Regional Citizen of the Year
Awarded to one nominee in the region who:
- Has been an inspiration/positive role model for their peers/community/region.
- Has shown a significant and outstanding contribution to the community.
- Has demonstrated a high level of personal, academic or professional achievement with demonstrated benefits for others.
- Shows vision, leadership, innovation or creativity.
Ray Duncombe may be the Captain of the Miles Fire Brigade, but to his community he is so much more than that - he is a friend, a leader, and a mentor who is always willing to lend a helping hand and an understanding ear. As Fire Captain Ray has made an enormous contribution to the Miles community, often supporting other service agencies during disasters and emergencies. A true leader, Ray always takes the time to reach out to those affected by jobs he's responded to and provide any assistance and support he can. He's been described as the sort of person you'd want on your team in any situation. A man who faces challenges with strength, determination, professionalism and a positive mindset, Ray's can-do attitude is contagious. His ability to keep his head in a crisis, communicate with people of diverse backgrounds, and lead by example is an inspiration to those who know him, and encourages all those who work with him to hold the same high standards. Ray's understanding, kindness and dedication to his community proves that in the Western Downs it really is the people that make it.
Regional Young Citizen of the Year
Awarded to one nominee in the region who:
- Has demonstrated leadership, innovation or creativity.
- Has shown outstanding achievement in their chosen field; e.g. academic, sporting, cultural, environment or civic responsibility.
- Is a role model that other young people can aspire to.
- Has shown a significant contribution to the community.
Grant Dobel is a rising musical talent and emerging young leader. School Captain of Chinchilla State High School in 2024, Grant is no stranger to stepping up into leadership positions and demonstrating a level of skill and maturity that belies his young age. Grant is a member of the local soccer and tennis clubs, but his true passion lies in music. As conductor of the Chinchilla Big Band and member of the Chinchilla Concert Band, Grant capably and confidently directs people many years older than himself with empathy and kindness. Part of the Young Conservatorium of Music, Grant's immense dedication to his craft has seen him receive numerous prestigious awards and scholarships and has taken him around the world to further hone his skills. A quiet achiever who leads by example, Grant is proof that coming from a small town does not mean that you can't have big dreams.
Regional Creative Arts Award
The Regional Creative Arts Award recognises the person or group showing outstanding achievement in the cultural community and will be selected from the successful nominees of the Local Creative Arts Award.
Maggie Pyke is a Chinchilla youth advocate with a passion for dance and the arts. She runs her own dance studio offering dance lessons in a wide variety of styles to suit the ages and abilities of all her students. In addition to offering scholarships to support her students' dance educations, she is also a member of the Chinchilla Early Years Connect Committee, conducts mental health and yoga workshops at local schools, and assists the Chinchilla Christian College students in delivering their bi-annual school musical. Her innovative approach and passion for her community brightens and enriches everyone who knows her.
Regional Sports Award
The Regional Sports Award recognises the outstanding record of achievement in sport and will be selected from the successful nominees of the Local Sports Awards.
Joe Volker is a rising star in athletics, having competed at state and national levels in long jump, triple jump, and the 100m sprint with great success. A dedicated sports-lover from childhood, Joe has participated in a wide variety of individual and team sports, including cricket and football. Joe is not only a talented athlete, he is also known for his excellent sportsmanship, always demonstrating the utmost respect for his teammates, opposition, and officials.