Flinders Shire Australia Day 2026 Awards celebrate community spirit
Published on 27 January 2026
The Flinders Shire community came together yesterday to celebrate the outstanding achievements and contributions of its citizens at the Flinders Shire Australia Day 2026 Awards.
Held at the Hughenden Diggers Entertainment Centre, the event featured a free community breakfast, an Australian Citizenship ceremony, a keynote address from the Australia Day Ambassador, and the presentation of the 2026 Flinders Shire Australia Day Awards.
Flinders Shire Mayor Kate Peddle said Australia Day was a special opportunity to recognise the champions within the community.
“Australia Day is a time to celebrate the people who quietly and consistently make a difference in the lives of others,” Mayor Peddle said.
“Our award recipients represent the very best of the Flinders Shire – generosity, resilience, leadership and a genuine commitment to community.
“Whether it’s volunteering, responding in an emergency, or simply being there for a neighbour, these individuals and groups help make Flinders Shire a wonderful place to live, work and belong.”
This year’s Australia Day Ambassador, Justine Christerson, delivered a keynote address and assisted with award presentations.
Originally from Biloela, Justine relocated to Brisbane in 2012 and established a free support service for people required to travel for essential medical care. Her advocacy has helped improve the Patient Travel Subsidy Scheme, while her hands-on support includes meals, care packs and a free airport-to-hospital shuttle service. She was a Queensland Local Hero finalist in the 2016 Australian of the Year Awards.
Council thanked the National Australia Day Council and the Queensland Premier’s Department for facilitating Justine’s participation in the celebrations.
As part of the ceremony, Flinders Shire proudly welcomed one new Australian citizen, originally from New Zealand.
The recipients of the Flinders Shire Australia Day 2026 Awards were:
- Citizen of the Year – Kayleigh McIntosh: Recognised for her exceptional commitment as a community volunteer across numerous local clubs and organisations, including the Hughenden Railway Social Club, Lions Club, Gymnastics and the Pistol Club. Kayleigh’s leadership, reliability and compassion embody true community spirit.
- Junior Citizen of the Year – Lake McDonald: A dedicated young leader who has made a significant impact through his roles as Hughenden State School Captain and Student Council President, strengthening school-community connections and representing youth at civic events.
- Community Event of the Year – Hughenden Country Music Talent Festival: Now in its 33rd year, the Festival continues to support young artists, attract visitors from across Queensland and interstate, and reinvest all funds into future events through the dedication of local volunteers.
- Senior Sports Award – Renee Wearing: A long-standing competitor on the Show Circuit, Renee achieved multiple titles in 2025 including Champion Rider, Champion Hack and several Supreme Exhibits, while proudly representing the region across Queensland.
- Junior Sports Achievement Award – Dusty Brummell: An accomplished young athlete with standout achievements across rugby league, touch football and athletics, including selection for the Queensland State Rugby League Championships and a Man of the Match performance.
- Local Hero Awards:
- Sarah Lamshed, for her extraordinary compassion and willingness to support a community member in genuine need.
- Torrens Creek Rural Fire Brigade, for their courageous and coordinated response to a fire emergency that threatened the Torrens Creek township.
- Bronwyn Ballin, for her professionalism and resilience in managing a multi-casualty crash in a remote location with limited resources.
- Mateo Cave, whose calm thinking and bravery at just three and a half years old helped save his father’s life during a family emergency.
