Queensland Salutes Nearly 50,000 Top Volunteers

Minister for Local Government and Water and Minister for Fire, Disaster Recovery and Volunteers The Honourable Ann Leahy
  • The Crisafulli Government celebrates hard work of almost 50,000 volunteers at the 2026 Queensland Volunteering Awards.
  • Volunteers across the State recognised for their contributions and commitment to their communities.
  • 21 finalists and 8 recipients were celebrated across six award categories.
  • The Crisafulli Government is delivering a plan for Queensland's future and recognising the State's community champions.

More than 49,000 extraordinary volunteers have been recognised at the 2026 Queensland Volunteering Awards ceremony today, proudly sponsored by the Crisafulli Government.

This year, the volunteering sector came together to celebrate 8 recipients, 21 finalists and 275 nominations – recognising 49,722 volunteers – across six award categories for their outstanding commitment and contributions to volunteering.

It's just one of the ways the Crisafulli Government is delivering a plan for Queensland's future and recognising the State's extraordinary community champions.

Since its inception in 2016 the Queensland Volunteering Awards has provided a spotlight for Queensland's volunteers, honouring the people and organisations that have made meaningful contributions to their local communities.

The Crisafulli Government is building on its recognition of volunteering across the state by sponsoring this year's awards.

In 2026, a total of 275 nominations were received, representing 49,722 volunteers.

Minister for Volunteers Ann Leahy said the Queensland Volunteering Awards reflected the Crisafulli Government's commitment to backing volunteers and recognising the important role they play across the state.

"Volunteers are at the heart of our communities, and our government is proud to be delivering practical support and recognition for the people who selflessly give their time to help others," Minister Leahy said.

"These awards are about honouring the thousands of Queenslanders who step up every day to support others, strengthen communities and deliver real impact across our state.

"As the first Minister for Volunteers, I am committed to empowering volunteers, valuing their contribution and ensuring Queensland remains a state where volunteering is respected, supported and celebrated."

CEO of Volunteering Queensland Jane Hedger said the Awards played an important role in recognising the volunteers at the heart of Queensland's communities.

"2026 is the United Nations International Year of Volunteers. The Queensland Volunteering Awards offer a special moment to honour and value every person who is contributing through volunteering to growing a thriving Queensland," Ms Hedger said.

"At a time when cost of living pressures and increasing demand for support are placing strain on Queenslanders, volunteers continue to step up and be the steady hands helping to hold our communities together.

"This year's nominees reflect the diverse, inspiring and deeply human spirit of volunteering in Queensland and we recognise their enormous impact.

/Public Release. This material from the originating organization/author(s) might be of the point-in-time nature, and edited for clarity, style and length. Mirage.News does not take institutional positions or sides, and all views, positions, and conclusions expressed herein are solely those of the author(s).View in full here.