VOLUNTEERS WHO SHAPE OUR SHIRE HONOURED ON AUSTRALIA DAY

A legacy‑building sporting and lifesaving stalwart, a values‑driven student leader and a community service champion are among the winners at the 2026 Hinchinbrook Shire Council Australia Day Awards today. Hundreds of families and friends gathered to witness Order of Australia recipient Leonardo Chiesa being named Citizen of the Year. Gemma Di Bella, co-captain of Gilroy Santa Maria College, received the Young Citizen of the Year, while one of the Saint Vincent de Paul Society’s guiding presences, Sam Consentino, was honoured with the Beryl Prior Award. Continued on page 3. **AUSTRALIA DAY AWARD WINNERS ANNOUNCED Continued from front page. Rina Zatta, a tireless cornerstone of local athletics, won the Individual Achievement Award, while Janice Carr took out the Senior Cultural Award for her work as one of the custodians of Hinchinbrook’s history. The Junior Cultural Award was given to Indiana Guy for her devotion to championing youth arts, and joint Junior Sports Award winners were all‑round sportsman Liam Fascetti, and Levi Murray who consistently ranks among Australia’s top mini bull riders. The eight winners were selected from 27 nominations, and Mayor Ramon Jayo said Australia Day in Hinchinbrook serves as a reminder of the values that unite the region. “Today was about community, resilience and a shared pride in the place we call home. All our nominees embody those values with humility and a quiet kind of everyday heroism that deserves to be celebrated,” Mayor Jayo said. “But we know there can only be eight winners and, on behalf of our community, congratulations — we are so very proud of you.” Reflecting on one of the most challenging events in recent memory — the uncertain days of the February 2025 floods — Mayor Jayo, who is also the Local Disaster Management Group chair, recognised 24 people from every corner of the shire who stood taller than the rising waters. “They were honoured not for seeking praise, but for doing what communities do best: serving, volunteering, and sharing trusted information to keep Hinchinbrook strong,” Mayor Jayo said. “Thank you to the judges of the Australia Day judging committee, especially its chair, Tom Mudie. Thank you to Australia Day ambassador Karen Jacobsen, internationally known as the voice of Siri, and congratulations to the six new citizens who received their Australian citizenship today.” HINCHINBROOK SHIRE COUNCIL’S AUSTRALIA DAY AWARD WINNERS Australia Day Citizen of the Year Award winner Leonardo “Lenny” Chiesa With more than five decades of service to Rugby League and Surf Lifesaving — and an OAM recognising his contribution — Lenny continues to mentor young lifesavers, patrol local beaches and coach athletes to national success, earning major honours in 2025 including North Queensland and Queensland Sportstar of the Year for Service to Sport and the Clive Hammond Award. Young Citizen Award winner Gemma Di Bella A thoughtful and community‑minded young leader, Gemma served as co-school captain of Gilroy Santa Maria College in 2025, donated her Deus Caritas Award prize to the Mayor’s Christmas Appeal, supported key community events, and contributes her time as an active member of Young Vinnies. Beryl Prior Award winner Sam Cosentino Sam has dedicated more than 27 years to the Saint Vincent de Paul Society, assisting families in need, delivering essential items, supporting the community through floods and cyclones, and lending his skills to local parish projects — always with sincerity, honesty and goodwill. Individual Achievement Award winner Rina Zatta For over 20 years, Rina has been a cornerstone of the Herbert River Athletics Club, taking on major roles, supporting young competitors, maintaining club facilities, and earning recognition including the 2025 Club Person of the Year and a Lions Club Service Award. Senior Cultural Award winner Janice Carr A dedicated guardian of local history, Jan helped formalise and lead the Ingham Family History Association, was a founding member of the Herbert River Museum Gallery Inc., and has contributed tirelessly across cultural and community organisations. Junior Cultural Award winner Indiana Guy A vibrant contributor to the local arts scene, Indiana performs widely, competes in regional festivals, mentors through the Dance Step Program and teaches her own Hip Hop class, inspiring the next generation of dancers. Dual Junior Sports Award winners Liam Fascetti Liam has excelled in squash at state level, serving as Queensland Sharks U19 number one and Captain in 2025, representing Queensland in the Trans‑Tasman Series, and earning multiple sports honours, while also contributing strongly to school and club soccer. Levi Murray A consistent young competitor in junior rodeo, Levi has secured multiple wins and placings, qualified for the ABCRA National Finals for the third consecutive year — ranked second nationally — and claimed NQ Zone titles as Champion All‑Round Cowboy and Champion Mini Bull Rider.