Mossman author crowned citizen of the year
TOP AWARD
A MOSSMAN author who published a dramatic historical account of the region’s biggest environmental protests was crowned Douglas Shire Council’s 2018 Citizen of the year.
More than 200 people packed into the Port Douglas Community Hall on Friday to recognise the Shire’s quiet achievers and community stalwarts.
Mossman Library employee Bill Wilkie, who received state-wide literary recognition for his book The Daintree Blockade: The Battle for Australia’s Tropical Rainforests took out the top honour.
Douglas Shire Council Mayor Julia Leu said Wilkie made a significant contribution and was an inspiration to the Far North Queensland community.
“Bill’s meticulous work over a number of years highlighted a truly unique Queensland story about the politics and personalities behind plans to build a road through Cape Tribulation in the 1980s,” she said.
“This significant event changed attitudes and government policy leading to the formation of the Greater Daintree National Park and recognition of the Daintree Rainforest as a World Heritage Area.
“It is a credit to Bill that he was able to put this into a great book that received the Queensland’s Premier’s Award for a work of State Significance.”
Wilkie also received the Douglas Shire Arts and Cultural Award. He was one of seven Australia Day Award winners celebrated.
2018 DOUGLAS SHIRE AWARD WINNERS:
Citizen of the Year – Bill Wilkie
Young Citizen of the Year – Daniel Plumbe
Volunteer of the Year Award – Jason Renton
Environmental Achievement Award – Roisin Allen
Arts and Cultural Award – Bill Wilkie
Senior Sports Award - Sebastian Temesi
Junior Sports Award – Ethan Crees
Civic Recognition Award - Jack Heywood
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