The fifth annual Young People Ahead (YPA) Community Services Ball was held at the Overlander Hotel last Saturday night and recognised key individuals and groups in the Mount Isa community.
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A former North West Star photographer and local DJ, Richard Shanks, received an award of recognition, for outstanding community worker of the year.
Mr Shanks currently works as a Youth Worker and is involved in many community organisations and events supporting families and young people.
“I am truly humbled and grateful to be recognised for my youth work efforts in the community. I always aim to keep a positive outlook in life. Life to me is about showing kindness, continuous improvement, learning from our experiences and paying forward the good by helping others.”
“Thank you to the Community for nominating me,” Mr Shanks said.
The community services leader of the year was won by Hayley Hogan from YPA.
Ms Hogan said because she was MC for the night she didn’t think she would win an award.
“I never set out to be a leader but when you are so passionate about something it becomes very easy to lead and to want to share your passion with everyone,” she said.
The community services rising star award was a joint acknowledgement of Saquoia Hartman from Rainbow Gateway and Maddison Rowling from YPA.
Volunteer of the year went to Tegan Ferris who raised more than $24 000 out of the $36 000 for the Rodeo Queen Quest, she organised a massive 27 events in six short months, taking out the Charity Queen title.
Uncle Noel Sarmardin and Marlene Bennett were awarded the lifetime achievement award, both dedicating over 40 years as active members making positive changes within the community.
Another notable award winner was outstanding young person of the year, Louise King, from Churches of Christ Care and Lianne Fulcher won the costumer service award.
For the third year in a row Trish Macnamara and her team won the event of the year with the annual youth week ‘Raise Your Voice’ event.
The event showcased some impressive Mount Isa talent with the Eukaladies, DiLi dancers, Cath Purcell and DJ Ricky in March, giving young people the opportunity to express their ideas and views, act on issues that affect their lives, and create and enjoy activities and events.
The community homelessness services award went to YPA’s Mount Isa youth shelter and the youth work service delivery award went to YPA.
Cootharinga North QLD won the disability service delivery award and NWQ Mental Health Network won the social and emotional service delivery award.
READ MORE – Winners gallery
The aged care services award went to Assistance with Car and Housing for the Aged Program and Mt Isa Fostering Service wont he children and family service delivery award.
Rainbow Gateway received the community employment award.
