2026 Australia Day Awards
Congratulations to our 2026 Australia Day Award winners!
The Rockhampton Region Australia Day Awards celebrate the achievements and contributions of individuals and organisations in our Region.
These awards are an opportunity to publicly acknowledge those who have made an extraordinary contribution or are an outstanding achiever.
2026 Citizen of the Year – Shirley Mathers
Shirley Mathers has spent a lifetime serving the community and has the well-earned the title of “fundraising extraordinaire”. A driving force behind the Rockhampton PCYC, she helped raise more than $500 000 – the equivalent of $3.4 million today – to build the Stapleton Park Facility and has volunteered for the club for 50 years. Shirley has been on the organising committee for many community events including all 5 Rockhampton City Games and convened State, National and International competitions in Rockhampton.
For 45 years, Shirley coached, managed and officiated Trampoline Gymnastics. Along with her late husband Ken, they led Queensland teams to national championships for 20 years, while fundraising to ensure no child missed out due to cost. Her generosity, leaderships and lifelong commitment make her a truly deserving Citizen of the Year.
2026 Young Citizen of the Year – Shikira Stehbens
Shikira Stehbens has spent more than 12 years contributing to agriculture, youth development and poultry showing across Queensland and Australia. Starting at 14, as a way to manage her anxiety in talking to people, Shikira went on to win major titles, including becoming the first Queenslander in 150 years to win the National Young Judges Poultry Competition and a milestone win in 2024, when one of her birds won Reserve Bantam Hard Feather and was placed in Champion Row at the Ekka. She now serves as a poultry judge and Central Queensland delegate.
In 2024 she also won both the Rockhampton Agricultural Show Rural Ambassador and Central Queensland Sub‑Chamber titles, revitalised the Rockhampton Poultry Pavilion, introduced poultry education in local schools, and continued her work with Queensland Ag Shows Next Generation. As the region’s only female Thoroughbred and Greyhound Racing Steward, her leadership and service make her a deserving Young Citizen of the Year.
Mayoral Commendation for Civic Excellence - Fitzroy Community Hospice
The Fitzroy Community Hospice is the only hospice for the Rockhampton and Central Queensland regions. The service has provided care and compassion to hundreds of patients and families going through end-of-life care since opening in June 2024. Support services are available for patients, families and carers, including social and emotional support, pastoral care, and cultural support.
The hospice provides onsite care in a purpose-built home-like facility, with care provided to anyone over the age of 18 with an advanced life-limiting condition, not just those with cancer. Many of the staff are volunteers and help with bereavement sessions, remembrance services and fundraising.
Mayoral Commendation for Civic Excellence - Uncle George James
Uncle George James, fondly known as Uncle George or U.G., is a respected Darumbal Elder whose cultural leadership has shaped Rockhampton and Central Queensland. From his school days through a 37-year rail career and decades of volunteer service, he has championed inclusion, wellbeing, and cultural heritage.
A key figure in the Darumbal People’s Native Title journey, Uncle George helped achieve the landmark 2016 determination and, at the 2020 land return ceremony, emphasized connecting youth to culture through stories, language, and time on Country.
As former chair of the Darumbal People Aboriginal Corporation, he strengthened governance and created opportunities for employment and training. For nearly 40 years, he has volunteered with Queensland Ambulance Service, representing divisions on advisory committees and advocating for First Nations health equity. Uncle George’s enduring legacy is one of cultural strength, leadership, and service to community.
Mayoral Commendation for Civic Excellence - David Barber
David Barber has been a Rockhampton resident all his life and played soccer for most of it also. For the last 20 years he’s been the captain of the Australian Paralympic football team, the Pararoos, and in December he played his 100th match for Australia.
In 2024 he was named Pararoo of the Year and Football Queensland Athlete with a Disability of the Year. In July 2025 he represented Australia in the CP Football World Cup in Spain, where he scored his 70th international goal for Australia. As well as his busy international football schedule, he still played locally for Frenchville, which he’s been doing for more than 15 years.
Community Service Award – Greg Heath
Greg Heath has spent more than five decades strengthening the Kalapa community, serving 15 years on the Kalapa Hall and Sports Committee—now as president—while playing a hands‑on role in maintaining and improving the local hall. He has also been a long‑time member of the Kalapa Rural Fire Brigade, treasurer of the Wycarbah and District Landcare group, and an active supporter of groups such as the Kalapa CWA, Stanwell Progress Association and Westwood Hall.
As a trusted advocate on the Moah Creek Community Consultative Committee, Greg has provided balanced and practical community perspectives during major infrastructure changes. His unwavering commitment to local connection, resilience and community wellbeing makes him a deserving recipient of the Community Service Award.
Sportsperson of the Year – Stephen Kele
Stephen Kele has proudly represented Rockhampton, Queensland and Australia in mallet sport, progressing from joining the Rockhampton Mallet Sports Club in 2015 to becoming its president. After first travelling to Hong Kong in 2017 for a friendly Gateball match, he went on to compete for Australia in New Zealand in 2019 and was part of the runner‑up team at the 2023 National Championships.
In 2024 Stephen captained the Australian team at the Gateball National Championships in Hangzhou, China, and led Rockhampton to a runner‑up finish at the Australian Championships. He later won the 2025 Gate‑board of the Year trophy. Alongside his sporting achievements, he contributes extensively to the running and maintenance of the club. His dedication and leadership make him a worthy Sportsperson of the Year.
Junior Sportsperson of the Year – Annalea Taylor
Annalea Taylor may be just 14, but she has already made a significant impact on karate in Rockhampton. Training since age six, she has earned top state results, achieved her second black belt, and secured a place on the Australian team. She was named Best Junior Performer at the Nihon Shotokan Rockhampton Awards and will represent Australia at the 2026 World Championships in Turkey.
Alongside her competitive success, Annalea helps teach junior classes twice a week, inspiring younger athletes and giving back to the sport she loves. Her dedication, talent and leadership make her a deserving Junior Sportsperson of the Year.
Sports Official of the Year – Shannon Roati
Shannon Roati has shown tireless dedication to community sport, serving as president of the Rockhampton Panthers from 2015 and later as treasurer, while also coaching reserve teams and the under‑13s. He is a trusted mentor to players of all ages, helping shape their development both on and off the field.
Beyond coaching, Shannon has led major improvements to local sporting facilities, particularly the Rockhampton Cricket Grounds, where he has volunteered countless hours to create a shared, inclusive space for cricket and football. His leadership, passion and impact on community sport make him a deserving Sports Official of the Year.
Arts & Culture Award – Jodie Hiron
Jodie Hiron has spent 34 years inspiring the Region’s young musicians as a mentor and choir conductor, with her choirs consistently excelling at the Rockhampton Eisteddfod. She has twice been named the event’s most outstanding vocal conductor and has coached students for eisteddfods since 1991.
Her influence extends well beyond the theatre, organising the Education Queensland Music Teacher Network Group, coordinating the Rockhampton Choral Festival, and conducting the Rockhampton Musical Union Youth Choir, which has won champion youth choir at the Queensland Eisteddfod. Jodie has also contributed to local musical theatre as an assistant vocal director. Her dedication to nurturing Rockhampton’s young performers makes her a deserving recipient of the Arts & Culture Award.
Community Initiative/Event – Moo & Coo
Moo and Coo is a vital not‑for‑profit organisation supporting some of the most vulnerable people in the Rockhampton community. Through their op shop and donated goods, they assist those experiencing homelessness, domestic violence and reintegration after prison, working closely with local agencies and the Department of Housing.
Moo & Coo provide referral recipients with essential packages including non‑perishable food, cooked meals, baby items, dignity bags and household necessities. Their compassion, practical support and commitment to helping those doing it tough make Moo and Coo a deserving recipient of the Community Initiative/Event Award.
2026 Award category details:
Citizen of the Year - Recognising those who have made a noteworthy contribution to the betterment of the Rockhampton Region and/or given outstanding service to the local community. Must be older than 30 years as at 26 January 2026.
Young Citizen of the Year - Recognising young people who have made a noteworthy contribution to the betterment of the Rockhampton Region and/or given outstanding service to the local community. Must be aged between 15 years and 30 years as at 26 January 2026.
Community Service Award - In recognition of individuals who have made a noteworthy contribution to the community or enhanced social interaction among the community through their involvement with community groups, charity organisations or similar.
Arts and Culture Award - This award recognises the significant achievement and dedication by an individual or group to the arts and promotes outstanding creative work in the Rockhampton Region.
Sportsperson of the Year - Recognising those who have an outstanding record of achievement in sport. Must be older than 18 years as at 26 January 2026.
Junior Sportsperson of the Year - Recognising those who have an outstanding record of achievement in sport. Nominees must be between 12 years and 18 years as at 26 January 2026.
Sports Official of the Year - Recognising those who have an outstanding record of achievement through their involvement within their club, organisation or committee in an executive position.
Community Initiative/Event - Recognising individuals, informal groups or formal organisations that have made a significant and beneficial contribution to the wellbeing or liveability of the Rockhampton Region through projects, activities or events.
CONTACT US
Details will be available later in 2026 about nominating for the 2027 Australia Day Awards. Please consider those within your communities who may be eligible for one of these important Awards.
For any questions, please contact Council:
Phone: 07 4932 9000 I Email: enquiries@rrc.qld.gov.au