Dalby resident Beth Wood received the Western Downs region’s highest honour in 2023. Beth is an influential community leader with more than three decades of service to Dalby and the Western Downs. She was named this year’s Citizen of the Year as part of Western Downs Regional Council’s Australia Day Awards 2023. Western Downs Mayor Paul McVeigh said Beth was a fitting recipient of the region’s highest honour, acknowledging more than three decades of service to the community.

“Our Australia Day Awards are an opportunity to celebrate the people that make our region the welcoming, vibrant and inclusive community it is, and Beth is an extremely deserving recipient of this year’s Regional Citizen of the Year,” Cr McVeigh said. “Her tireless efforts have made Dalby and the broader Western Downs an even brighter place to live, and that’s why she is a worthy recipient of this year’s Citizen of the Year.”

Beth Wood said she was honoured and humbled by the award, and she recognised that she is one of many people working in the background every day to deliver for their communities. “It’s an unusual position for me, because I tend to work behind-the-scenes, but I am extremely proud of being able to build social connections with others in my community. I have a great belief that connections make communities strong and resilient,” Beth said.

Dalby resident Matthew Butters was named this year’s Young Citizen of the Year. He is recognised for his leadership, passion, and extensive involvement in the community. Matthew Butters said it was an honour and a shock to be named Young Citizen of the Year, “I’m very thankful to my nominator and everyone who believed in and supported me, and to Council for facilitating the Australia Day Awards. Winning Young Citizen of the Year has been an unexpected pleasure, and I look forward to continuing to play an active role in my community”

Beth and Matthew join 24 other local Australia Day Awards Winners, were officially recognised as part of Australia Day celebrations on Thursday 26 January.

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