Cloncurry Shire Council Chief Executive Ben Milligan announced the winners while the Mayor, Greg Campbell, and Australia Day Ambassador Josh Arnold were on hand to congratulate recipients at the awards ceremony.

Citizen of the Year was awarded to Wayne Tapp for his tireless work in the Cloncurry Historical Society and Information centre and his assistance with the C150 event ensured many great memories were captured.

Mr Milligan said, “Wayne’s can-do attitude and generosity to assist local organisations is the epitome of what it means to be Australian.”

The Young Citizen award went to Daniel Crisp for his efforts as Captain in the Cloncurry Eagles Under 16 rugby league side and his volunteer work at the PCYC.

Click here to see photo gallery for the day.

“Daniel is respectful, hard-working and an honest man who is very deserving of this award,” Mr Milligan said.

The 2018 Achievement award recipients were Valerie and Peter O’Hara, Joanne Green, Phillip and Patricia Gibson and Ann O’Loughlin.

Isabella McDonald won the Cultural Award, however she was unable to attend so Don McDonald accepted the award in her place.

The 2018 Sarus Crane – Environmental Award was presented by Southern Gulf Natural Resources board director Ray Campbell.

Margaret Hughes accepted the award for her advocacy work.

Ms Hughes is a wildlife carer and has provided the best possible care to injured and sick animals for decades.

Raelene Waters accepted the Sports Administrator Award for her many roles in administration, fundraising and volunteering.

The Senior Sports Award of the year went to Katy Scott for her active involvement in everything rodeo and promoting her home town during the Miss Rodeo Australia 2016 title.

Ms Scott is an active committee member for the Curry Merry Muster in which she will pass over her skills and knowledge to up and coming Queen Quest entrants this year.

Brandee Ferguson could not make it to the ceremony to receive her Dave Watt Memorial Junior Sports Award.

Mr Milligan said, “Brandee will add to her list of achievements this year as she has been selected as a Queen’s Baton Relay carrier.”

The Mayor’s Community Spirit Award went to the Cloncurry Hospital staff for their dedication and hard work.

The C150 Birthday celebration event received the Community Event/Organisation of the year award.

Australia Day Ambassador Josh Arnold and his family attended the ceremony.

“It’s great to be back in Cloncurry, the best town, in the best state, in the best country in the world. The friendly heart of the great north west,” Mr Arnold said.

In his younger years Mr Arnold lived on a sheep property outside of Tara, Queensland and because of this, feels a deep connection with regional Queensland.

“When I visit rural and remote areas I get a sense of something, like a freedom and spirit that is often hard to find in metropolitan areas. I believe that freedom and Aussie spirit is the unique quality that sets us apart from the rest of the world,” Mr Arnold said.

After his speech, the St Joseph choir joined Mr Arnold on stage to perform his Cloncurry anthem, “That’s Cloncurry.”

Photo gallery to come.