Douglas Shire Australia Day recipients
The stars of Mossman State High School have been shining bright with the large number of nominees at the 2023 Douglas Shire Australia Day Awards.
Nominees included staff member, Kerry Shepherdson and past staff member, Gail Cockburn along with Caitlyn Butland (Year 8), Lewis Marano (Year 9) and Zea-Sian Moisel (Year 12).
Two of our past students Gwyneth Dowell and Emily Oorthuysen were also nominated.
To be nominated for an award is an accomplishment in itself and every nominee should be congratulated.
Out of the nominees, our very own Kerry Shepherdson was named Douglas Shire's Citizen of the Year and Gail Cockburn was named Volunteer of the Year.
Gwyneth Dowell, (our 2022 School Dux) received the Douglas Shire's Young Citizen of the Year and Emily Oorthuysen was awarded the Arts and Culture Award.
Lewis Marano (our 2023 Junior School Captain) received the Junior Sports Award.
Kerry Shepherdson—Douglas Shire Citizen of the Year
A local volunteer who has dedicated more than 20 years to helping people beat blood cancer is the Douglas Shire's 2023 Citizen of the Year. Miallo resident Kerry Shepherdson, who also received an Honoured Member Award for the Leukemia Foundation in Brisbane last year, was one of the founding members of the Mossman District Leukemia Foundation in 1999.
Kerry is currently serving as Secretary for The Mossman Hospital Friends of the Foundation, the Mossman District Branch of the Leukaemia Foundation, and the Syndicate/Whyanbeel Rural Fire Brigade. Kerry was also secretary of the Kindergarten Committee that was responsible for building the first kindergarten near Foxton Bridge.
Over the years, Kerry has also worked tirelessly as part of Mossman Basketball, Little Athletics, Mossman Scouts, Miallo State School and Mossman State High School Parents and Citizens Associations.
Douglas Shire Mayor Michael Kerr said Kerry displayed tremendous dedication to the region.
"Kerry is a quiet achiever who has volunteered for numerous organisations over many years," he said.
"To this day, she works tirelessly for every organisation she is involved with and ensures everything runs smoothly."
"Kerry truly is one of our unsung heroes. She always gives more than 100% to each organisation she's involved with to ensure they achieve its vision and mission."
Gwyneth Dowell—Douglas Shire Young Citizen of the Year
Gwyneth is a talented dancer and national judo competitor who also achieved academic excellence during her time at Mossman State High School, as she was named the 2022 School Dux. Before graduating in 2022, Gwyneth received a staggering 24 subject awards during her six years of secondary school.
Gwyneth also received the Year 12 Australian Defence Force Long Tan Leadership and Teamwork Award, James Cook University Shield for Year 12 and Ampol Best All Rounder. She was presented with an Academic Excellence Award for achieving a Distinction Award every year from Years 7 through to Year 12. She is also a talented dancer with Bodies in Motion having sat dance exams at a very high level.
Gwyneth is an exceptional young person who has achieved remarkable success and conducts herself with dignity and grace.
Gail Cockburn—Douglas Shire Volunteer of the Year
Gail is an extremely hard-working volunteer archivist for the Douglas Shire Historical Society. She spent many hours setting up a database for all the artefacts which is now accessible via the Society’s website.
Gail is meticulous in picking up any tiny discrepancies and the Society is extremely proud of her incredible efforts.
Gail has served the Douglas Shire Community as a volunteer over many years.
Emily Oorthuysen—Douglas Shire Arts and Culture Award
A recent Mossman State High School graduate, Emily is an accomplished artist who has successfully displayed a wide range of exhibitions in the Far North.
She was awarded prizes for her work, including first prize at the Young Archie’s Exhibition for portraiture. Emily was also privately commissioned to complete drawings and murals, and she has already sold pieces of her art.
She is a remarkably talented young person.
Lewis Marano—Douglas Shire Junior Sports Award
Lewis is a football champion who won the golden boot and most valuable player at a soccer carnival attended by more than 500 participants.
From Douglas Shire, he represented Cairns in Townsville and won the Crad Evans Cup with his team.
Along with his soccer achievements, Lewis has also made representative teams in cross country, touch football, athletics, and futsal.
He is not only a talented sportsperson, but displays excellent sportsmanship and fairplay both on and off the field.