By Lucy Waldron
In a well-deserved celebration of community champions, the Australia Day Citizen of the Year Awards were officially unveiled on Monday, 22 January, just days ahead of the anticipated ceremony on 26 January.
Among the distinguished recipients, Vince Catanzaro emerged as the pride of Stanthorpe, recognised for his exceptional contributions to the community and unwavering commitment to fostering positive change.
The announcement came as a delightful surprise to Vince.
“I feel very humbled to have won and to be in the company of the people who won it before me and who have done so much for the community,“ he said.
Southern Downs Mayor Vic Pennisi said the Australia Day Awards serve as an important platform to celebrate the diverse talents, efforts and achievements of community champions and he congratulated all the nominees and award recipients for their contributions to the Southern Downs.
“Human interaction is at the core of social wellbeing, and every hour of service in our sporting clubs, community groups and arts, culture and civic services is a brick in the house we build for our community,” Cr Pennisi said.
Vince’s remarkable contributions to the Stanthorpe community have been acknowledged and celebrated. Moving to Stanthorpe in 1983 with his family, Vince embarked on a journey of community service, driven by a desire to give back to the community that welcomed them with open arms.
Reflecting on his connection with the Stanthorpe community, Vince shared, “The Stanthorpe community has always been very good to me, so I always felt I needed to give back.“ One of the avenues through which Vince has made a significant impact is through his pro-bono work as a lawyer, exemplifying his commitment to community welfare.
Vince’s role in the Italian Australian Welfare Associate (IAWA) further showcases his dedication to enhancing the well-being of the community. Originally focused on aiding elderly individuals from non-English-speaking backgrounds, IAWA has evolved to provide support and improve access to crucial health services, including Aged Care services, for people of all backgrounds. The organisation has also played a pivotal role in delivering substantial social support to vulnerable community members.
What brings Vince the most satisfaction is the direct interaction with those the IAWA supports.
“I like the fact that we can keep them in their home for as long as possible,” he said.
One of the distinguishing features of IAWA is its locality and Vince’s direct involvement.
“I think we’re one of the few truly locally based charitable groups. If there is a problem, the buck stops with me,” Vince said.
“So being truly locals helping local, I think that’s pretty special.”
Beyond the accolades, Vince pointed to his family as his most significant achievement, underscoring the support they provided in building a great and successful life in Stanthorpe.
In extending his gratitude, Vince acknowledged the community and the council for providing him the opportunity to receive the prestigious Citizen of the Year award.
