Four additions to the Walk of Achievers unveiled

A world-leading leukemia researcher, a pioneering public health advocate, an award-winning author and journalist, and a celebrated All Blacks rugby player are the latest additions to Maryborough’s iconic Walk of Achievers.

The new plaques were unveiled yesterday during a special ceremony on Wharf Street and Richmond Street as part of the National Trust Heritage Festival, which runs from 18 April to 18 May.

Fraser Coast Mayor George Seymour said the Walk of Achievers celebrates outstanding individuals who were born in or have strong ties to Maryborough and the Fraser Coast.

“There are over 100 bronze plaques acknowledging people from our region who have gone on to achieve remarkable things – from poets and pioneers to Olympians, inventors and environmentalists,” he said.

“Among them is Pamela Travers, beloved author of the Mary Poppins novels, and many others who have made their mark in Australia and around the world.”

This year’s new inductees are:

• Dr Lyndal Kearney – Born in Maryborough in 1952, a globally respected leukemia researcher whose groundbreaking work in childhood leukemia has transformed treatment and prognosis worldwide.
• Dr Douglas Gordon – Born in Maryborough in 1911, a pioneering public health advocate who became the University of Queensland’s first professor of social and preventative medicine.
• Katrina Beikoff – Born in Maryborough in 1969, an award-winning journalist and author recognised for her investigative reporting and contributions to Australian media.
• Arthur “Artie” Lambourn – Born in Maryborough in 1910, a celebrated All Blacks rugby player and World War II veteran known for his sporting excellence and community service.

Cr Seymour said the Walk of Achievers is a lasting tribute to local success stories.

“It’s a powerful reminder—especially for young people—that no matter where you’re from, you can make a difference on a national or global scale,” he said.

Cr Daniel Sanderson said: “It’s excellent to see this great community initiative still going strong.”

Established in 1999, the Walk of Achievers was the long-time dream of Ken Bennett, Grieg Bolderrow, Barbara Hovard and Margaret Wroe, with the first 20 bronze plaques laid in Wharf Street on January 26, 2000.

For more information about the Walk of Achievers visit: https://portside.ourfrasercoast.com.au/about/tours-experiences/walk-of-achievers

Nominations for the 2026 Walk of Achievers will open soon and close on 30 November 2025.