PERFORMER, TEACHER, COMMUNITY STALWART BURDEKIN LOCAL HONOURED FOR DECADES OF COMMUNITY CONTRIBUTION

(L-R) Former Ayr Rotary president Carl List, Monica Licciardello, John Oar. Photo supplied. 

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A Burdekin local has become the first non-Rotarian in several years to receive one of Rotary’s most distinguished awards. 

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Monica Licciardello was awarded a Paul Harris Fellow at an Ayr Rotary meeting earlier this month, an honour described as a “meaningful tribute to generosity, fellowship, and humanitarian service”. 

The award recognised Ms Licciardello’s decades-long contribution to the region as a musician, teacher and prominent community figure, most notably through her long-standing involvement with the Burdekin Singers and Theatre Company. 

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Ms Licciardello was invited to the 9th July meeting under the false pretence of being a guest speaker, with family and friends in attendance fully aware of the ceremony that was about to transpire. 

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“It really took me by surprise,” said Ms Licciardello. 

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She thanked the community for its ongoing support, which has pushed her to continue to “challenge herself” and give back through music. 

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“I remember when I was in grade 12, one of my teachers said, ‘your talent is your gift from God, and what you do with it is your gift back,’” she said. 

“It costs me nothing. You can do so much without getting anything in return. It's really rewarding in that respect.” 

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Ms Licciardello has dedicated more than 30 years to the Burdekin Singers & Theatre Company, where she was awarded Life Membership in recognition of her service. 

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Beginning as a young performer, she has since contributed as a teacher, producer and leader, helping the organisation grow into a major creative outlet for the region.

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“These kids learn discipline, they learn commitment, loyalty. It teaches them life skills that they need and prepares them for the future," she said. 

“We're creating confident people who also give back to the community.” 

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Ms Licciardello has also contributed to the Burdekin Catholic Parish for many years, providing music at Masses and school liturgies, as well as performing at weddings and funerals across the community. 

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Alongside her work as a teacher and Pastoral Leader at Burdekin Catholic High School, she continues to teach private music lessons and contribute to productions with the Burdekin Singers & Theatre Company. 

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Rotary Club of Ayr President John McVeigh said Ms Licciardello was chosen for the award by a small internal committee of members. 

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He said her work had been integral in providing opportunities for the next wave of young local performers. 

“Usually in small communities, a lot of people say you don’t have the opportunities. [Burdekin Singers] gives an opportunity for teenagers and primary school kids to get up on the stage and perform in public,” Mr McVeigh said. 

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“When you’ve got someone like Monica who’s willing to be involved in the teaching and production processes, it gives a wonderful opportunity for younger people. She came through that system and is now paying it back.” 

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