Queenslanders from across the state have been recognised for their service, leadership and commitment to their communities as part of the 2026 QLD Day Awards, announced ahead of Queensland Day celebrations.
Presented by David Crisafulli at a ceremony in Brisbane, the awards acknowledge individuals and organisations whose efforts have left a lasting mark on communities throughout Queensland.
More than 600 nominations were submitted from across the state, highlighting a broad range of contributions in volunteering, community service, philanthropy, emergency response, advocacy and regional development.
Recipients were recognised across six categories: Local Legends, Count on a Queenslander, Philanthropic Great, Posthumous Great, Institution Great and Individual Great.
Among the Local Legends honoured were Marie Kirkby from Gatton, Thomas Pirie and Lyn Mansfield from the Gold Coast, Wayne Reiser from Canungra and Barbara Page from Townsville. The category recognises Queenslanders who have built strong community connections through years of volunteer work and local involvement.
Speaking after receiving her award, Barbara Page said volunteering had given her the opportunity to give back to the community while forming lifelong friendships. Her work has included support for local netball organisations and families staying at Ronald McDonald House Charities accommodation in North Australia.
Gold Coast resident Thomas Pirie, who was recognised for his community contribution and environmental work, said the award reflected the efforts of the people around him as much as his own achievements.
The Count on a Queenslander category celebrated people who have consistently stepped forward to support others. Recipients included Alina Graham from Quilpie, Russell Wall and Natalie Jarrott from the Sunshine Coast, and Thomas Sugget from Brisbane.
Russell Wall, a long-serving member of the State Emergency Service, reflected on more than five decades of volunteering following his experience during the 1974 floods. He said helping communities through storms, floods, searches and other emergencies had been a source of pride throughout his life.
Thomas Sugget highlighted the role volunteers play across Queensland, drawing on his experience with St John Queensland. He said working alongside fellow volunteers continued to inspire his commitment to community service.
The Philanthropic Great award went to Dr Mick Power AM, whose contributions through civil construction company BMD Group have extended beyond business into community support and charitable initiatives.
Posthumous Great honours were awarded to Sister Elizabeth Kenny and Jane Illin. Illin’s family said she would have been proud of the recognition, noting her work in growing Team Pink Feet from a small fundraising group into an international community supporting cancer research.
The Institution Great award was presented to the Royal National Agricultural and Industrial Association of Queensland, which is marking the 150th year of the Ekka. RNA President David Thomas said the recognition reflected the generations of Queenslanders who had helped build and sustain the state’s iconic agricultural show.
Major General Stephen Day received the Individual Great award. He described the recognition as a privilege and said it belonged equally to the soldiers, veterans and colleagues he had worked alongside throughout his career.
Premier Crisafulli said the recipients represented the spirit of Queensland through their willingness to support others and strengthen their communities over many years.
“These proud Queenslanders are the heartbeat of our State. They step forward when it matters most, bring communities together and leave a genuine impact on those around them,” he said.
The awards form a centrepiece of Queensland Day celebrations, providing an opportunity to acknowledge the people and organisations whose work often takes place quietly behind the scenes but has a lasting effect on communities across the state.
Further information about the recipients is available through the Queensland Day program.
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