2026 Fraser Coast Ability Awards winners announced
Published on 18 September 2026
An Australian champion Boccia athlete, an accomplished local artist, a brain injury advocate and a wheelchair basketball club creating new pathways into sport were among those recognised today at the 2026 Fraser Coast Ability Awards, held at the Brolga Theatre in Maryborough.
Fraser Coast Regional Council Inclusive Access Advisory Committee Chair Cr John Weiland said more than 40 nominations were received, highlighting the achievements and contributions of people and organisations from across the region.
“These annual awards celebrate the achievements, leadership, talents and contributions of people with disability, while also recognising the organisations and community groups helping create a more inclusive Fraser Coast,” Cr Weiland said.
“They highlight the many ways people with disability contribute to community life through employment, sport, arts, volunteering and leadership, and the importance of creating opportunities for everyone to participate and belong.
“Now in its 28th year, the awards embraced the theme ‘Sparkle - Shine Bright in Your Community’, with nominees getting into the spirit of the celebration with fun karaoke sessions before and after the presentation.
The 2026 Fraser Coast Ability Award winners are:
Community Changemaker Award
WINNER -Yolande Bromet
Following a brain injury 14 years ago, Yolande created Brain Net to give people on the Fraser Coast a supportive place to connect, learn recovery strategies and rebuild their confidence.
She also advocates for people with brain injury to be recognised and fairly paid for their lived experience and contributions to research.
To help raise awareness, she developed the Sock it 2 Brain Injury campaign, which raises awareness of how brain injury can affect everyday tasks and encourages conversations about impacts that are not always visible.
Excellence in Innovation Award
HIGHLY COMMENDED - Brain Net
WINNER–My Hero Disability Services
My Hero Disability Services takes a different approach by creating opportunities for people with disability to contribute, lead and be active members of the community.
Through its annual FestABLE festival, participants can perform, volunteer, showcase their talents and connect with others, while also taking on leadership and decision-making roles through the event's organising committee.
Outstanding Inclusive Initiative Award
HIGHLY COMMENDED - My Hero Disability Services
WINNER – Hervey Bay Dingoes Wheelchair Basketball Club Inc
The Hervey Bay Dingoes Wheelchair Basketball Club is creating more opportunities for people with disability to get involved in sport, whether that's playing, competing, volunteering or taking on leadership roles.
With the new Hervey Bay basketball stadium providing a base for growth, the club now offers the Connect Program for participants with higher support needs, Women on Wheelz, a Masters Program promoting healthy ageing, 3x3 opportunities and pathways for players wanting to progress into regional and representative competition.
Sports and Recreation Award
WINNER–Lachlan Kavanagh
Lachlan Kavanagh is an Australian boccia champion and international representative who has enjoyed an outstanding year, winning gold at the ACT, NSW, Queensland, South Australian and Australian National Championships.
He has also represented Australia at international events in Canberra and Poland.
Beyond his own success, Lachlan runs the Fraser Coast Boccia program at the Hervey Bay PCYC, helping grow the sport locally and creating pathways for others to compete at state level.
Arts and Culture Award
WINNER –Teigan Johnson
Teigan is a proud Aboriginal woman and talented artist who has turned her passion for art into a career. Teigan has Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease and uses an electric wheelchair for mobility, as well as adaptive equipment to create her artwork.
Her talent and determination have seen her exhibit at the Maryborough Art Gallery and win first prize in the Fine Arts category at the Fraser Coast Show, recognising both the quality of her work and her contribution to the local arts community.
Ted Weber Individual Achievement Award
WINNER –Rhys Wood
Rhys experienced a brain injury at birth and has hearing and vision impairments and mobility difficulties.
He has completed school, participates in sport and continues to build his independence.
Today, Rhys is pursuing his dream of running his own mobile coffee business and is also active in the community through All Abilities futsal and volunteering.