Despite the weather, numbers were good for the Weipa Town Authority event at Rocky Point, which started with a fun run before the formalities.
Russell Scikluna was named Citizen of the Year, while daughter Jasmine was named Young Citizen of the Year.
However, each were recognised for their own individual contributions in the community.
“Whilst Russell has been involved with many community organisations on all levels, he is being awarded for his commitment and achievements in the creation and progression of the Andoom Oval special events facility,” WTA chairman Michael Rowland said.
“The showgrounds area will provide permanent facilities for large community events including the Fishing Classic and the Weipa Bullride.”
Jasmine was nominated for having a kind heart, selfless and genuine qualities.
“Jasmine has donated large amounts of her spare time to charity by means of wrapping presents for children in hospital over the Christmas period,” Mr Rowland said.
“She also raises funds through her body scrub enterprise where portions of her sales go direct to purchase gifts for children in our communities who are less fortunate.”
The Weipa Fishing Classic beat a tough field to win the Community Event of the Year Award. Mr Rowland said the committee used creative thinking and delivered a format that promoted fishing in the Cape.
“They also provided exciting and engaging online entertainment over the weekend which was supported by local venues,” he said.
SPORTS AWARDS
KEEN angler Darryl French was named Weipa’s Sportsperson of the Year.
“Darryl is an active committee member of the Weipa Billfish Club and has a strong passion for fishing, particularly billfishing,” the WTA chairman said.
“Also acknowledged by the Game Fishing Association of Australia, Darryl was awarded the Sir Garrick Agnew trophy for tagging and releasing the most billfish in Australian waters in 2019-20.”
Rising cricket star Charlie Lawrence was named the Junior Sportsperson of the Year.
Unable to attend the ceremony because of boarding school commitments, Charlie was praised for representing Weipa in schoolboys cricket around the state.
