Inspiring achievements honoured at Australia Day Awards
Published on 20 January 2026
From visionary leadership, homelessness advocacy to showcasing the Fraser Coast on the national stage, the 2026 Australia Day Awards celebrate an inspiring mix of achievements and worthy recipients.
Fraser Coast Deputy Mayor Sara Faraj congratulated all Australia Day Award nominees and recipients, recognising their outstanding contributions to the community.
“The Australia Day Awards celebrate excellence across a wide range of fields, including sport, arts and culture, as well as the invaluable work of community groups and volunteers,” she said.
This year we received 52 nominations across five categories, providing a meaningful opportunity to come together and celebrate some truly remarkable achievements.
A special ceremony honouring all nominees was held at the Hervey Bay Regional Gallery last night (Monday 19 January), with the winners being formally recognised at the Australia Day Awards presentation and Citizenship Ceremony on Monday, 26 January 2026.
Doors open at 8.30am, with the Australia Day Awards presentation starting at 9.00am. The event is open to the public and will be held at the Brolga Theatre in Maryborough.
The 2026 Fraser Coast Australia Day Award Recipients are:
- Citizen of the Year – Bernard Whebell
- Young Citizen of the Year – Toby Robinson
- Art and Culture Award of the Year – Emma Newman
- Sport and Wellbeing Award of the Year – Cody Steele-Sullivan
- Community Group or Organisation of the Year – Scouts Queensland
Citizen of the Year – Bernard Whebell
For more than a decade, Bernard Whebell has guided the Hervey Bay Neighbourhood Centre, as its President and Committee Member, with integrity, vision and compassion. He has overseen major growth that has expanded services and opportunities for thousands of our community. Bernard gives generously of his time, skills and resources, mentoring others and empowering community-led solutions. Through steady leadership, his financial expertise and genuine care, Bernard has shown that true success is measured not by personal achievement, but by the positive change created for others.
Young Citizen of the Year – Toby Robinson
Toby is an exceptional young role model whose compassion, initiative and leadership have made a tangible difference to the Fraser Coast community. At just 14 years of age, he took action when a vital homeless support service was at risk, playing a key role in helping save and re-establish the ZBus to ensure people experiencing homelessness could continue to access safe sleep and essential support. He now serves on the ZBus committee, contributing to decision-making and future planning, and volunteers weekly in hands-on roles including cleaning, preparing bedding and maintaining the bus. Through his consistent commitment, humility and willingness to do the hard work behind the scenes, Toby has shown that age is no barrier to leadership, and that meaningful community change begins with care, action and perseverance.
Art and Culture Award of the Year - Emma Newman
Emma is an outstanding young musician whose talent, dedication and generosity have made a meaningful impact on the Fraser Coast. She has written, performed and recorded original music locally, including having a song featured in the locally produced film He Loves Me Not, in which she also appeared performing her original track I Won’t Let You Fall. A full-time local performer, Emma regularly plays at markets, clubs, pubs and festivals, building a sustainable music career through determination and resilience in a highly competitive industry. In 2023, she shared the stage with acclaimed artist Kate Miller-Heidke. Emma was the local feature artist sharing the stage with touring international acts at the Fraser Coast Festival of Small Halls in 2025. At just 20 years of age, Emma is a powerful role model for young regional musicians, generously volunteering her talents at community and charity events and mentoring students through hands-on support in local recording studios.
Sport and Wellbeing Award of the Year - Cody Steele-Sullivan
Cody is an inspiring young role model whose passion for football and futsal has created meaningful opportunities for children and the all-abilities community across the Fraser Coast. At just 17, he coaches MiniRoos and Grasshopper programs for children, referees local competitions and volunteers at school gala days. Cody’s dedication has also seen him reach the international stage, representing Australia in futsal. Cody coaches all-abilities futsal teams, helping establish a dedicated league and supporting players to achieve regional, state and national success, including international representation. His volunteer efforts show how sport can change lives when driven by commitment.
Community Group or Organisation of the Year – Scouts Queensland hosting of the 26th Australian Scout Jamboree AJ2025
AJ2025 was a landmark event that put the Fraser Coast on the national stage, delivering powerful social, cultural and economic benefits that will be felt for years to come. 6,500 youth visited the region, experiencing our local cultural attractions, Indigenous storytelling, community performances and heritage precincts, strengthening cultural pride and visibility. Over 2,500 volunteers contributed to the planning and delivery of the 8-day programmed event. AJ2025 has left a legacy, elevating the Fraser Coast’s profile, increasing its attractiveness for future events, visitors and economic opportunities.
Congratulations to all our Australia Day winners. More information about the Australia Day Awards nominees and recipients is available at www.frasercoast.qld.gov.au/australia-day