Lockyer Valley celebrates its finest

One of the region's most-respected academics, Mark Hohenhaus, has been named as the 2016 Lockyer Valley Citizen of the Year.

Having spent the past 30 years at the Gatton Campus of the University of Queensland, Mr Hohenhaus was a worthy winner of the award according to Mayor Steve Jones.

Mark is well-known throughout the community and as well as his impressive academic feats, he has played an integral part in the local community, Mayor Jones said.

He has been heavily involved in a number of sporting organisations, local P&C Associations and has been an active member of the Gatton Show Society since the 1980s.

Mr Hohenhaus accepted the award from Mayor Jones at a special ceremony on Tuesday morning at the Lockyer Valley Cultural Centre.

Internationally acclaimed dancer and subject of the 2009 Film, Mao's Last Dance, Li Cunxin was the Lockyer Valley Australia Day Ambassador for the day and spoke to the audience about his life.

Mr Cunxin is a remarkable man and I have no doubt his story will stay with everyone who came to the ceremony on Tuesday, Mayor Jones said.

It was pleasing to listen to someone of his stature speak and to help make the day more special for all of the award winners.

Another major winner on the day was Jim Kennett who received the Mayoral Award.

Jim is a highly-respected businessman in the Lockyer Valley who established Kennet's Electrical in 1950 before selling the business in 2000, Cr Jones said.

During his tenure, Jim employed close to 100 apprentices, which helped start the career of so many young members of the community.

Lockyer Valley Australia Day Award Winners

Junior Sports Award - James Orman

Senior Sports Award - Brendon Pingel

Sporting or Community Group of the Year - Lockyer Woodcrafters Group Inc

Arts and Cultural Award - Laidley High School for Splendour in the Hall

Community Event of the Year - Forest Hill District Gallipoli Remembrance March

Volunteer of the Year - Gloria Weier

Mayor's Award - Jim Kennett

Young Citizen of the Year - Katie Hawes

Citizen of the Year - Mark Hohenhaus