A commitment to growing the Cairns region economically, combined with volunteer services to local organisations, has earned Russell Beer the honour of 2012 Citizen of the Year.

Mayor Val Schier this morning presented Mr Beer and seven other worthy citizens with awards as part of the 2012 Australia Day celebrations.

“Mr Beer has dedicated the last 20 years of his life to the community of Cairns, through not only his work, but his volunteer efforts through sporting organisations and the Diocese of Cairns,” Cr Schier said.

“A senior partner with local law firm MacDonnell’s Law, he has been recognised by the Queensland Law Society for Outstanding Achievement by a legal practitioner.

“He was also Chairman of AFL Cairns for eight years, but is probably best known as a board member of Advance Cairns.

“Although Cairns has been going through a rough patch economically, his dedication and tireless work toward the stimulation of our economy has been outstanding.”

 The Young Citizen of the Year is Kieran Hicks.

“The recent graduate of Bentley Park College showed tremendous leadership as School Captain in 2011,” Cr Schier said.

“He was nominated for the Pride of Australia Medal and won a scholarship to attend the Indigenous Australian Engineering Summer School at the University of New South Wales in Sydney.

“Kieren shaved his head to raise funds for the Leukaemia Foundation, regularly donates blood to the Red Cross and is planning to study engineering at JCU next year.”

Other award recipients are:

Grant “Scooter” Patterson (Senior Sportsperson) – Represented Cairns and Australia in swimming championships since 2009. Achievements include two gold medals and one silver medal at 2010 Berlin International Championships. Now working toward London 2012 Paralympic Games.

Tennille Falappi (Junior Sportsperson) – The 16-year-old cleaned up at both the National and State Junior Track Cycling championships in 2011. Proving her all-round sporting prowess, she is also a black belt in karate.

Herbert “Junior” See Poy (Cultural) – A true gentleman who has been entertaining the Far North with his skills on the saxophone for more than 60 years. He recorded his first jazz CD at the age of 69 and readily donates his time and talent for any worthwhile cause.

Rose Boylan-Ascione (Junior Cultural) – A talented young lady with a wonderful voice, who regularly offers her time to charitable organisations. The 17-year-old recently received the Bernie Mackenzie Cultural Award for most outstanding performing arts student.

Peter and Anne Lloyd (Volunteer) – This duo has been the driving force behind the Bally Hooley Railway in Port Douglas for the past eight years, responsible for the entire operation of this recognised tourist activity. Also stalwarts of the Douglas Shire Historical Society.

Hazel Schipke (Volunteer – Commended) – A tireless worker for many community organisations and committees and a talented musician.

“These are just a few of the many amazing people we have in our community,” Cr Schier said.

“I feel honoured to stand alongside these outstanding citizens as we celebrate Australia Day.

“We are lucky to be part of a nation that supports each other in tough times, celebrates the good times and rewards those who inspire and assist others. That is what being an Australian is all about.”

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