Australia Day Nominations Announced!

On every street in the Hinchinbrook Shire, there is someone who makes life a little brighter. Someone who lends a hand, leads the way, and quietly strengthens the fabric of our community. This year, those stories have come flooding in, and they tell a powerful story about the heart of Hinchinbrook. A total of 27 nominations across eight categories have been received for the 2026 Australia Day Awards, each one recognising an individual or group who embodies the very best of Hinchinbrook. Continued on page 2 PAGE 2 HEADING: 50 Stories Of Heart, Strength And Community This Australia Day From flood-time heroes who stepped up during the 2025 floods, to volunteers, mentors, young leaders and everyday community champions, these 27 nominations reflect resilience, compassion and an unwavering commitment to others. As a one-off recognition, Council has introduced a new category to recognise those who went above and beyond to support the Hinchinbrook community during the January and February 2025 floods. It’s about acknowledging the practical help, leadership, and selfless service shown during one of the shire’s toughest times. There won’t be an overall winner in this category — 24 recipients will be recognised for the incredible difference they made. Hinchinbrook Shire Council Mayor Ramon Jayo said the awards are about saying thank you to the people who keep the community strong. “Our nominees and recipients tell the story of people who often work quietly, without fuss, but always with heart and the community at the centre of everything they do,” Mayor Jayo said. “They are lending a hand, volunteering in tough times, young people showing courage, and locals who go the extra mile simply because it’s the right thing to do. “That says a lot about who we are. We are a community that values commitment, service and leadership.” Join Hinchinbrook for the free 2026 Australia Day celebrations on Monday, 26th of January 2026, starting with an Australian Concert, Citizenship Ceremony and Official Awards Presentation from 9am at Hinchinbrook Shire Hall, followed by a free Making Waves Australia Day Pool Party with sausage sizzle, cake, DJ and activities from 11:30am to 4pm at the Hinchinbrook Aquatic Centre. The 2026 Making Waves Australia Day Pool Party is a Hinchinbrook Shire Council and Hinchinbrook Aquatic Centre event, assisted by the Australian Government through the National Australia Day Council. Bookings for both events are not required. For more information, call (07) 4776 4600. Bigger Sub Heading: Nominees for 2026 Hinchinbrook Shire Australia Day Awards For the extensive and descriptive list of the nominations, please go online and view at: (link to full description article) Junior Sports Award nominees Liam Fascetti Levi Murray Junior Cultural Award nominees Indiana Guy Senior Cultural Award Janice Carr Madeleine D’Urso Individual Achievement Award Janice Carr Leonardo Chiesa Madeleine D’Urso Vera Di Bella Sharon Fighera Robert Muller Rina Zatta Community Event of the Year Award 2025 Ingham Maraka Festival by the Ingham Maraka Festival Committee 2025 Sportstar Awards by the Ingham Lions Club Shire Young Citizen Award Gemma Di Bella Keldon Fletcher Victoria Velton Shire Citizen Award Janice Carr Travis Cauchi Carina Chesson Leonardo Chiesa Daniel Cordner Sam Cosentino Madeleine D’Urso Vera Di Bella Coral Gard Sharon Fighera 2025 Flood Hero Recognition recipients Evlyn Bailey Victor Bligh Robert Bonassi Kerri-Ann Burnell Ian Cameron Daniel Castorina Travis Cauchi Carina Chesson Daniel Cordner Madeleine D’Urso Francis Debono Keldon Fletcher Andrew Giliberto Halifax Hotel’s Joe and Luke Ingham Lions Club Russell Kealy Paul Longbottom Jeff McMurray Robert Morris Don Pollock Greg Sexton Luke Shepherdson Gio Tantalo Luke Venables