Australia Day winners announced

Unwavering passion and commitment to the Lockyer Valley community has earned resident Karen Nawratzki the title of 2024 Lockyer Valley Citizen of the Year.

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

Mayor Milligan said Karen has made an extensive contribution to the Lockyer Valley community through volunteering across multiple local organisations.

“For 43 years, Karen has volunteered her time as a Justice of the Peace at the Gatton Library, has been a Scout Leader for more than 20 years and a Scout Commissioner for more than five years.

“Be it making burgers at the Showgrounds or flipping sausages at Bunnings or Mitre 10, Karen is a dedicated and humble resident – one who always shows up for her community.

“She is selfless with her time and in addition to being a Scouts Leader, Karen maintains the Scouts’ grounds and buildings in Gatton, Laidley, Esk and Atkinson Dam.

“Karen leads by her commitment to helping others and the Lockyer Valley as a community, and for that we applaud her,” Mayor Milligan said.

The Young Citizen of the Year was awarded to Taylah Horne.

A student at Laidley State High School, Taylah was a pivotal member of the Touch Football Excellence Program and was active in promoting the program, encouraging and supporting other students to join.

Upon completion of her schooling, Taylah was awarded The Tabeel Community Service Award and The Australian Olympic Change Award.

Outside of school, Taylah is actively involved in Laidley Little Athletics, Laidley Netball, Laidley Touch Football, Gatton Touch Football and the Laidley Lions Rugby League Club.

“Taylah is a driven, selfless young woman who has already achieved so much in her life.

“Such tenacity is an exciting trait in our youth and for this, I congratulate her and wish her only the very best for an exciting future to come,” Mayor Milligan said.

A range of other awards were presented to the various category winners, while Bob and Julie Porter were presented with the Mayoral Award for 2024.

“Owners of Porters Plainland Hotel from 1976 through to 2010, Bob and Julie grew this iconic local business while still volunteering their time to a raft of local organisations, including the Gatton Leagues Club, the Lockyer Race Club as well as local kindergartens and schools.

“They have invested their time and energy into so many lives and watched so many within their community grow, both personally and professionally.

“I love their pride of place for this region and while they are now retired, they remain as fully invested in our community as ever,” Mayor Milligan said.

The full list of the 2024 Lockyer Valley Australia Day Award winners are:

Citizen of the Year: Karen Nawratzki

Young Citizen of the Year: Taylah Horne

Senior Sportsperson of the Year: Tara Reinke

Junior Sportsperson of the Year: Macie Whiting

Event of the Year: Maddox’s Helping Hand Foundation Annual Luncheon

Community Organisation of the Year: Spirit of the Valley Events Inc

Mayoral Award: Bob and Julie Porter