2025 Gympie Region Senior Citizens of the Year Announced

Published on 30 October 2025

Mary Devlin and Douglas Campbell have been named the 2025 Senior Citizens of the Year, recognised for their outstanding contributions to the Gympie community.

The awards were presented on Thursday, 30 October, during an intimate ceremony at The Pavilion Conference and Reception Centre, as part of the Gympie Seniors Expo.

Gympie Regional Council Mayor, Glen Hartwig said the ceremony was a great opportunity to recognise those seniors in our community who went above and beyond to make the region a better place to live.

“On behalf of Gympie Regional Council, I would like to congratulate Mary and Douglas, you truly deserve this recognition. Your achievements are a wonderful reminder of the valuable contributions our seniors make in shaping a stronger, more connected community,” Cr. Hartwig said.

“I also want to congratulate all the nominees, each of you have played a vital role in supporting others, volunteering your time, and making a real difference in people’s lives.”

This prestigious annual award celebrates seniors who dedicate their time, energy, and talents to enrich the lives of others. Over the years, recipients of this award have inspired the community through volunteer work, leadership, and service, establishing the award as a symbol of excellence and community spirit.

Mary Devlin – Female Senior Citizen of the Year

For more than 30 years, Mary has shared her passion for music and teaching with the Gympie community. Alongside her accomplished career in education, she led the Gympie Choral Group, guiding up to sixty singers at a time and delivering unforgettable performances of Handel’s Messiah across Southeast Queensland. Now at 90 years old, Mary continues to inspire. Most recently, she celebrated the launch of her book The Keeper of My Soul. a heartfelt collection of her written works, officially unveiled at the Gympie Regional Library on Friday 17 October 2025.

Douglas Campbell – Male Senior Citizen of the Year

Doug’s lifelong service to the community is truly inspiring. At 96, he continues to volunteer 2–3 times a week at the Gympie RSL Sub Branch office, supporting veterans with warmth and dedication. A talented artist, Doug shares his creations generously with friends and community members. His enduring commitment to community service and his pride in his Australian identity reflect the essence of this award.