A Community Spirit filled Australia Day
Published on 27 January 2026
Maranoa Regional Council proudly recognised outstanding individuals and community organisations at Australia Day Award ceremonies held across the region on Monday, 26 January 2026.
Events were hosted in Roma, Injune, Surat, Jackson and Mitchell, bringing communities together to celebrate local achievement, community spirit and the people who make the Maranoa a great place to live.
The Australia Day Awards provide an opportunity to acknowledge residents and organisations who have made a significant and lasting contribution to their local community. Awards are presented across a range of categories in each region, ensuring achievements are celebrated close to home.
Mayor Wendy Taylor said the awards highlighted the strength and generosity that is found in our communities across the region.
“Australia Day is a time to reflect on what brings us together, and these award recipients truly represent the heart of the Maranoa,” Mayor Taylor said.
“From dedicated volunteers to passionate community leaders, each recipient has made a meaningful difference in their town, and Council is proud to celebrate their contributions.”
Following the Australia Day awards, Roma was host to a citizenship ceremony where 11 Maranoa residents officially became Australian citizens.
“I congratulate our citizens for the commitment they have made to being part of Australia’s future and officially welcome you to the community of the Maranoa,” Mayor Taylor said.
Council thanks all nominees, recipients, volunteers and community members who attended events across the region and helped make Australia Day 2026 a memorable celebration of community spirit.
2026 Australia Day Award Winners are as followed:
Roma
• Citizen of the Year: Bob Kunde
• Community Contribution: Marlene Auld
• Community Organisation: Roma Bush Gardens Association
• Cultural Award: Roma on Bungil Art Gallery Inc
• Junior Sport Award: Darcy Towns
• Andrea Murray Award: Dorothy Fox
Injune
• Citizen of the Year: Janice Humphreys
• Community Contribution: Doris McKay
• Community Organisation: Injune Collective
• Cultural Award: Cultural Heritage Injune Preservation Society
• Junior Sport Award: Violet Humphreys
Surat
• Citizen of the Year: Wendy McAlpine
• Community Contribution: Laurel Bridge
• Community Organisation: Warroona Retirement Village
• Cultural Award: Ross Mundy
• Junior Sport Award: Jaxon Green
Jackson
• Citizen of the Year: Doreen Smith
• Community Contribution: Maria (Ree) Price
• Community Organisation: Calico Cottage
• Cultural Award: Lorraine Cormack
• Junior Sport Award: Kealey Harland
Mitchell
• Citizen of the Year: Donna McCarrol
• Community Contribution: Maggie Caskey
• Community Organisation: Mitchell Golf Club – Outback Masters
• Cultural Award: Mungallala & District Progress Association Inc – Memorial Hall’s 70th Sub Committee
• Junior Sport Award: Eliza Schafer