January 24, 2014
Gladstone resident Judith Young named Australia Day Citizen of Year
Gladstone resident Judith Young has been named Gladstone Regional Council's 2014 Australia Day Citizen of the Year.
Gladstone Region Mayor Gail Sellers said Mrs Young, a strong advocate in establishing community-based disability services, was highly deserving of the prestigious accolade.
"This award recognises Mrs Young's 30 year involvement in the disability sector and her dedication in the establishment, provision and growth of quality services for people with disabilities and their families," Councillor Sellers said.
"Mrs Young has exhibited a commitment towards improvingGladstone's disability sectorby assisting families to accessdisability information, support networks and a choice of services.
"In addition to her achievements, Mrs Young has sought to ensure people with a disability are respected, valued and integral members of the community."
Mrs Young was a key figure in the establishment of the Gladstone and District Combined Handicapped Association in 1983, which has becomethe Gladstone Community Linking Agency (GCLA).
She has been president of the GCLA for the past 10 years, a board member since its inception and has been instrumental in its delivery of care and support to community members with a disability.
Her input was pivotal to the funding and development of the Mainstay Respite House in 1992.
Mrs Young was involved in development of the Port Curtis Toy Library in the early 1990s and was an inaugural member of the Central Queensland Regional Disability Council from 1999 to 2004.
She has tirelessly given her time for the benefit of adults and children with a disability, while also volunteering at the Community Hub which promotes social inclusion for everyone in the community, including people with a disability.
Mrs Young was selected as Citizen of the Year by Gladstone Region Councillors, earning the award ahead of a strong field of candidates.
"All nominees have made exceptional public contributions and Council acknowledges and thanks each individual for their outstanding community involvement," Cr Sellers said.
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The 2014 Australia Day Young Citizen of the Year Award was presented to 18-year-old Andrew McLean.
As 2013 Gladstone State High School captain, Andrew was committed to designing and implementing programs to ensure greater acceptance for students while assisting a number of charities and community organisations through the school's Interact Club.
Andrew has strived to initiate change and has shown promising characteristics as a young future community leader.
He was instrumental in founding the Gladstone Captains' Alliance,which united leaders from across the district with youth to share ideas and different concepts to benefit the community, as well as the School of St Judes in Tanzania.
Andrew is a three-time recipient of Australian Defence Force Long Tan Leadership and Teamwork Awards and is a founder of the Zimbabwe Relay, an annual event that raises money for forgotten children of Zimbabwe.
He also founded a 'Films for Change' night to highlight the plight of those living in poverty and personally raised $1000 for the Live Below the Line charity benefitting those living in extreme poverty in developing nations.
In addition to his senior school studies, Andrew maintained strong community involvement by volunteering for Rotary and serving as acting ambassador for the Red Shield Doorknock Appeal and the Australian Red Cross Blood Service in Gladstone.
"Andrew is a truly deserving recipient who has displayed exceptional drive and dedication to prompt beneficial changes for his school, local and global community," Cr Sellers said.
"This remarkable young citizen typifies what this award is about, delivering exceptional community service, demonstrating leadership, innovation and creativity.
"Andrew has shown himself to be an inspirational role model, selflessly contributing to the Gladstone Region community."
Cr Sellers congratulated all Australia Day Award nominees and thanked community members for their nominations.
"The invitation to acknowledge our often unsung regional heroes resulted in 38 Australia Day Award nominations being received across eight categories," she said.
"These awards provide the perfect opportunity for Council and the community to give thanks to each nominee for their contributions to the Gladstone Region."
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The award winners will be named at Council's Australia Day Awards Presentation Evening at the Gladstone Entertainment Convention Centre on Saturday, January 25.
Winners of the 2014 Gladstone Regional Council Australia Day Awards are:
- Citizen of the Year - Judith Young
- Young Citizen of the Year - Andrew McLean
- Arts & Culture Award - Angela MayClifton
- Senior Sportsperson Award - Michael Newell
- Young Sportsperson Award - Tallis Stanhope
- Sports Official Award - Jon Ogden
- Community Event or Initiative Award - Gladstone Multicultural Week & Festival Day
- Community Volunteer Award - Christopher Roy Jones
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