The coordinator of Mossman’s Elders Justice Group, Christine Lynch, has been named Douglas Shire Council’s Citizen of the Year.
Douglas Shire Michael Kerr said Christine had a passion for people and contributing to the health and wellbeing of the community.
“The Elders Justice Group is a safe, inclusive centre that offers help and support for anyone who walks through the door,” Mayor Kerr said.
“She contributes in many ways, helping families with child safety, youth justice, the family relationship commission, family reunification, stolen wages, mediation as well as simple things like putting credit on phones, or offering advice on understanding Centrelink.”
Elders Justice Group colleague Reuben Dwyer accepted the award on behalf of Christine at a ceremony in Port Douglas today.
He said Christine displayed great determination to re-open the service after the floods that ravaged the shire last month.
“Her number one reason for doing so was to get those doors open again for people who need our service,” he said.
“She’s really looking forward to a new year of supporting people; she’s committed as ever.”
Other award winners include:
Junior Sports – Caitlyn Butland
Senior Sports – Rod Johnson
Environmental Achievement – Sid Murthy
Arts and Culture – Eliza Eggins
Civil Recognition Courage and Mateship – Dan Cherpillod, Marlin Ketteringham and Dakota Santarossa
Volunteer of the Year – Walter Gray
Young Citizen of the Year – Amber Yendle
Senior Citizen of the Year – Wendy ‘LuLu’ Cowan
Citizen of the Year – Christine Lynch
Mayor Kerr said every nominee should be proud of their work.
“To have your name put forward by your peers is an achievement in itself and every nominee should be congratulated,” he said.
