Community & Business
29 January, 2025
A true community champion
A COMMUNITY champion has been named the 2025 Tablelands Regional Council Citizen of the Year at a ceremony on Sunday.
Alf Hogan has been an invaluable contributor to the Atherton Tablelands community for many years, giving his time to several clubs.
As a key organiser and behind-the-scenes leader, Alf initiated the fish stocking in Tinaroo, founded the Tinaroo Barra Bash, and helped establish the Little Athletics track at Tolga.
He is also an active member of the Yungaburra Bowls Club and a founding member of U3A Atherton Tablelands, where he serves as the Webmaster.
The Young Citizen of the Year title went to Flynn Hyde, a dedicated and compassionate young leader who has made significant contributions to his community through service, leadership and advocacy.
As School Captain, member of the Tablelands Youth Council, and key organiser for events, Flynn has been a passionate advocate and fundraiser for the Missy’s Donors and This Strong Mum foundations since 2013.
Flynn’s community service includes roles as Ambassador for FNQ Motorsport junior drivers’ development, cyberbullying TikTok account administrator, and mentor for the Malanda State High School running club.
He was also recognised as the Lions Youth of the Year Regional Community Service Winner in 2024.
Community Event of the Year went to Tableland Roller Derby League which hosts monthly Roller Discos at the Atherton State High School Hall, providing a safe and drug-and-alcohol free environment for families and young people.
In 2024 the league contributed to the Women’s Centre FNQ, participated in the Atherton Maize Festival, and supported local charity drives.
For his commitment to the Atherton Chinese Temple for the past 20 years, Graham Wardle picked up the Community Service Award. As well as his work with the temple, Graham served on the Tableland Community Housing Management Committee for 10 years and has been a board member for Better Together Community Support.
The Inclusion Award went to the Ravenshoe Men’s Shed which assists with various community needs, such as carpentry, restoring antique furniture and helping those in need, including elderly residents requiring home maintenance.
The men’s shed members also design model aeroplanes for special needs children at a local school.
For their commitment to the sport of sailing for decades, Roger and Annette Wadley were awarded the Sports Supporter title. The couple has been the backbone of the Tinaroo Sailing Club for seven years and have made invaluable contributions to the club for over 15 years.
Roger is the club’s Commodore and president, while Annette oversees operations and is the race official. Together they have played a crucial role in organising the annual events.
The Junior Sports award was shared by Kobi Johnston and Samika Sheahan. Kobi is an enthusiastic cricketer who last year captained multiple teams including the Queensland Country U19s and achieved notable successes including in the Cricket Far North T20 Division A and First Grade Premierships. He was also named U18 Representative Player of the Year.
Samika is a talented and versatile equestrian who has achieved outstanding success across multiple disciplines. In 2024, she earned top honours at the Pony Club Queensland (PCQ) State Championships, including first in Formal Gymkhana and Campdrafting, and was selected for the PCQ State Campdrafting Team
This year’s Cultural Award went to Kylie Akers who has dedicated over 31 years to enriching the cultural life of the Atherton Tablelands through tireless volunteer work.
As a longstanding member of the Atherton Debutante Ball Committee, she has taught countless debutantes to dance and often donated the event’s cake.
Kylie has also volunteered for over a decade teaching Year 12 students at Mount St Bernard College to dance, played the organ at St Joseph’s Parish, and marches annually with the Atherton Pipe Band on Anzac Day and at other community events
The local State Emergency Services Awards were also announced on Sunday. The recipients were Phillip Mansbridge, Sandra Singleton, David McConnell, Cath Kent and Kylie Lang from the Atherton SES, and Colleen James from the Malanda SES.
2025 AWARD WINNERS
Citizen of the Year – Alf Hogan
Young Citizen of the Year – Flynn Hyde
Community Event of the Year – Tableland
Roller Derby League
Community Service Award – Graham Wardle
Inclusion Award – Ravenshoe Men’s Shed
Sports Supporter Award – Roger and
Annette Wadley
Junior Sports Award – Kobi Johnston and
Samika Sheahan (joint recipients)
Cultural Award – Kylie Akers
