Art-loving Wayne McDonnell our star Citizen of the Year
IPSWICH'S worthy Citizen of the Year for 2013, Wayne McDonnell, has been honoured for his considerable contributions to the city's arts community.
Click here for a list of all the winners
His passion and dedication has led to the arts in the region "growing and flourishing", says Mayor Paul Pisasale in a tribute.
"This involvement began during his time as a councillor with Ipswich City Council and has continued ever since through his strong support for a number of local artists and organisations," Cr Pisasale said.
"Today he is the Ipswich Photographic Society president and the convenor of Ipswich's prestigious visual arts prize The Queensland Times Ipswich Art Awards, now in its 13th year."
Lena Kershler, who was highly commended in the Senior Citizen award, is described as a selfless woman who would go to extreme efforts to help out even a complete stranger.
Ms Kershler has volunteered at the Leichhardt Community Centre every day since she first joined in 1981.
The 2013 judging panel had to sift through an impressive list of nominees to arrive at a winner.
Cycling devotee and owner of the Yellow Jersey bike shop, Troy Dobinson, was listed for his dedication to safe cycling.
As the driving force behind the recently established Twenty-four Seven Cycle Safety Fund, Mr Dobinson has helped raise more than $80,000 towards off-road cycling facilities.
Another ardent fundraiser, Trevor Harrison, has for the past 40 years inspired thousands of students and friends to take part in and donate to many charitable events. Mr Harrison started off with the Red Cross Doorknock Appeal and has since donated his time and money to at least nine other charities.
Professor Marie Kavanagh also put in countless hours and effort during the last two years to lift flood-affected Karalee families out of despair.
Ron McLaughlin, described as "an everyday man", rode his Harley Davidson around Australia in 2012 to raise money for the Queensland Institute of Medical Research cancer research program.
During his 50-day ride, Mr McLaughlin met many people and always remembered to speak about the great city called Ipswich.
Promoting a safe and clean environment in the city, Dianne Miller strolls through her local park to tidy it up for families to enjoy.
Melinda Park is a true all-rounder with a strong background in sporting and cultural endeavours.
Redbank Plains State High School teacher aide Mike Winton leads the Choices not Chances program in which he creates relationships with businesses to find work experience for disabled students.
CITIZEN OF THE YEAR
Winner: Wayne McDonnell
Nominees:
- Troy Dobinson
- Trevor Harrison
- Prof Marie Kavanagh
- Lena Kershler
- Ron McLaughlin
- Dianne Miller
- Melinda Park
- Mike Winton
YOUNG CITIZEN AWARD
Winner: Joel Marschke
Nominees:
- Larissa Chambers
- Matthew Frohmuller
- Tara Lowe
- Maggie McCreath
- Madeline McGuire
SENIOR CITIZEN AWARD
Winner: David Donald
Nominees:
- Roy Hayward
- Elizabeth Jordan
- Lena Kershler
- Dianne Miller
- Lyle Reed
- Dr Bruce Roberts
COMMUNITY EVENT AWARD
Winners: Ipwich Plant Expo (community category), Easter Monday Funday (citywide category)
Nominees:
- Social Inclusion Week
- Wallace Family Christmas Tree
- 24/7 Cycling Safety Fund Community Ride
- Ipswich Winter Carnival
- Murri Rugby League Carnival
- The Gaslight Parade
CULTURAL AWARD
Winner: Helen Lewis
Nominees:
- Tara Lowe
- Wayne McDonnell
- James Orr
- Melinda Park
- Timothy Wynn
SPORTS AWARD
Winner: Leah Neale
Nominees:
- Darrin Norwood
- Melinda Park
- Vic Pascoe
- John Pearson
- Brad Smith
- Leu Vaotu'ua
- Ashleigh Barty
- Rose Baxter
- Ali Brigginshaw
- Larissa Chambers
- Ray Edbrooke
- Graid Frohmuller
- Matthew Frohmuller
- Julie Kefford
- Peter Leschke
- Chris McDermid
- Madeline McGuire
- Dane McQueen
CITY OF IPSWICH MEDALLION WINNERS
RECIPIENTS of City of Ipswich Medallions (nominated by councillors): Stephen Williams, Beres Evans, Gary Edwards, David Moore, Howdie and Ruthie Farrar, Joe Lewis, Peter Kao, Julia Wu, Pamela Bird, Brassall Shopping Centre, Peter Elmer, Ipswich Show Society, the Mayoress Committee, Brisbane Broncos, Ipswich Women's Centre Against Domestic Violence, Ulysses Club (including Lockyer branch), Buddhist Compassion Relief Tzu Chi Foundation, Kym Wickstein, Mark and Helen Parsons, Steve Hodgson, Dianne Miller, Lions Club of Greater Springfield, Justin lemberg, Savannalack Choummanivong, Cathy Wilmington, Malcom Levarre-Waters, Veterans Support and Advocacy Service (Ipswich branch), Duchesne Broad, Nicole Patterson, John Deng, Justine Priestley, Westminster Warriors Soccer Club, Iram Deas, Claire Juler, Chris Lloyd, Vanw Dimitrov, Vision Christian family, Doug Smith, Alaine Mathew, Wayne Bliesner, Linda Nolan, South-East Queensland Woodpeckers, Mark and Gail Edwards, Graham and Marcia Cruickshank, Peter Thompson, Rusty Thomas, Ipswich Horticultural Society, Laurence Wood, Garbrielle Borggaard, Geoff Watson, St John Ambulance Ipswich, West Moreton Women's Health Centre, Irene Close, Judicth Mayer, maria Ricketts, Graham and Celia Mason, Amberley Outside School Hours Care, Pye Augustine, Ray proud, Michael Jordan, Robery McGreevy, Quota International of Ipswich, Isabella Kearsley, Florence Hopper, Pearl Bloxsidge, Ailsa Munt, Valma Ashton and CWA Rosewood
