World champion BMX racer lands Australia Day Award
Published 23 January 2019
Nine-year-old world champion BMX racer Fraser Vaughan can add another trophy to his cabinet after being named recipient of the Moreton Bay Regional Council 2019 Australia Day Award for Youth Sports.
Last year was a massive year for the young racer from the Pine Rivers BMX Club which saw him take out a swathe of national and international titles.
In June Fraser flew to Baku, Azerbaijan where he won the 2018 Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) BMX World Championship title for boys in his age category.
Fraser also took out the 2018 National and Oceania Championship titles, as well as the Queensland State and Queensland City Championship titles for his age category.
Moreton Bay Regional Council Mayor Allan Sutherland said Fraser’s achievements made him a standout for this year’s Australia Day Award for Youth Sports.
“It takes a lot of hard work and sacrifice to become a world champion in any sport — we are proud to have such a young and talented sportsman in our region,” Cr Sutherland said.
Councillor for Division 10 Matthew Constance said Fraser was an inspiration to other young BMX enthusiasts.
“Fraser often helps other young riders at his local club, which demonstrates that good sportsmanship is about more than just winning which is why he is so deserving of this award,” Cr Constance said.
Fraser was presented with his award at a private function for the region’s Australia Day Award recipients on Thursday, 17 January at Clear Mountain Lodge.
Other Australia Day Award recipients for Moreton Bay
Citizen of the Year - Elisha Wright, who has been instrumental as a disability advocate in the region through collaboration with Moreton Bay Regional Council on its Disability Access and Inclusion Plan.
Volunteer of the Year - Des Dewar, whose work with Deception Bay Meals on Wheels has helped nourish people in need for more than 25 years.
Environment Award - Husband and wife team, Richard and Carole Green, who have made significant contributions to the region’s environment including the restoration and preservation of John Oxley Reserve.
Arts and Culture Award - Carmel Bond, who has made a valuable contribution to Dayboro and the greater region by preserving the town’s history.
Sports Award - Mitchell James, an accomplished tennis player who has held the #2 ranking in Australian Singles for six years and currently holds the #1 ranking for Australian Doubles.