General News
27 January, 2023
Cairns honours community heroes in Australia Day Awards
A SECONDARY school teacher who students have described as their “school mum” has been named Cairns Citizen of the Year.
In a ceremony at the Pullman Reef Hotel Casino on Wednesday, Majella Fallon, the Head of the Department for the Arts at Smithfield State High School (SHS), was recognised for her service to others, an enduring community spirit, and her dedication to promoting the arts, especially to young people.
Ms Fallon is also president of FNQ Bands, a member of the Rotary Club of Cairns Northern Beaches and a member of the Smithfield SHS P&C Association.
Cairns Mayor Bob Manning said that Ms Fallon embodied selfless dedication and inspiration, fitting attributes for someone awarded one of the city’s highest honours.
“The fact that students have described her as their ‘school mum’ speaks to her character as someone who always has time to give a caring word and helpful advice,” Cr Manning said.
“She is a passionate woman who is an inspiration to her peers and someone who doesn’t stand by and wait for others to act when she sees a need; she finds a solution and gets to work.”
Ms Fallon said she was honoured to be recognised for her small actions towards making a difference.
“I never realised that I would be in the running, that the small things that I do matter,” she said.
“I’ve been teaching for 37 years, and I love being able to make a difference and I’m double blessed because I get to do that with my passion and love for music.
“Education is more than academic achievement; we’re entrusted with developing and growing and loving our future generations.
“A school day can be very long for a child who hasn’t had a great day or is underprivileged, so little things make a difference; a kind word, a smile, positive affirmations can really help,” Ms Fallon said.
Young Citizen of the Year, Alannah Giuffrida, was recognised for her extensive work, often behind the scenes, with the Northern Pride Rugby League Club, Connected Communities FNQ and the Cairns Chamber of Commerce.
She holds a Bachelor of Business from JCU, with a double major in sports and events management and Hospitality and Tourism Management, and received numerous awards for her academic achievements.
“Alannah is a highly motivated young person who has used her skills to advance local organisations and community groups, as well as assisting others in reaching their goals,” Cr Manning said.
“When I see her achievements, I feel confident that our next wave of leaders will propel our city in the right direction.”
Ms Giuffrida said the award came as an absolute shock to her.
“Everything that I do, I do not because I wanted to get an award; I do it because I’m very passionate about it,” she said.
“I’m at the Cairns Chamber of Commerce, and we work with so many amazing local businesses, and I really want to see where that goes.
“We do the Business Excellence Awards and the Emerging Leaders Program, and I really want to see those young leaders and businesses thrive in our community.”
Hannah Boon has been named Volunteer of the Year, while Kushla Phillips was also recognised in the same category with a highly commended award.
Sebastian Temesi enjoyed an outstanding 2022 in the sport of judo and has been named Cairns Sportsperson of the Year, while Edan Mattinson has capped off a remarkable 12 months to be Junior Sportsperson of the Year.
James Kerr received the Cultural Award for his work in helping at-risk and vulnerable Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and youth.
Cr Manning congratulated the recipients of the 2023 Cairns Community Awards.
“These individuals represent everything great about our region,” he said.
“They are wonderful role models for our city and very much deserving of this special honour.”
AWARD RECIPIENTS:
• Citizen of the Year – Majella Fallon
• Young Citizen of the Year – Alannah Giuffrida
• Volunteer of the Year – Hannah Boon
• Volunteer of the Year – Highly commended Kushla Phillips
• Cultural Award – James Kerr
• Sportsperson of the Year – Sebastian Temesi
• Junior Sportsperson of the Year – Edan Mattinson A
