Community
29 January, 2025
Hughenden hairdresser named Flinders Shire's Citizen of the Year
Annmarie Wieben was acknowledged for her contribution to the community on Sunday.
Annmarie Wieben has been a constant companion to the people of Hughenden for more than four decades.
As owner of Annmarie’s Hair Salon since the 1980s, she has shaped and styled countless heads of hair to meet the changing trends for men and women across the town, as well as Richmond and Julia Creek.
The Flinders Shire Citizen of the Year told North West Weekly that her clients had become lifelong friends, with a number of her regulars aged into their 90s and at least two ladies over 100.
“They come and might get a shampoo and blow, but we always have a nice talk, and they tell me what is going on in their lives,” she said.
“I have known them all for many, many years.”
Annmarie also plays a key role in local fundraising events as well as cooking meals for the elderly, delivering Christmas dinners to those without family and volunteering at the Flinders Discovery Centre. Recognised for her countless small acts of kindness, often carried out quietly behind the scenes, she said it was an honour to receive the award.
“I was nominated a few years ago and I thought that was very nice,” she said.
“It was very kind that someone thought to nominate me.”
During a long day of festivities in Flinders Shire, there was also a special celebration for the Medal of the Order of Australia given to former Flinders Shire mayor and long-serving councillor Greg Jones, who dedicated about a decade to fundraising about $600,000 to provide the initial capital for what became the Hughenden Centre for the Aged.
Member for Kennedy Bob Katter was able to leverage the money raised during his lobbying efforts in Canberra and eventually delivered a $3.5 million capital grant to complete the 12-unit facility.
The council decided to celebrate Mr Jones again on Sunday and represent his OAM as part of a five-year commemoration. Mr Katter was on hand to officiate the event.
“I didn’t attend a ball or an event basically for 10 years because I was always in the kitchen helping to keep the event catered while we were fundraising for the aged care home,” Mr Jones told North West Weekly.
“So I always enjoy being out front with everyone now.”
However, Mr Jones said he believed the recognition should be shared with the group of volunteers who assisted in the long-term fundraising drive, none more so than his beloved wife, Carole, who sadly passed away last year.
“She was upstairs with her mates yesterday (Sunday) watching on all of us,” he said.
Flinders Shire mayor Kate Peddle congratulated all the nominees and gave heartfelt thanks to those who took the time to nominate them.
“Recognising and appreciating the value within our community is vital, and the individuals receiving nominations are truly deserving, making us proud to be part of this beautiful shire,’ she said.
“May their selfless contributions inspire more people to volunteer and lend a hand in 2025.”