Australia Day winners announced

Murray Hughes’ extensive contribution to the Lockyer Valley community has earned him the title of 2023 Lockyer Valley Citizen of the Year.

Lockyer Valley Mayor, Cr Tanya Milligan awarded Murray the honour at the official Australia Day Ceremony, held at the Gatton Shire Hall.

Mayor Milligan said Murray has made a meaningful contribution to the Lockyer Valley community through his work with local schools and with the region’s sporting and cultural organisations.

“Through his rural upbringing, helping others has always been at the core of Murray’s values.

“He is the perfect example of a community-minded citizen who always put others first,” Mayor Milligan said.

Murray is an active and committed community member who volunteers his time to many local groups for the betterment of the communities of Mulgowie, Laidley and Forest Hill. He was a member of the steering committee to secure significant upgrades to, and the relocation of the Mulgowie Hall to its current site. A familiar face at many community events, Murray runs bingo, raffles, Bunnings’ sausage sizzles and was instrumental in the inception of the Mulgowie Markets.

“Murray was part of the Mulgowie Hall Committee, including holding the role of Treasurer, in addition to being a trustee of the Mulgowie Recreation Reserve for more than 20 years.

“Murray’s endless work with the Mulgowie Cricket Club, Laidley Anglican Church, the original Laidley Spring Fair, and involvement with the Forest Hill beautification project has not gone unnoticed and is the epitome of what these Awards are all about.

“Murray is driven by his commitment to helping others and the Lockyer Valley as a community and for that, we commend and thank him for making our region the amazing place it is,” Mayor Milligan said.

The Young Citizen of the Year was awarded to Daniel Ost.

A skilled member of the Gatton Fordsdale Bulls since the age of 11, at age 15 Daniel was recognised as one of the top 12 players for his age in Australia and in 2022, was named in the Australian Men’s Under 22 Indoor Cricket Squad.

“Daniel recognised early on that his success was in part thanks to the support of local businesses and community members, and as a result he remains an advocate of buy local initiatives within our community.

“Daniel’s commitment to not only his chosen sport, but the Lockyer Valley region will see him make a real difference and I congratulate him for showing such tenacity and drive,” Mayor Milligan said.

A range of other awards were presented to the various category winners, while Uncle Milton Walit was presented with the Mayoral Award for 2023.

Mayor Milligan commended Uncle Milton for his commitment to the Lockyer Valley and said he was well known in our community as a local, recognisable and respected Elder.

“Be it his school and church involvement, or the time spent volunteering to promote our beautiful region to visitors and our local community, Uncle Milton is a community-driven member of our region.

“He is a ‘people’ person who is a proud family man and has dedicated his life in the service of others; serving in both the Australian Defence Force and the Queensland Police Service, assisting to deliver better health opportunities and working with young vulnerable people.

“Uncle Milton humbly speaks with passion and authenticity of our land and our environment, and I congratulate and thank him for all he does for the Lockyer Valley,” Mayor Milligan said.

The full list of the 2023 Lockyer Valley Australia Day Award winners are:

Citizen of the Year: Murray Hughes

Young Citizen of the Year: Daniel Ost

Senior Sportsperson of the Year: Hayley Reynolds

Junior Sportsperson of the Year: Alex Duncan

Event of the Year: Seniors Month COTA

Community Organisation of the Year: Glenore Grove CWA

Mayoral Award: Uncle Milton Walit