Australia Day

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Bernard Whebell, for exemplifying inspirational community leadership through more than a decade of voluntary service, guiding the Hervey Bay Neighbourhood Centre’s growth with integrity, strategic vision and generosity.

Bobbie Walsh, for her unwavering support of elderly residents through her work as a community nurse and through volunteer health education, workshops and mentoring across the Fraser Coast.

Daniel Beattie, for his passionate community advocacy to improve community safety and the revitalisation of Maryborough’s CBD.

Dr Wally Franklin, for his four decades of humpback whale research and lifelong commitment to conservation and education shaping global understanding of humpback whales, elevating Hervey Bay as a world-leading whale destination.

Frank Grant, for an outstanding lifelong dedication to marine safety, conservation and community leadership, including the creation of the Hervey Bay Artificial Reef and more than six decades of mentoring and service, shaping the diving community.

Geoffrey Arnell, for his inspirational leadership and long-term volunteer service revitalising local tennis and pickleball facilities, reviving the Fraser Coast Tennis Association, and bringing joy to the community through his Christmas Lights display for the past 18 years.

Gerald Wyatt, for his lifelong commitment to mental health and community wellbeing through voluntary counselling support for returned servicemen and the founding of Older Men Unlimited, to reduce social isolation and foster connections for older men across the Fraser Coast.

Lee-Anne Nisbet, for her inspiring commitment to volunteer service at the HBNC’s Comfort Kitchen, exemplifying compassionate, impactful service to those in need.

Liz Stewart, for her outstanding commitment to the River Heads community, volunteering tirelessly through the Community Hall and Progress Association to create connection, belonging and community spirit, while also leading successful fundraising efforts.

Marty Erlandson, for his compassionate volunteer service with Drug ARM, alongside his assistance dog Barney, supporting vulnerable people in Hervey Bay with dignity and humanity.

Robert Wahrlich, for nearly a decade of voluntary fundraising through country music, raising over $64,000 for children with cancer.

Ros Nielsen, for exceptional, compassionate commitment to volunteer service delivering meals to homes of those in need.

Shane Bradbury, for his admirable leadership to establish Men’s Walk and Talk in Hervey Bay, voluntarily organising regular walks and social connection opportunities for men in the community.

Bridget Graham, for her inspiring professional success at an early age, demonstrating exceptional commitment to customer service.

Emily McGrath, for being an emerging young leader and advocate as a member of Queensland Youth Parliament, championing cultural safety and reconciliation for First Nations communities.

Josh McCall, for demonstrating remarkable initiative and leadership in establishing Maryborough Quilters, a volunteer-led organisation that creates and donates handmade quilts to vulnerable individuals in our community.

Sakina Baziani, for being an exemplary young person who blends academic excellence, creativity and compassionate leadership with dedicated community service, driving positive change across her school and the Fraser Coast.

Toby Robinson, for being an outstanding young changemaker who helped save the ZBus, fundraising and volunteering to support people experiencing homelessness across the Fraser Coast.

Act for Kids, for delivering the annual Kids Carnival in Maryborough, bringing Fraser Coast families together in a free, inclusive and child-safe celebration that connects children and parents with vital local services.

BiziWomen Connect, for uniting and empowering women in business across the Fraser Coast through connection and wellbeing initiatives, including the EmpowerHer conference, while giving back through strong local charity support and partnerships.

Community Action For Multicultural Society, for strengthening Hervey Bay’s multicultural inclusion, empowering culturally and linguistically diverse communities to participate fully in community life.

Fraser Coast Hospice, for providing an outstanding fee-free inpatient palliative care that would otherwise be unavailable to many terminally ill residents. Since opening in 2021, the Hospice has served over 800 families, operating with an incredible volunteer involvement and fundraising efforts.

Hervey Bay Art Society, also known as Gallery 5, for enriching Fraser Coast cultural life for over 50 years, by providing classes and exhibitions on a growing, volunteer-run basis.

Hervey Bay Rotary Z Bus, for their outstanding work providing safe sleep to people experiencing homelessness and domestic and family violence, delivered entirely by volunteers through dedicated fundraising and community support.

Maryborough Quilters, for delivering meaningful social and cultural benefits to the Fraser Coast community by creating and donating handmade quilts to vulnerable individuals.

Scouts Queensland, for hosting AJ2025, the 26^th National Australian Scout Jamboree, a landmark national youth event that brought thousands of youths, volunteers and organisations to the Fraser Coast, generating significant community and economic benefits.

Shine Bright Mental Health, for delivering vital mental health and NDIS support to people impacted by domestic and family violence, through locally funded, community-led initiatives.

Tai Chi for Health, for fostering lasting social, health and wellbeing benefits to the Fraser Coast community through free, volunteer-led Tai Chi sessions for over three decades.

The Food Basket, for delivering vital food security and meals to homeless and low-income earners on the Fraser Coast, through 17 years of volunteer-led support.

Tiaro Carols in the Country, for successfully hosting their much-loved, festive event that brings community together, strengthens local pride and supports community groups and businesses through strong volunteer leadership.

Cassandra Poppi, for her lifelong dedication to hockey on the Fraser Coast, combining elite playing with tireless volunteer service, strengthening club culture and inspiring players of all ages.

Cody Steele-Sullivan, for being a young role model who generously volunteers his time coaching, refereeing and mentoring children and all-abilities futsal players, inspiring inclusion, as well as proudly representing Australia on the international futsal stage.

Cooper Sutton, for his fantastic achievements in junior lawn bowls, including winning bronze at Junior National Titles in 2025.

James Hamilton, for dedicating more than a decade to sport in the Hervey Bay region as a player, volunteer, coach and leader across NRL, rugby, futsal and football.

Scott McKinlay, for his passion, dedication and countless volunteer hours supporting the Hervey Bay Seagulls and other local sporting clubs.

Wide Bay Wolves, for leading an all-abilities futsal team that celebrates inclusion, winning regional titles on the Gold Coast in April and earning selection to represent Queensland Country at the 2026 National Championships in Sydney.

David Coleman, for his significant contributions to the arts through his work at Z-Pac Theatre as an actor and producer of successful productions and countless volunteer hours.

Emma Newman, for her dedication and success as a Fraser Coast songwriter and performer, inspiring young regional musicians through her original work and live performances.

Folabomi Adebanjo, for her outstanding cultural contribution to the Fraser Coast, sharing music from diverse cultures, supporting major community events and volunteering her talents widely.

Fraser Coast Orchestra, for their outstanding contribution to the region’s cultural identity through accessible, community-driven orchestral music and their successful inaugural concert in 2025.

Gillian French, for her tireless volunteer work as the President of Maryborough Regional Arts Council, expanding access to high-quality classical music and strengthening the local arts sector through leadership and innovation.

Greg Aitken, for his leadership and outstanding commitment to music as President and Music Director of the Maryborough Brass Committee, a local music teacher, and a generous volunteer of his talents at events across the region.

Suzanne Taylor, for outstanding voluntary contributions to arts and culture on the Fraser Coast by delivering community music events, such as River Heads Rocks, mentoring emerging artists and fundraising for local causes.