Mackay region asked to celebrate unsung heroes for Australia Day

Published on 06 October 2026

Council is calling for the community to shine a light on our unsung heroes, community volunteers, inspirational sportspeople and local legends.

Now is the time to nominate residents for the 2027 Australia Day Awards.

The awards will be presented at an elegant afternoon celebration featuring canapés, refreshments and live entertainment on Sunday, January 24, 2027, at the MECC North Foyer.

Mayor Williamson said there had been so many tremendous nominations last year and our region was extremely lucky to have so many amazing groups and individuals that stepped up for our community.

“We had 186 nominations across the nine categories at the 2026 awards and the calibre of winners was simply outstanding,” Mayor Williamson said.

“Citizen of the Year Col Benson was recognised for more than four decades of service supporting veterans and preserving our military history, while Young Citizen of the Year Amelia Bishop impressed with her leadership, volunteering and commitment to Indigenous health and cultural pride,” he said.

“We also celebrated inspiring people like Lori Burgess Community Volunteer Award recipient Edie Weiss, who was recognised for her extraordinary 25-year commitment to Lifeline Australia and suicide prevention, and Brenden Borellini Access and Inclusion Achievement Award winner Krystal DeMaid, whose advocacy and sporting achievements are breaking down barriers and changing perceptions of disability.”

Citizen of the Year, Mr Benson, said he was so shocked on the night to have received the award.

“To be in a room full of worthy and outstanding citizens, I was just shocked when my name was read out,” Mr Benson said.

“I certainly don’t do the work I do for recognition. I see it as a duty to all the veterans and families both past and present,” he said.

“I certainly would say to everyone out there to nominate someone out there who is putting in the effort behind the scenes and deserves a little recognition.”

Mayor Williamson said nominating someone for an Australia Day Award took just minutes and was as simple as filling out a nomination form on council's website or grabbing a hard copy at council's customer service centres.

“One thing that every nominee says each year is just how much it means to them to be nominated and recognised for the work they do,” he said.

“If there's someone you know who goes above and beyond for our community or is achieving great things, then please recognise them today with a nomination.”

There are nine categories to nominate in: Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year, Arts and Culture, Environmental and Sustainability Achievement, Lori Burgess Community Volunteer, Brenden Borellini Access and Inclusion Achievement, Community Group, Senior Sports and Young Sports Award.

Nominations close November 30, 2026.

Online nominations can be found at mackay.qld.gov.au/australiaday

The Australia Day Awards are proudly sponsored by P. Comino and Sons and Tropical Exposure and are supported by StarFM and 4MK radio and 7NEWS Mackay.