He received the honour for his plan in building a statue in front of the civic centre in time for the Anzac Centenary commemoration last year. 

His commitment to upgrading the unmarked grave of World War One and Two veteran John Distant was also on the list of ways Mr Carrington has served the Mount Isa community. 

Mr Carrington also received an additional medal from the Mount Isa City Council for his services. 

The Spirit of Mount Isa Award went to music teacher Yvonne Moore, who has been a key organiser in local orchestra and opera concerts in the city. 

“To our music teachers team and local musicians both past and present who consider their involvement in my crazy ideas as a lifestyle, thank you for constantly giving your time and talents,” she said. 

Young citizen of the year was Chelsea McKavanagh, a Good Shepherd graduate, Rock Pop and Mime team leader and winner of Southern Gulf Catchment’s Sarus Crane Award. 

Senior Sportsperson of the Year award went to hockey committee member Jason Brogden.

Junior Sportsperson of the Year was 10-year-old Bill Woodward, who took a world ranking of 13 at the 2015 BMX World Championships in Belgium. 

Community Event of the Year went to Carnivale, the School of Dance concert held over two nights in November 2015. 

The Arts and Cultural Award went to Alicia Freeman, a musical and instrumental specialist who works at Saint Joseph’s. 

Mount Isa Legend Awards were given to Earl Kyle, Edna Russell, Minnie Kenna, Ralph Farlow, Barbara Hansen, and Yvonne McCoy. 

See photographs of the Mount Isa Australia Day breakfast on Page 11.