Nine exceptional citizens of the Cairns region were recognized for their contributions to the community at this year’s Civic Theatre Australia Day celebrations of which two come from our very own Mossman in the old Douglas Shire region.

Cairns Regional Council also welcomed more than 100 new Australian citizens at the ceremony which began 10:30am. Those attending the ceremony were greeted with Welcome to Country by member of the Gimuy Walabara Ydiniji, Seith Fourmile. 

The official opening was led by CEO Lyn Russell PSM as MC and included singing of the national anthem by local tenor Bernie Mackenzie, delivery of the Prime Minister’s message by Jim Turnour MP for Leichardt and presentation of Australia Day Awards by Mayor Val Schier.  

A panel comprised of the Mayor and several Councillors selected the winners of the seven award categories, chosen from those nominated by members of the community.

The two Mossman winners are as follows:

Junior Citizen of the year   Tahlia Burchill  - Mossman
School Captain and recipient of the Caltex All Rounder and School Service Award for Mossman State High School 2009, Winner of the Mossman and District Lions Youth of the Year Quest and Mentor to entrants of the 2009 Indigenous Leader of Tomorrow Program

Volunteer Citizen   Majorie Lrae Norris – Mossman
District Commissioner for Girl Guides Queensland, Councillor for the former Douglas Shire (2000 -2004), Mother of five and teacher, Member of Mossman District Red Cross and Secretary and President Mossman District Nursing Home Committee