LOCAL businessman, volunteer and advocate Matt Stokes was named Citizen of the Year at Sunday’s Australia Day Awards ceremony.
Organised by Whitsunday Regional Council, the awards ceremony had to be moved from the Airlie Beach Foreshore to the Proserpine Entertainment Centre due to the wet weather.
However, the show went on with council honouring the region’s community champions.
Mayor Ry Collins said the awards were a special opportunity to celebrate the incredible individuals and groups who make the Whitsundays such a vibrant and connected community.
“Today’s award winners and nominees are our community’s unsung heroes—people who go above and beyond to make a real difference,” Mayor Collins said on Sunday.
“These awards are about recognising the extraordinary contributions that help shape our region, from inspiring leaders to those who quietly work behind the scenes to support others.
“Honouring these remarkable individuals is a powerful reminder of the importance of community spirit and the role it plays in making the Whitsundays a wonderful place to live.
“It’s not just about celebrating achievements; it’s about acknowledging the values and dedication that bring us together as a community.”
Citizen of the Year Matt Stokes owns and runs Plants Whitsundays, in Cannon Valley, but it was his philanthropic spirit that shone at the awards.
Over the past 10 years, Matt has shown unwavering dedication to making a positive impact in the lives of others, with his work for the Whitsunday Suicide Prevention Network particularly inspiring.
Through his leadership and commitment, he has helped to break down stigmas surrounding mental health and champion open conversations about suicide prevention.
His efforts have supported numerous events and fundraisers, including the impactful ‘Legends Night’, which raised more than $20,000 for vital community programs.
He has also mentored young people, supported local outreach initiatives, and participated in programs that foster connection and resilience.
There were, of course, many other people who also received awards on the night.
The full list of the Whitsunday Region Australia Day Award Winners 2025 is as follows:
Whitsunday Regional Council Awards
Citizen of the Year Award – Matt Stokes (sponsor: Whitsunday Chamber of Commerce)
Young Citizen of the Year – Cooper Groocock (Sponsor: McDonalds Whitsunday outlets)
Mayoral Awards – Dr Arthur Trezise, Brittaney O’Brien and Susan Gravelle
Volunteer of the Year – Natasha O’Neil (Sponsor: Coral Sea Marina Resort Airlie Beach Triathlon)
Community Group Award – Whitsunday Brahmans (Sponsor: Bendigo Bank Cannonvale/Proserpine)
Senior Sportsperson Award – Michael Kimpton (Sponsor: Tassal)
Young Sportsperson Award – Jure Portelli (Sponsor: Coral Sea Marina Resort Airlie Beach Triathlon)
Environmental Achievement Award – Eco Barge Clean Seas (Sponsor: Green Energy Technologies)
Arts & Cultural Award – Seagrass Theatre and Music Company (Sponsor: Creative Connections Whitsunday)
Australia Day Achievement Awards for outstanding members of the Queensland SES – Suzanne Connors (Whitsunday-Prosperine) for dedication and commitment as a Peer Support Officer and Coordinator for SES, and Kevin Maude (Bowen, Whitsunday) for Outstanding contribution to the successful management of the Bowen SES Group.
Collinsville Community Centre (CCA) Awards:
Community Sports Award – Katie Humble
Community Group of the year Award– Collinsville St Vincent De Paul
Environmental Achievement Award – Garry Reed
Arts & Cultural Award – St John Bosco School – for the ‘Johhny Bosco Beats’ Program
Collinsville Volunteer of the Year Award – Diane Watts CCA
Community Spirit Award – Kathleen (Kathy) Morrissey
Young Citizen of the Year Award – Cooper Groocock
Citizen of the Year Award – Marissa Kearney.
