Australia Day Awards Shine a Light on Local Excellence

Published on 27 January 2026

From quiet volunteers to community leaders, the people who go above and beyond for the community were in the spotlight on 26 January 2026, as Mayor MacRae announced the 2026 Australia Day Award recipients.

Citizen of the Year

Mark Thompson (Tommo) is a dedicated community leader who has made a lasting impact on Mount Isa through his tireless support of local sport, events and community development. He has played a pivotal role in reviving the iconic Mount Isa Rodeo, contributing countless volunteer hours to ensure its return as a stronger, more inclusive and community focused event that supports local competitors and regional tourism. Beyond rodeo, Mark consistently gives his time to sporting clubs, youth development and community groups, mentoring young people and stepping up wherever help is needed. His humility, leadership and commitment embody the spirit of Citizen of the Year and have strengthened Mount Isa’s community for years to come.

Young Citizen of the Year

Claire Sexton is a former Girl Guide and currently studying Pioneer Leadership Training at Girls Brigade. She also supports women in the community through volunteering at a DV Shelter and with CAMS events through the Catholic Parish. Claire is dedicated to her future while being dedicated to the community through maintaining high grades. She was even awarded the ADF Long Tan Leadership and Teamwork Award for her commitment in 2025.

Senior Citizen of the Year

James Nuttall is a respected stalwart of the Mount Isa RSL, with more than four decades of dedicated service supporting local veterans and preserving military traditions. A long-serving committee member and former President, Jim has been instrumental in delivering major commemorative events, veteran welfare initiatives and community education. Awarded Life Membership of the RSL in 2025, the first for the Mount Isa Sub Branch. Jim is widely recognised as the enduring face of the local RSL and a tireless advocate for honouring service and ensuring the ANZAC spirit lives on.

Junior Sports Award

Hunai Bradshaw-Daniel was member of the first girls Rugby League team to represent North West Queensland at the State 11-12 years Championships. In its first attempt the team won a game and were competitive in others and Hunai became the first Mount Isa girl to be selected in a Queensland side for Rugby League when she was named in the Queensland Merit 11-12 years side. A student at Central State School selectors were shocked when informed that Hunai was only 11 and would therefore be eligible to play in the same age group in 2026.

Senior Sports Award

Jacob Takurit is a record-breaking athlete and committed leader in the Mount Isa Athletics community. In just two years with the club, he has earned multiple records, consecutive Thrower of the Year awards, and recognition as an Ambassador, while proudly representing Mount Isa at regional competitions. His dedication to volunteering, leadership and mentoring younger athletes makes him an outstanding and worthy nominee.

Community Event of the Year

Mount Isa Campdraft has been recognised with the Community Event of the Year award, celebrating its long‑standing contribution to the region. The event continues to bring people together from across North West Queensland, showcasing exceptional horsemanship while strengthening community pride and connection. This honour highlights the dedication of the volunteers, competitors, sponsors, and supporters who make the Mount Isa Campdraft a standout occasion on the local calendar.

Arts and Cultural Award

Allison Nicholson is a dedicated music educator and community leader whose contribution has enriched arts and culture in Mount Isa for many years. Through her work in schools and her leadership of Mount Isa Community Ensembles, she has inspired generations of young people and helped deliver major community musical events. Allison’s passion, resilience and commitment have ensured music education and community participation continue to thrive in Mount Isa.

The Southern Gulf NRM Sarus Crane Award

The Lead Alliance delivers an annual community initiative called the Backyard Improvement Program, now in its 14th year. The program encourages Mount Isa families, schools and childcare centres to create safer, healthier and more sustainable outdoor spaces by making lead-safe yard improvements and growing fresh produce. These goals support two of the Lead Alliance’s key environmental messages: “cover bare soil” and “eat well. “Each year, participants can enter a range of award categories that recognise different types of backyard and garden improvements, celebrating the community’s collective effort to reduce lead exposure and support a healthier Mount Isa environment.

Spirit of Mount Isa

Narelle Eaton has made an extraordinary and lasting contribution to the Mount Isa community through more than 25 years as Director of Estelle Cardiff Community Kindergarten. Her long-standing leadership, care and commitment have positively shaped the early learning experiences of generations of local children and families, making a lasting contribution to the community as she prepares for retirement.

Travis McElligott has made a significant impact on the Mount Isa community through his extraordinary fundraising efforts and commitment to mental health, sport and local employment. Through major endurance challenges he has raised over $35,000 for mental health services, helped revive the Lake Moondarra Fishing Classic, and runs a local business employing more than 90 staff, providing apprenticeship opportunities for Mount Isa youth.

Faye Tapu is a quiet and steadfast community contributor whose passion for youth, education and sport has had a lasting impact in Mount Isa. Through her work and ongoing volunteering with PCYC, and her involvement in netball and junior rugby league, she continues to support and encourage youth across the region.

Amy Kuhne is a passionate advocate for rural and outback Queensland, with a strong commitment to supporting communities across the North West. A former Mount Isa Showgirl and ABC National Heywire winner, she has raised substantial funds for regional causes, including co-founding a charity event that raised $322,000 to support flood-affected communities in western Queensland.

Lake Moondarra Clean-Up was an extraordinary community effort that saw two tonnes of rubbish removed from Lake Moondarra through the dedication of around 50 volunteers and 10 boats working together to protect Mount Isa’s water source. Initiated by local community members Darryl and Jay, the clean-up was made possible through the generous support of businesses and residents who donated goods, services and time. The collaboration reflected true Mount Isa community spirit, delivering the first major clean-out of the lake in decades and reinforcing shared responsibility for the city’s natural environment.