More than 40 locals have been nominated for the 2026 Australia Day Awards, honouring the outstanding community contributions that continue to shape and strengthen the Bundaberg Region.
Each year, the awards celebrate those whose actions and initiatives make the region stronger, more vibrant and more inclusive.
This year’s nominations include five community groups and 37 individuals who were selected through a public submission process in six categories:
- Citizen of the Year
- Young Citizen of the Year
- Senior Citizen of the Year
- Sportsperson of the Year
- Creative Citizen of the Year
- Community Group of the Year
Mayor Helen Blackburn said the nominations revealed the scale of talent and dedication across the Bundaberg Region.
“Every year we see new stories of people stepping up in extraordinary ways and 2026 is no different,” Mayor Blackburn said.
“From young leaders inspiring their peers to long-standing volunteers who have given decades of service, these nominations reflect the diversity, resilience and heart of our community.
“This year’s nominees show us what’s possible when creativity, compassion and commitment come together – they are building a stronger Bundaberg for generations to come,” she said.
All nominees will be honoured at the official 2026 Australia Day Awards ceremony on Friday 23 January at the Bundaberg Multiplex from 3 pm for a 3.30 pm start.
An independent panel made up of community members will evaluate each nominee’s contribution to the community and announce the winners based on a carefully designed judging matrix.
Mayor Blackburn congratulated the 2026 award nominees.
“A huge congratulations to everyone who has been recognised this year,” she said.
“To be nominated is already a powerful acknowledgement of the difference you’ve made and each of you should feel proud of the positive impact you’ve had on the Bundaberg Region.”
The 2026 Australia Day Awards nominees are:
Citizen of the Year:
- Andrew Gifford
- Anita Ellery
- Belinda Nunn
- David Facer
- Dr Colin Limpus (PSM)
- Dr Katrina Maree Lane-Krebs
- Hermina Conradie
- Jennifer Lynn
- Jo Leveritt
- Julie McCracken
- Raymond (Max) Charles Francis
Young Citizen of the Year:
- Harrison Titmarsh
- Hollie Cleaver
- Nikkiya Broome-Tiger
Senior Citizen of the Year:
- Betty Hawkins
- Keith Brown
- Lester Anthony Lewis
- Lucy Smith
- Michael Leonard Tanner
- Ron Myler
- Rosalind Sutherland-Fraser
- Sandra Rattray
Sportsperson of the Year:
- David Delpratt
- Graham Bernard Lucke
- Mia Bradley
- Michael Ebert
- Paige Hogan
- Rachel Faye Mollenghagen
Creative Citizen of the Year:
- Alice McLaughlin
- Christie Jacobsen
- Jassy Watson
- Melissa Bayntun
- Rebecca Hutchins
- Robert Parr
- Rod Ainsworth
- Ross Driver
- Suzy Evans
Community Group of the Year:
- All Abilities Football
- Bundaberg and District Neighbourhood Centre
- Bundaberg And District Australian Filipino Association Inc.
- Next Level Youth Jam
- Playhouse Theatre
For more information about the awards and categories visit Council’s website here.
