Australia Day Award winners 2025 announced

At today’s Australia Day awards ceremony, held in Gympie’s Memorial Park, Mr. Dan Davie was honoured with the Citizen of the Year Award.

Gympie Regional Council Mayor Glen Hartwig praised Mr. Davie’s dedication and efforts in supporting the Gympie region.

“On behalf of Gympie Regional Council, I want to congratulate Dan for his unwavering commitment to our community,” Cr. Hartwig said.

“Dan is a dedicated leader and community advocate whose mastery of multiple trades, including blacksmithing, has earned him international acclaim.

“As a two-time world champion creative blacksmith and three-time runner-up at the World Championships in Calgary, Canada, his achievements have showcased our region on the global stage.

“Through his mentorship programs, such as the Forge Ahead initiative for at-risk youth, and his various volunteering efforts, Dan continues to empower the next generation of locals in our community.”

In addition to the Citizen of the Year Award, seven other recipients were recognised during the Australia Day celebrations, including:

- Young Citizen of the Year: Daria Mostofizadeh
- Sports Award: Lorelle Nash and Brad Morgan
- Creative Award: Claudia Kruppel
- Community Event of the Year: Heart of Gold International Short Film Festival
- Community Group of the Year: Gympie Diggers Football Club Inc.
- Resilience Award: Joseph Kiernan

“I would also like to extend a warm welcome to the 34 new Australian citizens who have taken the pledge to call our beautiful country home,” Cr. Hartwig said.

“On behalf of the council, I congratulate all the award nominees, recipients, and our newest citizens.”