Australia Day

The Australia Day Awards provide an opportunity to celebrate members or organisations that have made outstanding contributions to the wider Maranoa community. Awards are presented in each category for each region within the Maranoa, with the awards presented at local ceremonies on Australia Day 2026.

What is happening around the region:

Roma: Celebrate Australia Day on Monday, 26 January, starting with a morning awards ceremony at 8.30AM at the Roma Saleyards, an Australian Citizenship Ceremony, the cutting of the Australia Day cake, and a delightful morning tea to honour local achievements and welcome new citizens. Then, head to the Roma Pump Track from 3PM to 6PM for an afternoon of fun with giant waterslides and a delicious BBQ!

Injune: Celebrate Australia Day with a day full of community spirit and exciting activities! Join us at the Injune Memorial Hall for an Australia Day Ceremony, starting at 9AM. Celebrate our community's achievements, enjoy the cutting of the Australia Day cake, and share a delightful morning tea as we come together to honour the spirit of our nation. To conclude the day, celebrate Australia with an afternoon at the Injune Swimming Pool from 3PM to 7PM.

Jackson: Celebrate Australia Day on Monday, 26 January, starting with a morning awards ceremony at 9AM at the Jackson CWA Hall, followed by the cutting of the Australia Day cake and a delightful morning tea to honour local achievements and the Australian spirit. Then, cool off at the Wallumbilla Pool from 11AM with fun games and a BBQ!

Surat: Celebrate Australia Day in Surat on Monday, 26 January, starting with breakfast at 8AM, followed by the awards ceremony at 9AM at the Surat Riverwalk Park. Conclude the morning with the cutting of the Australia Day cake to honor local achievements. Then, cool off at the Surat Swimming Pool from 11 AM - a free BBQ will also be available!

Mitchell: Celebrate Australia Day in Mitchell on Monday, 26 January, starting with a delicious breakfast at the Great Artesian Spa from 7.30AM to 8:30AM for just $10 (bookings essential, call 4624 6923). The morning continues with the awards ceremony at 9AM at Mitchell Shire Hall. Following the festivities, enjoy a splash from 10AM to 12PM at Mitchell Memorial Swimming Pool, with some delicious pies on offer!

Australia Day Award Recipients

2025

Citizen of the Year

Wallumbilla & Surrounds – Heather Price
Injune & Surrounds – Debbie Duff
Mitchell & Surrounds – Sheryn Hanna
Roma – Elizabeth Nolan
Surat & Surrounds – Mel Sutton

Young Achievers Award

Wallumbilla & Surrounds – Payton Leahy
Mitchell & Surrounds – Bray Kenafake
Roma – Georgia Pearce
Surat & Surrounds – Jesseeca Ward

Community Organisation Award

Wallumbilla & Surrounds – Jackson CWA – 100 year Celebration
Mitchell & Surrounds – Mitchell Amateur Swimming Club Inc
Roma – Roma Park Run
Surat & Surrounds – The Cobb & Co Festival

Cultural Award

Wallumbilla & Surrounds – Billa Bite Night – Wallumbilla Long Table Dinner
Injune & Surrounds – Creative Injune Inc
Mitchell & Surrounds – Booringa Heritage Museum
Roma – Sculptures Out Back Committee
Surat & Surrounds – Gwenda Proud

Sports Award

Wallumbilla & Surrounds – Jed Price
Injune & Surrounds – Jayden Wilson
Mitchell & Surrounds – Kayleen Silvester

Community Contribution Award

Wallumbilla & Surrounds – Trishelle Swan
Injune & Surrounds – Lyndal Nicol
Mitchell & Surrounds – Seamus Filan
Roma – Paul Hutchinson
Surat & Surrounds – Jake Thompson

Andrea Murray Memorial Award Recipient

Karly Cicero (Awarded in Mitchell for 2025)

Spirit of Maranoa

Wallumbilla & Surrounds – Bruce Albeck
Injune & Surrounds – Pam Girle
Mitchell & Surrounds – Kaitlyn Pallisier
Roma – Mary Johnson and Glenda Hacker
Surat & Surrounds – Kelly Cavanough

2024