Rockhampton Region's Australia Day Awards shone a spotlight on 11 exceptional locals and community groups last night during a ceremony held at the Frenchville Sports Club.
Rockhampton Regional Council Mayor Tony Williams presented the honours and congratulated the recipients, including 2026 Citizen of the Year Shirley Mathers and 2026 Young Citizen of the Year Shikira Stehbens.
"Every year these awards remind us just how many people quietly give their time, energy and passion to make this Region stronger," Mayor Williams said.
"We're also reminded that the quality of achievement and performance of our sportspeople is outstanding, with many representing our Region across the state, nation and even internationally.
"These awards shine a light on the people who don't seek recognition but absolutely deserve it.
The awards were presented in a rescheduled event, after being postponed due to January's flood event.
Deputy Mayor and Communities, Culture and Heritage Councillor and Chair of the Australia Day Committee Drew Wickerson, said the 2026 nominations reflected the depth of local talent and generosity.
"We were again presented with a diversity of outstanding nominees to consider," Cr Wickerson said.
"Choosing finalists was no easy task - it's inspiring to see how many people are working behind the scenes to support others."
"These awards are a special way to celebrate the diversity of people contributing and achieving great things in our Region.
"We thank everyone who took the time to share these stories — they're the reason we can celebrate the special people in our Region at these Awards."
2026 Citizen of the Year Shirley Mathers has dedicated a lifetime to the Rockhampton Region sporting community.
She said she was dumbfounded to win amongst so many wonderful nominees and her words of advice from the evening were for parents.
"If you've got young children, get involved and support what they are doing and see them grow," Mrs Mathers said.
"Keep them busy, work with them, when they know you're around, they'll stay with things."
Young Citizen of the Year Shikira Stehbens not only has qualifications in agriculture but has spent more than a decade contributing to agriculture, youth development and poultry showing across Queensland and Australia.
She said she was honoured to win Young Citizen of the Year.
"I never thought I'd be nominated, let alone win the Young Citizen of the Year," Ms Stehbens said.
"I know I've made a lot of achievements…but I like to stay in my own lane, not do a lot of public speaking and get out of my comfort zone, and this is definitely way out of my comfort zone.
"But you have to give it a shot, once in a blue moon.
"Having everyone there tonight and seeing what everyone has been able to achieve, it gives you a stepping stone and where to go next and what you can achieve.
"It's never like the door is closing…but one is always opening, it's just whether you follow that one or find a different door to open and continue striving through."
A number of groups and community members were also awarded Mayoral Commendations for Civic Excellence including Fitzroy Community Hospice, Uncle George James and David Barber.
Dignitaries who also joined the prestigious awards evening included, Shadow Assistant Minister and Member for Capricornia, The Honorable Michelle Landry MP, State Member for Keppel Nigel Hutton and Assistant Minister and State Member for Rockhampton Donna Kirkland.
The 2026 Australia Day Award Winners:
2026 Citizen of the Year – Shirley Mathers
Shirley Mathers has spent a lifetime serving the community and has the well-earned the title of "fundraising extraordinaire". A driving force behind the Rockhampton PCYC, she helped raise more than $500 000 – the equivalent of $3.4 million today – to build the Stapleton Park Facility and has volunteered for the club for 50 years. Shirley has been on the organising committee for many community events including all 5 Rockhampton City Games and convened State, National and International competitions in Rockhampton.
For 45 years, Shirley coached, managed and officiated Trampoline Gymnastics. Along with her late husband Ken, they led Queensland teams to national championships for 20 years, while fundraising to ensure no child missed out due to cost. Her generosity, leaderships and lifelong commitment make her a truly deserving Citizen of the Year.
2026 Young Citizen of the Year – Shikira Stehbens
Shikira Stehbens has spent more than 12 years contributing to agriculture, youth development and poultry showing across Queensland and Australia. Starting at 14, as a way to manage her anxiety in talking to people, Shikira went on to win major titles, including becoming the first Queenslander in 150 years to win the National Young Judges Poultry Competition and a milestone win in 2024, when one of her birds won Reserve Bantam Hard Feather and was placed in Champion Row at the Ekka. She now serves as a poultry judge and Central Queensland delegate.
In 2024 she also won both the Rockhampton Agricultural Show Rural Ambassador and Central Queensland Sub‑Chamber titles, revitalised the Rockhampton Poultry Pavilion, introduced poultry education in local schools, and continued her work with Queensland Ag Shows Next Generation. As the region's only female Thoroughbred and Greyhound Racing Steward, her leadership and service make her a deserving Young Citizen of the Year.
Mayoral Commendation for Civic Excellence - Fitzroy Community Hospice
The Fitzroy Community Hospice is the only hospice for the Rockhampton and Central Queensland regions. The service has provided care and compassion to hundreds of patients and families going through end-of-life care since opening in June 2024. Support services are available for patients, families and carers, including social and emotional support, pastoral care, and cultural support.
The hospice provides onsite care in a purpose-built home-like facility, with care provided to anyone over the age of 18 with an advanced life-limiting condition, not just those with cancer. Many of the staff are volunteers and help with bereavement sessions, remembrance services and fundraising.
Mayoral Commendation for Civic Excellence - Uncle George James
Uncle George James, fondly known as Uncle George or U.G., is a respected Darumbal Elder whose cultural leadership has shaped Rockhampton and Central Queensland. From his school days through a 37-year rail career and decades of volunteer service, he has championed inclusion, wellbeing, and cultural heritage.
A key figure in the Darumbal People's Native Title journey, Uncle George helped achieve the landmark 2016 determination and, at the 2020 land return ceremony, emphasized connecting youth to culture through stories, language, and time on Country.
As former chair of the Darumbal People Aboriginal Corporation, he strengthened governance and created opportunities for employment and training. For nearly 40 years, he has volunteered with Queensland Ambulance Service, representing divisions on advisory committees and advocating for First Nations health equity. Uncle George's enduring legacy is one of cultural strength, leadership, and service to community.
Mayoral Commendation for Civic Excellence - David Barber
David Barber has been a Rockhampton resident all his life and played soccer for most of it also. For the last 20 years he's been the captain of the Australian Paralympic football team, the Pararoos, and in December he played his 100th match for Australia.
In 2024 he was named Pararoo of the Year and Football Queensland Athlete with a Disability of the Year. In July 2025 he represented Australia in the CP Football World Cup in Spain, where he scored his 70th international goal for Australia. As well as his busy international football schedule, he still played locally for Frenchville, which he's been doing for more than 15 years.
Community Service Award – Greg Heath
Greg Heath has spent more than five decades strengthening the Kalapa community, serving 15 years on the Kalapa Hall and Sports Committee—now as president—while playing a hands‑on role in maintaining and improving the local hall. He has also been a long‑time member of the Kalapa Rural Fire Brigade, treasurer of the Wycarbah and District Landcare group, and an active supporter of groups such as the Kalapa CWA, Stanwell Progress Association and Westwood Hall.
As a trusted advocate on the Moah Creek Community Consultative Committee, Greg has provided balanced and practical community perspectives during major infrastructure changes. His unwavering commitment to local connection, resilience and community wellbeing makes him a deserving recipient of the Community Service Award.
Sportsperson of the Year – Stephen Kele
Stephen Kele has proudly represented Rockhampton, Queensland and Australia in mallet sport, progressing from joining the Rockhampton Mallet Sports Club in 2015 to becoming its president. After first travelling to Hong Kong in 2017 for a friendly Gateball match, he went on to compete for Australia in New Zealand in 2019 and was part of the runner‑up team at the 2023 National Championships.
In 2024 Stephen captained the Australian team at the Gateball National Championships in Hangzhou, China, and led Rockhampton to a runner‑up finish at the Australian Championships. He later won the 2025 Gate‑board of the Year trophy. Alongside his sporting achievements, he contributes extensively to the running and maintenance of the club. His dedication and leadership make him a worthy Sportsperson of the Year.
Junior Sportsperson of the Year – Annalea Taylor
Annalea Taylor may be just 14, but she has already made a significant impact on karate in Rockhampton. Training since age six, she has earned top state results, achieved her second black belt, and secured a place on the Australian team. She was named Best Junior Performer at the Nihon Shotokan Rockhampton Awards and will represent Australia at the 2026 World Championships in Turkey.
Alongside her competitive success, Annalea helps teach junior classes twice a week, inspiring younger athletes and giving back to the sport she loves. Her dedication, talent and leadership make her a deserving Junior Sportsperson of the Year.
Sports Official of the Year – Shannon Roati
Shannon Roati has shown tireless dedication to community sport, serving as president of the Rockhampton Panthers from 2015 and later as treasurer, while also coaching reserve teams and the under‑13s. He is a trusted mentor to players of all ages, helping shape their development both on and off the field.
Beyond coaching, Shannon has led major improvements to local sporting facilities, particularly the Rockhampton Cricket Grounds, where he has volunteered countless hours to create a shared, inclusive space for cricket and football. His leadership, passion and impact on community sport make him a deserving Sports Official of the Year.
Arts & Culture Award – Jodie Hiron
Jodie Hiron has spent 34 years inspiring the Region's young musicians as a mentor and choir conductor, with her choirs consistently excelling at the Rockhampton Eisteddfod. She has twice been named the event's most outstanding vocal conductor and has coached students for eisteddfods since 1991.
Her influence extends well beyond the theatre, organising the Education Queensland Music Teacher Network Group, coordinating the Rockhampton Choral Festival, and conducting the Rockhampton Musical Union Youth Choir, which has won champion youth choir at the Queensland Eisteddfod. Jodie has also contributed to local musical theatre as an assistant vocal director. Her dedication to nurturing Rockhampton's young performers makes her a deserving recipient of the Arts & Culture Award.
Community Initiative/Event – Moo & Coo
Moo and Coo is a vital not‑for‑profit organisation supporting some of the most vulnerable people in the Rockhampton community. Through their op shop and donated goods, they assist those experiencing homelessness, domestic violence and reintegration after prison, working closely with local agencies and the Department of Housing.
Moo & Coo provide referral recipients with essential packages including non‑perishable food, cooked meals, baby items, dignity bags and household necessities. Their compassion, practical support and commitment to helping those doing it tough make Moo and Coo a deserving recipient of the Community Initiative/Event Award.
