Australia Day Awards Celebrate Quiet Achievers in Community
The 2026 Australia Day Community Awards highlighted the valuable contributions of quiet achievers from the Sunshine Coast. Local volunteers, leaders, and organizations were recognized for their significant impact on the community. This year, the awards received 113 nominations, showcasing the dedication of individuals across various regions, including Kenilworth, Caloundra, Beerwah, and Buderim. The event took place on January 23, with Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli emphasizing the spirit of the community.
Honoring Community Contributions
Mayor Natoli expressed gratitude to both the nominees and award recipients. “These awards pay tribute to the volunteers, groups, and quiet achievers whose kindness, resilience, and vision make our community a better place,” she stated. The awards aim to inspire others to contribute and become involved in service.
Key Award Recipients
- Citizen of the Year: Selina Tomasich
- Senior Citizens of the Year: Phil and Di Wilson
- Young Citizen of the Year: Jessica Cronin
- Community Group or Organisation Award: Lookout07
- Creative Arts Award: Kenilworth Arts Council and Gretchen Keelty
- Healthy and Active Award: Bamboo Projects and The Parkinson’s Centre
- Posthumous Award: June Upton
Citizen of the Year: Selina Tomasich
Selina Tomasich was recognized for her exceptional work as an academic and philanthropist. She is the founder of Hair Aid, an international charity that trains individuals in hair cutting skills. After seeing extreme poverty in the Philippines in 2010, Tomasich initiated this transformative program. The charity has since expanded to five countries and helped launch hundreds of micro-businesses.
Senior Citizens of the Year: Phil and Di Wilson
Phil and Di Wilson received accolades for their dedication to foster care. Over more than three decades, the couple has cared for over 200 foster children and adopted 10, displaying extraordinary commitment to supporting families in need.
Young Citizen of the Year: Jessica Cronin
Jessica Cronin was honored for her impactful community service initiatives. She has led programs for families escaping domestic violence, coordinated large stationery donations, and championed UN Global Goals through her project ‘2030 in Focus.’
Community Group or Organisation Award: Lookout07
Lookout07, a youth sanctuary founded by Dr. Leon Stensholm, won recognition for its invaluable services. Since its opening in 2023, the sanctuary has served more than 15,000 young people, offering crucial support through counseling and mentoring.
Creative Arts Award: A Tie
The Creative Arts Award was shared between Kenilworth Arts Council and Gretchen Keelty. Kenilworth Arts Council has enhanced local arts participation through various festivals and workshops, while Keelty has engaged over 450 community members through inclusive art projects.
Healthy and Active Award Sharees
Bamboo Projects and The Parkinson’s Centre also received the Healthy and Active Award. Bamboo Projects focuses on nature-based activities to improve mental health, while The Parkinson’s Centre is the first dedicated hub for Parkinson’s care, supporting around 400 individuals weekly.
Posthumous Award: June Upton
Finally, June Upton, known as the ‘Sunshine Coast Charity Queen,’ was awarded posthumously for her lifelong contributions. Upton raised over $4 million for local causes and was a passionate advocate for families in need.
For more information about the Australia Day Community Awards recipients and nominees, visit Filmogaz.com.
