Extraordinary locals honoured at 2026 Australia Day Awards

Krystal DeMaid – Access and Inclusion Achievement Award:

Krystal is an extraordinary community member whose resilience, courage and determination have made her a powerful advocate for access, inclusion and possibility. After a fall led to a diagnosis of Functional Neurological Disease and paralysis from the waist down, Krystal chose not to be defined by her circumstances. Instead, she made it her mission to challenge stigma, reshape perceptions of disability and show others what is possible with perseverance and hope.

A passionate voice for inclusion, disability awareness and mental health, Krystal participates in national advocacy efforts while also mentoring others one-on-one. As a youth advocate and lived-experience mentor, she supports people navigating rehabilitation, reminding them that there is life – rich, full and meaningful – after spinal injury. Her compassion, honesty and lived wisdom have helped many find strength during their most vulnerable moments.

Krystal’s sporting achievements are equally inspiring. Since taking up wheelchair basketball in 2019, she has progressed at remarkable speed, earning bronze and silver medals, a major trophy and recognition as one of the sport’s rising talents. Her performance with the Mackay Machines caught the attention of Australia’s national women’s team, the Comets, who invited her to join their squad. She now proudly hopes to earn a place in the 2025 Women’s National Wheelchair Basketball Team.

Krystal was also the first woman in Mackay to complete the 21km Marina Run in a wheelchair – overcoming a mid-race setback and still finishing in record time. She continues to challenge herself through events such as the River to Reef Ride, Run for Mi Life, the Mackay Twilight City Run, Parkrun and many other events, all while holding a dream of representing Australia at the Paralympic Games.

Krystal’s advocacy, athletic excellence and unwavering spirit make her an inspiration to all and an exceptional nominee for the 2026 Brenden Borellini Access and Inclusion Achievement Award.

Dr Alison Pighills – Environmental Achievement Award:

Alison Pighills’ rural property near Mount Jukes hums with the sounds of life – wallabies, possums, koalas and the occasional bird, all recovering from injury. For almost a decade, Alison has dedicated her time to rehabilitating native wildlife, giving hundreds of animals a second chance at life in the wild. She’s released more than 100 wallabies back into the wild. Alison’s work as the treasurer and koala coordinator for Fauna Rescue Whitsundays (FRW) started with a love for possums. In 2016, she began caring for the marsupials, and her passion soon grew to include wallabies and, eventually, koalas. She has taken on her most ambitious project yet – a koala rehabilitation centre. The sanctuary features a medical treatment room, an isolation area for sick or infectious koalas and an outdoor space where the animals can practice foraging on native trees. In April 2025, the Fauna Rescue Whitsundays Koala and Wildlife Rehabilitation Facility was officially opened. This is an enclosed 40-metre by 40-metre area of native bushland with a specialised koala perimeter fence, allowing injured and orphaned koalas to fully rehabilitate before being released. Alison’s property is not just a sanctuary; it’s a lifeline for countless animals.

Nicole Thomson – Arts and Culture Award:

Nicole Thomson is one of the quiet driving forces behind performing arts in Mackay. She is a leader whose dedication elevates everyone around her. She gives an extraordinary amount of her time, energy and expertise to local performers, students and creative projects, enriching our region’s cultural life in profound and lasting ways.

In 2025 alone, Nicole played a pivotal role in several major community and professional productions at the MECC. She worked closely with Mackay Choral Society members on Sisters Are Doing It for Themselves, helping organise rehearsals, guiding vocal preparation and supporting singers as they stepped onstage alongside professional artists from The Little Red Company. Her calm leadership and meticulous preparation ensured our local performers felt confident, welcomed and ready to shine.

Nicole’s longstanding collaboration with Opera Australia also continued through the Mackay season of La Bohème. As leader of the children’s chorus, she managed months of rehearsals, coordinated families and schedules, and taught complex music – all while nurturing a safe, encouraging environment.

Beyond the stage, Nicole played an essential role in the Mackay Choral Society’s 80th anniversary year, including Carols by Candlelight and the ambitious Exchange for Peace international collaboration with Malaysian musicians – one of Mackay’s most significant cultural events.

Her impact on musical theatre is equally strong. Nicole has served as Musical Director for CQUniversity productions such as Legally Blonde and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, as well as Mackay Musical Comedy Players’ Evita. She builds confidence and capability at every level, from emerging performers to seasoned community artists.

Nationally recognised, Nicole presented research at the ANATS Conference in Melbourne and was nominated for the prestigious Lynette Denny Award.

But what truly sets Nicole apart is her warmth, humility and belief in people. She doesn’t seek the spotlight – she creates it for others. Nicole’s leadership has shaped Mackay’s cultural identity and created life-changing opportunities for countless performers.

Mackay parkrun – Community Group Award:

Mackay parkrun is a free, fun and friendly 5km community event which occurs every Saturday morning at 7am at Mackay Botanic Gardens. It has been conducted 466 times since it began in Mackay and it is entirely organised by volunteers. This event could not occur without the amazing contribution of Christine Davies and Michael Vella and the many volunteers that contribute to each event. Mackay parkrun is an all-inclusive and safe environment where you can run, walk, jog, volunteer or spectate. It is welcoming and inclusive, there is no time limit and no one finishes last. It regularly has between 200 and 400 participants each Saturday and because of the success of the Mackay parkrun, a second event in Bucasia, Seaview parkrun, was started and has become a regular fixture of the Northern Beaches weekend. Mackay parkrun has become an amazing way for the community to come together while building friendships and improving residents’ heath. It has developed into a community of cheerleaders and celebrations and is a valuable and very much appreciated event in our community calendar.

Ayla Moon – Young Sports Award:

At just 14 years old, Ayla is already establishing herself as one of Australia’s most exciting young middle-distance runners and a genuine talent to watch as we look ahead to Brisbane 2032. Her performances throughout 2024 and 2025 have been nothing short of remarkable.

At the Athletics North Queensland Championships in Townsville in September 2025, Ayla was awarded the prestigious Charlie Doyle Award for Best Female Middle-Distance Runner. Across an impressive program of four events – the 200m, 400m, 800m and 1500m – she claimed gold in the 400m, 800m and 1500m, and secured silver in the 200m. She also broke championship records in both the 400m and 800m, underscoring her extraordinary potential.

In October 2025, Ayla won the 400m at the inaugural Run With Cathy Freeman event, competing against female high school athletes from across the Mackay district. She continued her outstanding form at the Australian All Schools Championships in December, winning the Under 14 400m national title and placing second in the 800m.

Ayla’s achievements build on an exceptional 2024, where she was named Junior Female Sports Person of the Year at Holy Spirit College, represented Queensland in both Track and Field and Cross Country.

More than her results, Ayla is admired for her humility, work ethic and willingness to support athletes of all ages. Her coaches praise her commitment and her determination to give 100 per cent – qualities that make her not only a champion athlete, but a role model for her sport.

Daniel Mayfeld – Senior Sports Award:

In a time when fewer adults are finding the capacity to volunteer their time, energy and skills, Danny Mayfield stands out as a remarkable exception. His dedication to hockey has inspired children and adult players to play hockey and strengthened the sense of community within Mackay’s hockey family.

Danny’s journey began as a talented school hockey player, progressing steadily through local and state pathways to represent both Mackay and Queensland across multiple age groups. His playing career reached an exceptional milestone with his selection in the Australian Masters team – a testament to his skill and commitment.

But Danny’s greatest impact has come through coaching. Over many years, he has guided countless boys’ and girls’ teams in the local competition and at representative level. His work with Mackay’s Under 14 boys at the Queensland titles has been particularly outstanding, combining tactical expertise with patience, encouragement and perseverance. His involvement extends to indoor hockey, where he helped organise and coach programs, leading the Under 18 boys’ indoor team to a state championship in 2023. His efforts have also been recognised with selection as a Queensland coach.

Beyond the field, Danny has served tirelessly on the executive of the Mackay School Hockey Association, always ready to lend his time wherever it is needed. His dedication, leadership and passion continue to elevate the sport and inspire all who play it.

Edie Weiss – Lori Burgess Community Volunteer Award:

Edie has been a Crisis Supporter with Lifeline Australia for 25 years. Through this role, she has been actively involved in Grapevine Suicide Prevention and Run for Mi Life initiatives. Her commitment to suicide prevention extends into the wider Mackay community, where she regularly presents SafeTALK training to diverse groups. In addition, Edie facilitates the two-day ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training) program, delivering this vital training to a broad range of participants, particularly those who work closely with individuals who may be experiencing crisis within our community. Edie’s passion lies in suicide prevention, driven by a strong vision to create awareness, encourage open conversations, and reduce stigma surrounding mental health and suicide. Beyond her training and crisis support roles, Edie has continued to support vulnerable communities through community recovery initiatives. This has included providing communication and emotional support to individuals isolated by natural disasters. Lifeline supports more than 3500 people every week. Over the past 25 years, Edie’s unwavering commitment to crisis support and suicide prevention represents an extraordinary contribution to the wellbeing of our community. Her dedication to preventing loss of life and supporting those in need is truly commendable and deserving of recognition.

Amelia Bishop – Young Citizen Award:

Amelia Bishop is an outstanding young leader who embodies commitment, compassion and community spirit through her extensive volunteer and leadership roles. She actively contributes to the Mackay community through her involvement in Eimeo Surf Lifesaving Club patrols, Mackay Road Runners and the Mackay Marina Run. Within her school community, Amelia serves as the School Captain Elect for 2026, President of the Zonta Club, Year 1 Reading Program Coordinator and SONY Camp Companion. She has also made significant contributions to the arts, sport and debating programs, reflecting her diverse talents and strong sense of service. Amelia is also a young entrepreneur, having founded a successful Indigenous scrunchie business at just 11 years old. Through her online platform, she has showcased creativity, business skills and cultural pride, promoting Indigenous-designed products while inspiring other young people to explore enterprise and self-determination. In recognition of her leadership and community involvement, Amelia was invited to speak at the Mackay Rats of Tobruk commemorative service, where she represented the youth of Mackay with dignity and respect.

She was also the recipient of the ADF Long Tan Youth Leadership and Teamwork Award (2024), acknowledging her commitment to service, teamwork and upholding the values of integrity and resilience. Her dedication and achievements extend beyond her local community. In 2025 she was selected to attend the Australian National University Indigenous Summer School in Canberra and the Queensland Surf Lifesaving Youth Excellence Leadership Program. Her creative talents were recognised when she was awarded First Place in the Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Foundation (QATSIF) Arts Competition for her poetry. Driven by a passion for Indigenous health and wellbeing, Amelia has undertaken work experience placements at ATSICHS Mackay and the Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service, furthering her aspirations to pursue a career in Indigenous Health. Amelia demonstrates exceptional leadership, service and cultural pride, making her a highly deserving nominee for the Young Citizen of the Year award.

Col Benson – Citizen of the Year:

Col stands as one of the true pillars of service in the Mackay community – a man whose life has been defined by dedication, humility and an unwavering commitment to others. A Vietnam War veteran and long-serving member of the Royal Australian Air Force, he has spent more than 40 years strengthening the work of the Mackay RSL Sub-branch and supporting veterans and families across our region. As Senior Vice-President, and formerly Vice-President, his leadership continues to shape how Mackay honours its history and cares for those who have served.

Col plays a central role in organising some of the most significant commemorations in our community. ANZAC Day, Remembrance Day, Victory in Europe Day, Victory in the Pacific Day, the Rats of Tobruk ceremony, the Bakers Creek Memorial and the annual tribute to the 29 lives lost in the Fokker Friendship crash – each of these deeply significant occasions is honoured with unwavering care because of Col’s heartfelt commitment. His guidance ensures every ceremony is delivered with the solemnity, dignity and reverence our shared history deserves, offering our community a moment to pause, remember and truly feel the weight of the sacrifices that shaped us.

Months of planning go into every service and, through his efforts, the stories and sacrifices of Australia’s servicemen and women continue to be honoured with the reverence they deserve.

Equally important is Col’s contribution to education. He visits schools across the region, sharing Australia’s military history with young people and ensuring that the ANZAC spirit lives on in future generations. His talks foster gratitude, understanding and a strong connection to our nation’s past.

Perhaps most profound is the support Col gives to veterans and their families during their hardest moments. Whether guiding them toward mental health care, providing financial or accommodation assistance or delivering moving poppy services at funerals – complete with a personalised eulogy, the Ode, and final tributes – Col offers compassion when it is needed most.

Through his integrity, service and steadfast commitment to Australian values, Col embodies the very best of our community. He is truly an outstanding Citizen of the Year.