Seven Townsville residents have been recognised at this year's Australia Day Awards.
The awards, presented by Townsville Mayor Nick Dametto, celebrate residents' and organisations' contributions and achievements across seven categories.
This year's winners are:
- Citizen of the Year – Nicole McLachlan
- Young Citizen of the Year – Ethan Cavanagh
- Arts and Culture Award – Boori Monty Pryor
- Community Volunteer Award – Townsville Hike and Explore
- Environmental Excellence and Sustainability Award – Amelia Chaplin
- Junior Sports Award – Ryder Smith
- Senior Sports Award – Alexander Ferlazzo.
Cr Dametto said these outstanding citizens went above and beyond to contribute to the Townsville community and create a welcoming, inclusive environment for all residents.
"Townsville is a proud city that is filled with many unsung heroes. It's a privilege to be able to shine a light on a few of those community members who work to make Townsville a great place to live," Cr Dametto said.
"These recipients don't do what they do for an award, they do it for the betterment of our city. They do it genuinely, without asking for anything in return. They do it because they love where we live and they love what they do.
"It's been great to honour these well-deserving individuals and groups at today's Australia Day Awards ceremony and share their contributions with our community."
Cr Dametto said it was difficult to narrow down the nominees to the seven winners.
"The Australia Day Awards attract many solid nominations each year, so it's not easy to whittle it down to the seven award winners announced today," he said.
"Citizen of the Year Nicole McLachlan, along with her husbandNathan,have opened their home and arms to nearly 70 foster children in need over the last 15 years. They go above and beyond, often caring for up to 22 children at a single time, to ensure every child feels safe, loved and supported.
"Young Citizen of the Year Ethan Cavanagh is the founder of initiatives Bags of Kindness and Bags for Stars, helping children in need start the school year prepared and supported. This is Ethan's second Young Citizen of the Year award, showcasing the impact his dedication to volunteering and leadership has on the Townsville community.
"Arts and Culture Award recipient Boori Monty Pryor is a multi award-winning author, storyteller and performer originally from Garbutt, who eventually rose to become Australia's inaugural Children's Laureate. His impact on literacy is remarkable and it is wonderful to honour his contributions today.
"Community Volunteer Award winner Townsville Hike and Explore creates adventures that welcome residents of all ages and backgrounds to take part in, while giving back to the community through charity walks, environmental clean-ups and partnerships that promote sustainability. I've personally taken part in a couple of their ziplining events, and they are great fun while raising money for the Cowboys Community Foundation.
"Environmental Excellence and Sustainability Award recipient Amelia Chaplin is one of Council's very own staff members. During her day job, Amelia is a resource recovery education officer, but her commitment to sustainability doesn't end when she leaves the office. Amelia is a true champion for environmental excellence.
"Junior Sports Award winner Ryder Smith has dominated the motorbike circuit during the past 18 months, winning state and national titles, including first place at the 2025 State Championships in Queensland, NSW and Victoria. His drive to succeed is highly commendable.
"Senior Sports Award recipient Alexander Ferlazzo represents Australia on the global stage as a luge athlete. Alex is currently in preparation for the 2026 Winter Olympics while inspiring thousands of students through the Olympics Unleashed program.
"Well done to all of our Australia Day Awards recipients. Your commitment, hard work and continued contributions to our community are appreciated not just by me, but by all of Townsville."
