Australia Day

Nominations are Now Open for the 2026 Australia Day Awards

Nominations are now open for the Cassowary Coast Regional Council’s 2026 Australia Day Awards, celebrating the incredible people, groups and organisations who go above and beyond for our community.

Mayor Teresa Millwood, said the awards are a chance to shine a spotlight on the hard work, dedication, and community spirit that thrive across the Cassowary Coast.

“Last year’s Australia Day Ceremony was so inspiring. The number of nominations showed just how much selfless service is given by volunteers and community groups across many areas of life. It was an honour to celebrate those who make our region a better place,” Mayor Millwood said.

“We’re now calling for nominations. Take a moment to think about someone you know, a neighbour, volunteer, sporting club, or community group, that deserves recognition. The 2026 Awards are your chance to put them in the spotlight.”

To make the most of the long weekend, the Australia Day Awards Ceremony will be held on Friday 23 January 2026, just ahead of Australia Day on Monday 26 January. More details on the ceremony will be shared in the new year via Council’s social media, website and local radio.

Nominate Now!

For full award categories and nomination guidelines, visit Council’s website or call our friendly team on 1300 763 903 for assistance.

2026 Australia Day Award categories include:

• Citizen of the Year
• Young Citizen of the Year
• Lifetime Contribution
• Community Event / Project of the Year
• Community Group Award
• Sports Person of the Year
• Young Sports Person of the Year
• Service to Sports Award
• Arts and Culture Award
• Young Arts and Culture Award
• Sustainable Environment Award
• Young Sustainable Environment Award
• Achievement Award
• Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) in Education Award
• Young Entrepreneur/s Award
• First Nations’ Fire Award
• Excellence and Innovation Award

 

2025 Australia Day Awards Celebrate Dedication and Service Across the Cassowary Coast

Cassowary Coast Regional Council hosted an unforgettable evening on Thursday to honour the region’s most dedicated and selfless individuals at the 2025 Australia Day Awards.

The event brought together community members to celebrate exceptional recipients who have gone above and beyond to make a difference in the Cassowary Coast. The awards recognised those who truly embody the spirit of community.

The 2025 Australia Day Awards highlighted not only the achievements of this year’s recipients but also the enduring power of community spirit and collaboration.

Australia Day 2025 Award Winners

2025 Australia Day Awards

Awards Category	Nominees	Winners
Citizen of the Year	Susan Metcalfe Kerry Linton Helen & Terrence Walsh	Helen & Terry Walsh
Young Citizen of the Year	Charlize Gee Kai Greven Gabrielle Doyle Grace O’Kane	Grace O'Kane
Lifetime Contribution	Gordon Robertson	Gordon Robertson
Community Event / Project of the Year	Tully 100 Centenary Celebrations Currajah Bike Show Paradise Run – Mission Beach	Tully 100 Centenary Celebrations
Community Group Award	Tully Mission Beach Local Ambulance Committee Cardwell and District Pickleball Club Tully 100 – Oral History Steering Committee Tully Meals on Wheels	Tully Meals on Wheels
Young Sports Person of the Year	Ruby Torrisi Dominic Franco Lahni Madsen Ellie Gracie Kaeden Ketchell Shaun Riley Jack Calleja Kyuss Barba	Shaun Riley
Sports Person of the Year	Dylan Crema Louise Hoskins	Dylan Crema and Louise Hoskins
Service to Sport Award	Alana Witt	Alana Witt
Arts and Culture Award	Rosaria (Sara) Hughes	Rosaria (Sara) Hughes
Young Arts and Culture Award	Michelle Di Faveri	Michelle Di Faveri
Young Sustainable Environment Award	Goondoi Junior Ranger Program	Goondoi Junior Ranger Program
Sustainable Environment Award	Micheal Anderson	Micheal Anderson
First Nations Fire Award	Mitchell Martin	Mitchell Martin
Achievement Award	Karen Taylor Caterina (Tina) Payne	Karen Taylor and Caterina (Tina) Payne

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