Toowoomba Region Mayor Paul Antonio said the national day was a time to reflect on recent challenges, including the bushfires in our region and the more recent fires around the country, while also celebrating the best aspects of living in Australia.
“We have a lot to be thankful for when you consider our good fortune to live in Australia, compared with many places around the world,” Mayor Antonio said.
“The herculean efforts of all firefighters, fellow emergency services personnel and all community agencies that pitched in after our fires reflect the best aspects of the Australian character.
“We should be proud and grateful to every one of these people for their commitment to keeping our community safe here and around the country.”
Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) Australia Day coordinating committee chair Cr Mike Williams said the various Council-sponsored events across the region offered a great family outing.
“Council is pleased to be involved with regional Australia Day ceremonies at Pittsworth, Oakey, Highfields, Crows Nest, Millmerran, Cambooya, Clifton, Goombungee and the Picnic Point function in Toowoomba,” Cr Williams said.
Toowoomba Regional Citizen Of The Year
Michelle Edser
Michelle Edser works tirelessly to achieve the best outcomes for people, clubs and charity organisations in the Crow’s Nest area. Michelle always gives more than 100% to ensure the success of community events.|
Michelle recently helped raise $18,000 to assist a young person with ongoing medical expenses. She also played an integral role in raising $12,000 to enable a local family to provide quality care for a family member in their final weeks of life.
Sporting groups have also benefited from her generosity. Michelle was part of a team that helped raise a significant sum that allowed the Highfields Under 16 Rugby League team to complete a cultural exchange tour of New Zealand. The tour included several boys from Crow’s Nest.
Incredibly generous, Michelle has donated countless raffle prizes for charitable organisations and clubs and attends as many functions as possible.
Michelle is a member of the Crow’s Nest Golf Club, Bowls Club, Fishing Club and previously the Crow’s Nest Second Division Rugby League Club. She is on the management committee of some of these clubs and has been involved in organising charity days, reunions and club anniversaries.
She volunteers her time without hesitation and displays a positive attitude, enthusiasm and generosity.
Regional Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander
Damon Anderson
Damon is a proud Aboriginal man who has worked tirelessly to share his culture with young people through dance, art and language.
A talented dancer, Damon is a member of the Kooma-Diggeri Dance Troupe and has toured south east Queensland as part of regional NAIDOC celebrations.
Damon has performed with the Russian Ballet and is a popular and capable didgeridoo player, who regularly performs at functions.
He often performs for Japanese visitors from Ena City.
A talented artist, Damon has painted numerous murals around the district and has won awards for his painting. He has a Fine Arts degree.
He served as Oakey State High School Indigenous Leader in 2013 and is a keen and talented rugby league player, who actively contributes to various community events, including NAIDOC week celebrations.
Australia Day Award Winners 2020
These awards are presented to groups or citizens who have made an outstanding contribution to the Toowoomba Region community. The following list includes the Toowoomba Regional Council Australia Day regional awards, which cover service to the region as a whole, and respective service area awards. Congratulations to all of the winners.
