Burdekin Shire Council celebrates 2026 Australia Day Award recipients

Published on 26 January 2026

Burdekin Shire Council is proud to announce the recipients of the 2026 Australia Day Awards, recognising the remarkable achievements and contributions of individuals and groups across our community.

The 2026 Citizen of the Year Award was presented to Frank Nucifora, whose extraordinary dedication to the Burdekin spans more than six decades.

After migrating from Sicily in the 1950’s, Frank helped build several long-standing local businesses while becoming a highly respected and valued member of the community. Frank is a valued parishioner who has spent decades supporting his church through hands‑on help at events, BBQs and community activities. For 60 years, Frank has been a committed member of the Rotary Club of Ayr, serving in roles including President, Treasurer and long‑standing Foundation Chair. He has been recognised twice as a Paul Harris Fellow and continues to actively support key Rotary programs and events such as the annual Duck Race, local phone book distribution, and the delivery of Rotary Christmas cakes to charities.

Frank has played an instrumental role in major Rotary projects including Meals on Wheels, the development of Plantation Park, the Living Lagoon at the Burdekin Theatre, and international humanitarian initiatives and remains one of Rotary’s most active and generous volunteers. At 86 years of age, Frank continues to attend work daily. His leadership, generosity and quiet strength have left an enduring legacy across Rotary and the wider Burdekin community, embodying the true spirit of service and perfectly representing what it means to be Citizen of the Year

As part of his recognition, Frank was presented with a framed aerial photograph of the Burdekin Bridge, captured by Mark McDonald of Burdekin Drones.

The 2026 Young Citizen of the Year was awarded to Grace Ogomeni for her outstanding achievements in academics, sport, cultural contributions and community service.

Grace is an exceptional young leader whose contributions across academics, sport, cultural engagement and community service exemplify the highest standards of dedication and character. Grace served as School and House Captain in 2025, represented on the Student Council and achieved exceptional academic results including a Level One Academic Award and Dux of Accounting, Biology, Chemistry and Business Studies. Grace excelled in sport, earning the Lloyd Memorial Sportswoman of the Year, Home Hill State High School Female Senior Sportsperson of the Year, and Burdekin Secondary Schools Athletic Age Champion titles. She represented Burdekin Netball at State Age, participated in NQ State Netball Trials, and was selected to trial for PNG Netball. Her cultural and community involvement includes serving twice as Drama Festival emcee, volunteering for Clean Up Australia Day and NAIDOC Day, participating in Stand Up Sleep Out and Shave for a Cure, taking part in ANZAC Day ceremonies, and serving on the Student Ball Committee.

Grace has been recognised as an Olympic Change Maker Award Winner, an ADF Leadership Award recipient, and a Lions Youth of the Year Runner Up. She recently received an offer to study a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery at James Cook University.

The 2026 Australia Day Awards not only included the announcement of our Citizen of the Year Frank Nucifora, Young Citizen of the Year Grace Ogomeni, and Community Event of the Year Home Hill State High School – Ag Precinct Community Open Day, but also honoured the recipients of this year’s Sportsperson and Cultural Awards, as well as the Burdekin’s 2026 Volunteer of the Year and Lifetime of Service Awards.

Burdekin Shire Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort said we are once again fortunate to have dedicated individuals and groups whose passion, service and commitment continue to strengthen our region.

“The 2026 Australia Day Awards provide a wonderful opportunity to recognise and celebrate the exceptional people who make the Burdekin such a vibrant and supportive place to live,” Mayor Dalle Cort said.

“I congratulate all our nominees and recipients. Your dedication, leadership and community spirit enrich the lives of those around you, and our region is stronger because of your contributions.”

Full list of 2026 award recipients

Citizen of the Year — Frank Nucifora
Young Citizen of the Year — Grace Ogomeni
Young Citizen of the Year – Achievement Award — Grayson Potter‑Geitz
Community Event of the Year — Home Hill State High School – Ag Precinct Community Open Day
Volunteer of the Year — Trevor Elton
Volunteer of the Year – Achievement Award — John Power
Junior Cultural Award — Cecillia Cason
Senior Cultural Award — Larry Hudson
Senior Cultural Achievement Award — Cheryl Platt
Junior Sportsperson of the Year — Luke Potter‑Geitz
Senior Sportsperson of the Year — Karin Thorburn
Environment Award – Anthony Drage
Lifetime Service – Gold Award — Dolores Droguet, John Power and Frank Nucifora
Lifetime Service – Silver Award — Robyn Hewson, Maryann Petersen

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Phone: (07) 4783 9903