Mental health heroes among citizens honoured in 2022 Ipswich Australia Day Awards
20 January 2022
Zoe Knorre, Chief Executive and founder of Grace Homestead, is the 2022 Ipswich Citizen of the Year.
Ms Knorre, along with other award nominees and winners, was honoured on Wednesday at the annual Ipswich Australia Day Awards, held in the Dandiiri Room at council’s 1 Nicholas Street building.
Grace Homestead is the only long-term residential recovery centre in Queensland for mothers affected by addiction and domestic violence. They allow mothers to bring up to two children into their program, so they can care for their children while receiving life-changing treatment.
Zoe Knorre also runs her own practice as a clinical psychologist, Engage Psychology, drawing on her experience from working in public, private and academic settings.
Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding congratulated Ms Knorre on her volunteering efforts and mental health services that have helped countless women, their families and the Ipswich community.
“The incredible staff at Grace Homestead teach women invaluable skills and strategies to help them overcome trauma, that help not only the mothers but also improve their children’s lives as well,” Mayor Harding said.
“Zoe Knorre spent two-and-a-half years establishing the rehabilitation centre that has changed the lives of so many women for the better through her outstanding work which has both an immediate and long-term benefit to the City of Ipswich.
“I congratulate Ms Knorre as well as all the other nominees and winners in the 2022 Ipswich Australia Day Awards on their wonderful achievements and remarkable contributions to our great city.”
Almost 40 nominations were made for the 2022 Ipswich Australia Day Awards. Finalists and winners in each category were selected by a five-person judging panel.
Community, Culture, Arts and Sport Committee chairperson Councillor Andrew Fechner said the Ipswich Australia Day Awards were an opportunity for the community to honour outstanding contributions of our fellow citizens.
“Every nominee and finalist for this year’s awards has been on a journey of making change, big and small, across the city and beyond,” Cr Fechner said.
“Congratulations and thanks to Zoe Knorre who, along with all our 2022 award nominees, are shining examples of how truly innovative and supportive our community continues to be in Ipswich.”
The winners of this year’s Ipswich Australia Day Awards are:
Citizen of the Year Award: Zoe Knorre
Zoe Knorre has changed many women’s lives for the better through her outstanding volunteer work, culminating in her role as Chief Executive and founder of Grace Homestead. The rehabilitation centre is the only long-term residential recovery centre in Queensland for mothers affected by addiction and domestic violence.
Zoe Knorre also runs her own practice as a clinical psychologist, drawing on her experience from working in public, private and academic settings. She won the Spirit of Ipswich Award winner at the 2021 Ipswich Australia Day Awards. Her work and volunteering have made an invaluable contribution to the Ipswich community.
Young Citizen of the Year Award: Tamara Whiting
Tamara is a hard-working young woman who advocates strongly for mental health, health and wellbeing and engagement with youth. In 2018, Tamara developed the not-for-profit service Cunnara Paiabun Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Corporation. The charity works to relieve suffering, distress and helplessness of individuals through culturally sensitive services.
Tamara’s passion is in helping young people with anxiety, depression, body image issues, healthy relationships, vulnerable and at-risk members of the community. She has also previously been nominated for several Mission Australia, Ipswich District Community Safety Crime Prevention and Telstra Australian Business awards.
Senior Citizen of the Year Award: Gregory Broad
Gregory has been a quiet achiever who has made considerable contributions to the Ipswich region over his four decades of volunteering. Gregory holds several significant volunteer roles with the Dinmore Bushrats Soccer Club, Ipswich District Neighbourhood Watch, Riverview Neighbourhood Watch, Scouts Australia, Riverview Dinmore Community Renewal Committee and Ipswich Trades Hall.
Gregory has previously volunteered for the Dinmore Riverview Scout Group, Riverview Community Care Inc, Ipswich City Council, Booval Quarry Social Club, St Peter Claver College P&F Association, Ipswich St Helens Soccer Club and ASU Qld Branch/Ipswich Sub-division, as well as being a local ambulance committee member and flag bearer for the Bundamba Anzac Day parades.
Cultural Award of the Year: Kylie Hill
Receiving international acclaim for her Indigenous artworks and designs, Kylie is a passionate artist who produces her art to share her culture as well as help the greater community around her. She has created murals, designs and sports memorabilia for a diverse range of organisations as well as donated a large amount of her artistic works to schools and charities.
Kylie, who had stopped painting to spend more time raising her eight children, again picked up her brush in 2018 as part of her healing journey. She is an inspiration to the next generation of Indigenous artists as well as the school children and adults she teaches and trains.
Kylie is a well-known softball player and has been a part of the annual Murri Women's Softball Tournament for the past seven years as a player and assistant delivering the event. She also collaborated with her son Jak to design the Aussie Spirit Softball Team supporter’s shirts for the Tokyo Olympics. Kylie is also an advocate for the Red Rose Foundation’s International Woman’s Day and Murri Watch.
Sport and Recreation Award winner: Scott Morrison
Scott is a wonderful example of a community volunteer, with his ongoing selfless devotion to his local club. For seven years, Scott worked tirelessly to reinstate the Dinmore Bushrats Soccer Club after it was disbanded more than two decades ago. In 2017, he was finally given the approvals to reactivate the club the following year.
Driven by Scott’s passion, the club has quickly grown from two to eight teams, introduced the ‘Rugrats Program for Children’, held two ‘Return 2 Riverview’ events and was chosen to be the face for the Australian Sports Foundation video for prospective donors.
Community Event of the Year: Our Stories
ArtsConnect Ipswich hosted an art exhibition titled “Our Stories” that celebrated the rich history, diverse cultures and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, showcasing local Ipswich Indigenous artists. The exhibition was timed perfectly in tune with NAIDOC week and the opening of Ipswich’s newest festival, SPARK.
“Our Stories” provided opportunity and exposure for 19 artists and ensured that they made 100 per cent of the earnings from any sales. Approximately 350 guests visited the exhibition, generating more than $10,000 in art sales and commissions during the event and enabling art lovers to support local artists and to buy Aboriginal Art ethically.