This year, for the first time ever, two recipients were awarded the Shire Citizens Award at the Hinchinbrook Shire’s Australia Day Awards presentation. Rita and Keith Phillips were both worthy winners for their significant contributions to the community.
Along with Rita and Keith, Coen Luxford won the Young Shire Citizen Award, for his amazing contributions.
Keith Phillips has been recognised for his vital contributions to the Lower Herbert community, including his leadership in building the Lower Herbert Seniors Centre, a 21-unit apartment complex in Halifax. Alongside his wife, Rita, Keith donated land, funds, and countless hours to establish the new Meals on Wheels centre on Eleanor Street.
Rita Phillips was acknowledged for her voluntary work with Meals on Wheels and the Anglican Church. She played a key role in redeveloping the Meals on Wheels facility, coordinating volunteers, managing finances, and ensuring its sustainability. As Warden and Lay Minister for the Hinchinbrook Anglican Diocese, Rita oversees church operations and organises the monthly Conroy Hall Markets.
Together, Keith and Rita were both worthy winners of the award and their dedication and generosity have profoundly impacted their community.
Despite their enormous dedication to the community, they stress that they do not do these things for awards.
“The community has been very good to us since we’ve been here, and we just like to give something back to the community,” said Keith Phillips.
“Just to be nominated is a great thing, I think it’s great to get recognition by people in the community that think you’ve done things for them, and to receive the award is just as special.”
Rita said she was overwhelmed with the win.
“We don't do things to be out front, I like to be behind the scenes, and we're just fortunate that we can help people,” said Rita Phillips.
“There's a lot of vulnerable people here that need help either through Meals on Wheels or even our Lions Club and winning the award is just a bit overwhelming.”
Shire Young Citizen Award was presented to Coen Luxford for drumming at all local ANZAC Day parades, his involvement with the Ingham Theatre Group, and serving as Junior Sports Captain and now Senior School Captain at Ingham State High School. In 2024, Coen represented the Hinchinbrook Electorate as a State Junior Member in the Queensland Youth Parliament, attending Parliament House numerous times to represent the region.
Hinchinbrook Shire Australia Day Awards Ambassador Mirusia Louwerse was present on the night, and she presented awards, gave a speech and sang the national anthem.
At the Hinchinbrook Shire Council Australia Day Awards, many other awards were given out too:
Junior Sports Award
Liam Fascetti
Senior Sports Award
Ally Rhodes
Junior Cultural Award
Kaitlyn Rapista
Senior Cultural Award
Alan Giles
Individual Achievement Award
Helen Stanton
Community Event of the Year Award
Dean Schifilliti Shield held by Herbert River Junior Rugby League
Beryl Prior Memorial – Service to the Community Award
Evlyn Bailey
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