energy and passion to strengthen our community.”
Meanwhile, a pool party in Mossman from about 10am on Monday will provide another opportunity to help bring the community together.
The event will include live music and games such as a thong-throwing contest at Mossman Pool, 1 Park Street.
And a community barbecue is also expected to take place in the Daintree Village on January 26.
