Australia Day Awards 2025
Sorell Council’s 2025 Australia Day Awards were presented at a special event at the Sorell Memorial Hall on Thursday 23 January.
Around 100 friends, family and community members attended the event and were entertained by music from Stacey Loukis and Grant Woodward, whilst enjoying an impressive grazing table and award winning wine by Bream Creek Vineyard. Thirteen new citizens were also welcomed to the community in a Citizenship Ceremony performed by Deputy Mayor Charles Wooley. One of these new citizens was our very own Mayor, Janet Gatehouse.
Sorell Council received nineteen individual and group nominations across the four Australia Day Award categories. These Awards are the highest honour a Council can bestow on an individual or group for outstanding contribution to their local community.
Mayor Janet Gatehouse said the event was a lovely celebration of community. “The Australia Day Awards serve as a way to acknowledge and recognise those who go above and beyond in making Sorell a better place to live. We were thrilled to present these prestigious awards in a beautiful ceremony. The positive energy in the room was truly special, and we thank everyone who made this event a memorable occasion.”
“On behalf of Sorell Council, I would like to especially express our sincere appreciation to everyone who took the time to nominate deserving individuals and groups for the 2025 Australia Day Awards. This event highlights the incredible spirit of our community, and it is through these nominations that we are able to celebrate the remarkable achievements and contributions of those who make our community so special.”
“To those who were nominated, your dedication and service to our community do not go unnoticed. We are deeply grateful for everything you do. To those who received the Awards – congratulations and well done. Please take the time to reflect on the positive impact you’ve made, knowing that your efforts have helped shape our vibrant community. Your achievements inspire others, and we are proud to celebrate you.” said Janet.
The recipients of Sorell Council’s 2025 Australia Day Awards are:
Citizen of the Year – Ryan Jones
In May 2024 Ryan participated in the Dementia Australia Memory Walk and Jog in Melbourne which saw him and his team of 13 tackle a 10km route, raising over $12,000 for the cause along thew way. Later in 2024, Ryan again supported Dementia Australia by participating in the 100 crunches a day challenge. The personal motivation for this work is Ryan’s Mum Libby, who was diagnosed with early-onset dementia at the age of 57.
Ryan is also an active member of the Rotary Club of Sorell and held the role of president in 2022-2023, and was a recipient of the Paul Harris Fellowship for 2023, in recognition of his efforts to make a lasting difference in the world. Ryan is also a volunteer Board Member for the Bendigo Bank, Sorell and District Branch. Through his business he employs local people and supports local sports clubs and schools through donations and sponsorships.
Young Citizen of the Year – Sophie O’Neill and Maximillian Giuliani
Sophie is 13 years old was nominated for her volunteer work over the past 4 years at the Midway Point Community Centre and with the South East Tasmania Salvos. She volunteers in the canteen and BBQ trailer and helps out at movie nights and the Christmas Carols. Sophie recently assisted with the Salvos Toy Run and helped out at the Christmas Family Fun night. Sophie also assists with refereeing basketball games for SEBA (South East Basketball Association) as well as playing herself.
Maximillian (Max) lives in Carlton and has significantly lifted the local profile of swimming. In Dec 2023 Max become the second-fastest Australian of all time to swim the 200-metre freestyle (behind Ian Thorpe) and in Dec 2024 at the Short Course Swimming World Championships in Budapest he set a new Australian short course 200m freestyle record. Max also competed in the pinnacle of all sports, the Olympic games in Paris in 2024. Max is also a member of the surf life saving community and has been extremely generous with his time, giving back to the community that has supported him.
Community Event of the Year – Sorell Relay for Life
The inaugural Sorell Relay for Life event took place on 5 October 2024 at the South East Sports Complex. With individuals, groups and businesses supporting the day, there were over 200 people and 15 teams participating which raised $20,000 for Cancer Council Tasmania which stays in Tasmania to support crucial research, prevention and supportive care services. The Sorell Relay for Life fostered community spirit, cancer awareness and prevention and was an opportunity for community to come together.
Community Group of the Year – Disabled Surfers Association of Tasmania
Disabled Surfers Association (DSA) of Tasmania runs two ‘Let’s Go Surfing’ events each year at Carlton Beach. Putting smiles on dials is the aim of these events, and around 150 volunteers give their time so approx. 50 participants and their carers can experience the joy of a safe, open water experience. Their goal is to create inclusive, safe and fun experiences for people with disability and to enable them to experience the joys that the ocean and the beach has to offer.
For a list of our past recipients please see here.