2026 Australia Day Awards celebrate community spirit across the Cassow
Published on 27 January 2026
The Cassowary Coast community came together to celebrate Australia Day at the 2026 Australia Day Awards, held at the Tully Country Club on Friday 23 January.
The evening celebrated the people who make the Cassowary Coast such a great place to live, recognising local individuals and groups whose dedication, generosity and community spirit continue to strengthen connections across the region.
2026 Australia Day Award recipients included:
• Citizen of the Year – Ken English
• Young Citizen of the Year – Caleb Wodzislawski
• Lifetime Contribution Award – Margaret Dineen
• Arts and Culture Award – Tales From Our Early Pioneers Bus Trip
• Community / Project of the Year – Tully Mill 100 Celebration
• Community Group Award – Cardwell RSL Sub Branch
• Innovation and Excellence Award – Dr Adele Pile
• STEM Award in Education – Callum Saunders
• Service to Sport Award – Shayne Cini
• Sportsperson of the Year – Kodi Worth
• Sustainable Environment Award – GBR Safaris, Girringun Aboriginal Corporation and Mandubarra Aboriginal Land and Sea Incorporated
• Young Arts and Culture Award – Oscar Van Haaren
• Young Sportsperson of the Year – Mackenzie Law
Mayor Teresa Millwood said the awards shine a light on the quiet achievers whose commitment strengthens the region year after year.
“These awards celebrate the inspiring individuals who work quietly and consistently to make life better for others. Their dedication is at the heart of what makes the Cassowary Coast such a special place to live,” Mayor Millwood said.
Councillor Trudy Tschui, who served as Master of Ceremonies for the evening, said the awards reflect the strength and generosity of local communities.
“The Australia Day Awards remind us that strong communities are built through kindness, collaboration and a willingness to serve. Every nominee and recipient should be incredibly proud of the difference they make in our towns and neighbourhoods,” Cr Tschui said.
Citizen of the Year, Ken English, was recognised for his exceptional voluntary leadership, personal sacrifice and sustained commitment to community safety in Cardwell. Mr English has played a pivotal role in restoring and operating the Cardwell Coast Guard Flotilla as a vital emergency service for the region.
As Commander of the Cardwell Coast Guard, Mr English led the flotilla’s recovery from closure to becoming a fully functioning and highly respected unit. He has personally contributed thousands of volunteer hours to vessel maintenance, base and yard upkeep, saving the organisation tens of thousands of dollars in servicing and repair costs and has logged more than 1,000 volunteer hours on radio watch alone.
Mr English has also coordinated marine rescues, training runs, crew rostering and radio operations, organised and led community fundraising activities, actively recruited new volunteers, and mentored members into leadership roles, including developing the current Deputy Commander. Alongside his wife Jackie, he has sacrificed personal time, holidays and weekends to ensure the flotilla remains operational and ready to assist vessels in distress.
“I would just like to say thank you, particularly to Matt and Mark for nominating me. I’d really like to thank the people of Cardwell and the many people who have contributed to the Coast Guard. I believe this award really reflects Cardwell and the people of the Coast Guard, past and present. All I can say is thank you,” Mr English said.
Young Citizen of the Year, Caleb Wodzislawski, was acknowledged for his strong commitment to volunteering and community involvement in Innisfail over the past three years.
Mr Wodzislawski has generously given his time to a range of local initiatives, including volunteering long hours at Riverfest to assist with event set-up, patron support, pack-down and supporting fellow volunteers. He has also helped community members by pressure washing properties and removing unwanted items, contributing to a cleaner and more welcoming local environment.
As a member of the Cassowary Coast Regional Council Youth Advisory Committee, Mr Wodzislawski actively contributes his ideas and perspectives to local decision-making. Through his consistent volunteer efforts, leadership and willingness to help others, he has made a meaningful and positive contribution to the social and civic life of the Innisfail community.
“This award is mostly from my involvement in Riverfest – and like my dad says, anything that is good for the community is good for us,” Mr Wodzislawski said.
For more information on the 2026 Australia Day Award recipient and nominees, visit: www.cassowarycoast.qld.gov.au/australiaday