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Subscriber only A lifetime of skills should not go to waste in retirement, in fact, this year s Bowen Senior Citizen of the Year Chris Coventry believes that s a perfect time to use them. Mrs Coventry has been recognised for her immense contribution to the community since she retired to Bowen in 2006. But she s quick to say she never works alone. It s very special but it s really important to recognise it s never just yourself, it s always a group of people who work together, Mrs Coventry said. I feel like I ve won it for all of us. Mrs Coventry has been part of the Murroona Gardens board for eight years, has spent four years on the Proserpine Nursing Home board and is an active volunteer with the Zonta Club of Bowen and Bowen Community Council.
While operating successful business Marto s Mangoes alongside his family, Mr Martin also spent a decade working with the council and has volunteered his time to serve on numerous committees. He joined the Murroona Gardens board in the late 1990s and has been chairman of the board for the past eight years. He also served eight years on the NQ Dry Tropics board and remains a member of the community reference group for Bowen Hospital. They re very worthy causes, every one of those are working for the community, Mr Martin said. We ve got a great town and great lifestyle here and it can only get better if we do our bit.
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High achievers from across the Whitsundays have been honoured for their hard work and dedication.
At three ceremonies in Collinsville, Bowen and Airlie Beach, Australia Day Awards have been handed out to recognise those who help make the region great.
Mayor Andrew Willcox said it was always a great honour to be part of such a special day.
“On Australia Day we come together as a nation to celebrate what’s great about our country and reflect, respect and celebrate the Australian story,” he said.
“We reflect on the history, both highs and lows, of an extraordinary nation and the new chapters being written every day.