It was a long trip from Communist Europe to Mount Isa Grant Szabadics's dad but it is a classic New Australian story.
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"Dad was a miner from Hungary who went to a mining camp in Bathurst and MIM came and asked for people who wanted to work and he and a group of other Europeans came up to Mount Isa," Grant Szabadics said.
"Our family have lived here ever since. Mount Isa is a special place for me and my family and I love being a part of this community."
The obvious pride Mr Szabadics has in Mount Isa was reflected on Australia as he was awarded the Citizen of the Year at the Australia Day awards ceremony at the Civic Centre.
Mayor Joyce McCulloch said people like Grant are the backbone of Mount Isa's community and his ongoing efforts over the years are commended.
"On any given week, Grant - a born-and-raised local - can be seen helping out with groups including the North West Queensland Photography Club, Mount Isa Theatrical Society, Astronomy Group of Mount Isa, Mount Isa Restored Car Club, Mount Isa Girl Guides, Mount Isa Lapidary Club and the Salvation Army Men's Group," Cr McCulloch said.
Other winners at the awards included Senior Citizen of the Year is Kathleen "Joan" Marshall.
Cr McCulloch said Aunty Joan has dedicated her whole life to others and improving the quality of life of many in the community.
"She has fostered and raised hundreds of kids and has devoted much of her life to advocating for and supporting the community of Mount Isa, particularly First Nations peoples," she said.
The Young Citizen of the Year is Manny Williams, who was unable to attend.
Manny is a proud Kalkadoon man and youth worker for the Family Participation Program, where he works closely with Indigenous families and attended the Queensland Indigenous Youth Leadership Program at Parliament House last year.
The Community Event of the Year Award went to the mountain bike trails at Lake Moondarra established by the Stack City Mountain Bike Club.
The Arts and Culture Award went to Leanne Ryder, for her outstanding contribution to dance in Mount Isa.
The Senior Sports Award went to Alison Whitehead for her Everest Challenge run one hundred times up Telstra Hill while the Junior Sports Award went to Te Urewera Potini who starred at softball and is trying out at league for the Blackhawks.
The Southern Gulf Catchments Sarus Crane Award went to Rockland station's Ben McGlynn while three Spirit of Mount Isa awards went to Fred Frost, Alan Rackham and the Mount Isa Rural Fire Service.
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