2026 Australia Day Award Nominees Announced
Published on 22 January 2026
Burdekin Shire Council is pleased to announce the nominees for the 2026 Australia Day Awards, recognising outstanding individuals, groups and events who make exceptional contributions to the Burdekin community.
This year, Council received 42 nominations across 10 award categories, including:
Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year, Community Event of the Year, Lifetime Service, Volunteer of the Year, Senior & Junior Cultural, Senior & Junior Sportsperson of the Year, and Environment.
Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort said the calibre and number of nominees reflect the strength and spirit of the Burdekin community.
“Our region is home to so many remarkable people who continue to show leadership, compassion and genuine community pride,” Mayor Dalle Cort said
“This year’s nominees truly represent the heart of the Burdekin, and I thank each of them for the contribution they make to our community.
“We also look forward to welcoming our newest Australian citizens at this year’s naturalisation ceremony.
“Australia Day is not only a time to recognise the outstanding achievements of our community - it is also a day to celebrate those choosing the Burdekin, and our nation, as their home.”
Australia Day remains one of the nation’s most significant days for welcoming new citizens. As at 31 December 2025, more than 25,450 people from over 160 countries have been invited to attend one of more than 425 citizenship ceremonies held nationally as part of Australia Day events.
Of these, more than 18,800 people from over 150 countries have been invited to become Australian citizens on 26 January 2026 at one of more than 325 ceremonies being hosted across the country.
2026 Australia Day Award Nominees
- Andrew Ballin
- Christiana Bugeja
- Burdekin Catholic High School’s 2025 Leaders – Piper Grogan, Harrison Lammon, Nicholas Pengelly and Drea Piotto
- Cecillia Cason
- Anthony Drage
- Dolores Droguet
- Trevor Elton
- Debra Ferraris
- Flexi QLD
- Robyn Hewson
- Home Hill State High School
- Larry Hudson
- Susan Jerkic
- Jade Kelly
- Yvette Kelly
- Kellie Lawry
- Frank Nucifora (Snr)
- Louise Nicholas
- Grace Ogomeni
- Sam Perina
- Maryann Petersen
- Cheryl Platt
- Grayson Potter‑Geitz
- Luke Potter‑Geitz
- Osborne State School
- John Power
- Karin Thorburn
- Cruz Torkington
- Briella Wassmuth
Award recipients will be announced at the Burdekin Australia Day Awards Ceremony on 26 January 2026 at the Burdekin Memorial Hall at 4:00pm. Tickets are free but must be secured for catering purposes. Tickets can be purchased online via the Burdekin Theatre website or by phoning 4783 9880.