PROSERPINE residents have scooped the pool at the Australia Day awards ceremony held at Fairy Tree Park yesterday.

The awards were presented to residents of Airlie Beach, Cannonvale and Proserpine by the Whitsunday Regional Council.

Mayor Andrew Willcox congratulated all the winners and said it was an honour to present awards in recognition of their outstanding achievements in the community.

"The awards are a gratifying part of Australia Day, each year allowing us the opportunity to celebrate the achievements and contributions of Whitsunday citizens,” he said.

"Our award winners come from all walks of life and have excelled in different areas, but they all share a common commitment to the local community and represent excellence in our region.”

Of course paralympic cyclist David Nicholas took out the senior sports of the year award for his amazing gold medal-winning effort in Rio De Janeiro.

He said it was another accolade to add the twin gold medal winning athlete's extensive list.

"I am very honoured to win this award. I know that there are so many other great athletes in the Whitsunday region and I am very proud to win the award,” he said.

Jessica Muller took out the junior cultural award for her efforts as a dancer and a flutist with the Proserpine State High School band.

She said it was a shock to win the award and it felt "amazing”.

"When I came here today I didn't expect it. It's pretty awesome,” she said.

Jessica has been dancing for 14 years and has been in the school band since grade four.

"I got student of the year last year at Proserpine State High School and it has been sitting there just looking at me, it's just great to be acknowledged. I still cant believe it, it's so lovely.”

Cr Willcox said "It is easy to feel inspired when hearing of the hard work and dedication displayed by all of our winners and it encourages others to think about how they can make a contribution to creating a better community”.

Another Proserpine resident helping to create a better community was the conductor of the Proserpine Citizen Band from 2002 -2015 Barbara Balma.

"It's very special because it proves to me they appreciate how much work I have put in during the last couple of years,” she said.

"It's great to get public recognition, it's fantastic.”

Another Proserpine lad, Logan Donadelli, was recognised at the Australia Day awards ceremony when he won the young citizen of the year award.

Cr Willcox also too the time to congratulate the nominees and thank everyone who took the time to submit a nomination.