Music teacher Jenny Guyatt has been named the Douglas Shire’s Citizen of the Year.
Jenny was presented with a certificate by Mayor Lisa Scomazzon at Council’s Australia Day Awards ceremony at Port Douglas Community Hall this evening (Friday, January 24).
The Mossman resident will mark 49 years of teaching brass, woodwind, string and percussion instruments to students across the Douglas Shire in April.
“Teaching instrumental music is really wonderful,” Jenny said.
“The kids enjoy playing music and they get such joy out of the music camps and the band.
“By the time they leave grade 12, I’ve been teaching many of them for a long time, more than half of their lives, so I am a constant in their lives.”
Mayor Scomazzon said Jenny was a deserved recipient.
“Jenny Guyatt is a dedicated and inspiring music teacher who nurtures and encourages students, promotes the value of teamwork, comradery and the importance of voluntary service and contribution to community,” Mayor Scomazzon said.
“She encourages students to focus on the qualities of a smaller community, rather than the disadvantages – we are very lucky to have her in our shire.”

Other award recipients included:
Junior Sports: Nate Martinelli
Senior Sports: Harry Cobb
Environmental Achievement: Monika Prins
Arts and Cultural: Alison George and Port Shorts
Volunteer of the Year: John Scott
Young Citizen of the Year: Nikita McDonald
Senior Citizen of the Year: Joan Vico
Civic Recognition Award: Pam Wills Burden
Certificate of Achievement: Sam Carey-Sage