QLD Day Awards Honor Top Queenslanders 2026

More than 600 nominations were received from across the State, recognising Queenslanders and organisations that go above and beyond to support their communities.

Premier David Crisafulli said the recipients represented the very best of Queensland.

"These proud Queenslanders are the heartbeat of our State – they step forward when it matters most, bring communities together and leave a genuine impact on those around them," Premier Crisafulli said.

"They show up, year after year, for their communities without being asked and without expecting anything in return.

"As we celebrate Queensland Day, it's our chance to recognise those contributions and say thank you – so thank you and congratulations to all recipients and nominees."

Local Legend Barbara Page said she was honoured to receive the QLD Day Local Legend award.

"Volunteering doesn't feel like a job - it feels like giving back to a community that has given me many lifelong friends over the years," she said.

"Much of my volunteering has been with Townsville City Netball Association, Townsville Runaways Netball Club, Magnetic North Regional Netball, and I am also proud to volunteer with Ronald McDonald House North Australis where I can help support families facing challenging circumstances."

Local Legend Thomas Pirie said he was really proud to receive a QLD Day Award.

"I love helping my community and showing what people with disability can do when we're given a chance," Mr Pirie said.

"I'm grateful for everyone who supports me and for the chance to make Queensland a cleaner, kinder place. This award is not just for me. It's for my team, my family, and everyone who believes in what we are doing. I'm really honoured."

Local Legend Wayne Reiser said receiving a QLD Day Award was an honour.

"I feel very honoured to be selected for something like this, I gave it my best for a long time," Mr Reiser said.

Local Legend Lyn Mansfield said receiving a QLD Day Award was a tremendous honour.

"I am humbled to be recognised for doing something I am passionate about, supporting and connecting people in our community," Ms Mansfield said.

"This award belongs to all the wonderful volunteers, supporters and community members who work together to make a difference.

"Queensland is built on the kindness, generosity and resilience of its people. To be recognised as a Local Legend is both a privilege and an inspiration to continue giving back to the community and helping others wherever I can."

Count on a Queenslander recipient Russell Wall said he was totally shocked to be nominated, let alone receive the award.

"The SES motto is "be aware, be prepared" and this has caught me off centre," Mr Wall said.

"After joining SES after being involved in the 1974 floods, for the last 50 years, and been quietly supporting the communities in its needs when required - disasters, storms, floods and searches for missing persons makes me feel proud that I've made a major contribution to society."

Count on a Queenslander recipient Thomas Sugget said he was very fortunate to have held a variety of roles throughout his 13 years volunteering with St John Queensland.

"From being a First Responder at large scale events to working in evacuation centres, to developing programs, I've had the opportunity to see Queenslanders during periods of excitement and joy, as well as during significant adversity," Mr Sugget said.

"One of the biggest things that continues to make me want to volunteer my time is my fellow volunteers, who give their time to support others."

Count on a Queenslander recipient Alina Graham said to receive a Queensland Day Award was an incredible privilege.

"It represents not only my journey but the support, resilience and spirit of Queensland communities that inspire me everyday," Ms Graham said.

"This award is a reminder that meaningful change happens when people come together with a shared purpose. I am proud to stand alongside so many Queenslanders who dedicate their time and energy to strengthening our communities."

Count on a Queenslander recipient Natalie Jarrott said receiving a Queensland Day Award was a truly humbling and deeply touching honour.

"It is incredibly meaningful to be recognised for something that has always come from a genuine desire to serve others, support our community and make a positive difference in the lives of those around me," Ms Jarrott said.

"This award represents not only my contribution, but also the many people and teams I have had the privilege to serve and work alongside throughout my volunteering and community service journey. Thank-you to you all."

The family of Posthumous Great Jane Illin said she would be incredibly shocked but extremely proud to win a QLD Day Award for Team Pink Feet, which she grew from a humble 20 team members in 2013 to approximately 900 team members worldwide in 2026.

"Her motivation was to continue to raise funds to aid in the development of new trial drugs and chemotherapy treatments that would hopefully one day stop people from dying with cancer," her family said.

Philanthropic Great recipient Dr Mick Power said Queensland has the recognition meant a great deal to him personally.

"Queensland has shaped who I am, the business we built and the way I have always tried to do things by working hard, staying grounded, backing people and contributing where we can," Dr Power said.

"Our business is our people. For me, the measure of success is not only what we achieve as a business, but whether the places we work are in some way better because BMD has been there. I sincerely thank the Queensland Government for this recognition."

Individual Great recipient Major General Stephen Day said one of the great privileges in life is to be recognised by fellow citizens so he was deeply honoured to receive this award.

"My work as a soldier and with veterans has always been done as part of team, so I accept this honour on behalf of my team mates," said Major General Stephen Day.

"This recognition serves as an encouragement to continue to serve my community, Queensland and my country."

RNA President David Thomas said to be recognised on Queensland Day, in the Ekka's 150th year, was incredbile special for the RNA.

"Since 1876, the Ekka has brought Queenslanders together - celebrating our people, our industries, and our way of life - and this honour reflects the enduring pride and connection the Show creates right across the State," Mr Thomas said.

"The Ekka belongs to Queenslanders—it's their stories, their traditions, and their spirit that have built this legacy, and this award is a celebration of that incredible shared history and community pride."

Telstra Business General Manager, Ben Rogers said that Telstra is proud to celebrate the innovation, dedication and impact reflected in this year's Queensland Day awards submissions.

"To all finalists and winners, congratulations on this well-deserved recognition. Your achievements are helping shape a stronger, more connected future, and we are delighted to celebrate your success."